There are plenty of great places to enjoy scenic drives in New Mexico, especially in the fall. However, none is more beautiful than the incredible Enchanted Circle in New Mexico. The Enchanted Circle in New Mexico – officially known as The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway – is a region in northern New Mexico surrounding our Bed and Breakfast, that includes the popular towns of Taos, Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire.
The scenery is a great reason to take the time to drive the Enchanted Circle, but it’s also an excellent way to experience the vibrant and small communities that make up this part of northern New Mexico. It’s also an easy day trip from our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast, which is just one more reason to make our restful retreat your home away from home as you explore northern New Mexico.
Our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast is located between Santa Fe and Taos in the charming, artistic community of Chimayó. We offer a range of comfortable and pet-friendly accommodations, complete with dedicated service and attention to detail throughout your stay. There’s truly no better place to stay in New Mexico. Book your room at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast today!
Drive the Enchanted Circle in New Mexico
The Enchanted Circle is easily one of the most breathtaking scenic drives in New Mexico. The entire route of the Enchanted Circle in New Mexico is about 84 miles and takes anywhere from 2.5 – 3 hours, depending on how often you stop and how much you do along the route. The route circles the beautiful Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico, and visits several charming northern New Mexico communities along the way.
Though driving the Enchanted Circle in New Mexico is beautiful any time of year, it comes alive in the fall months when the bright golden aspens pop in color against the evergreen Piñon Pines. Of course, the scenery is a primary reason to take this trip, but it’s not the only reason. Below are a few highlighted reasons to drive along the Enchanted Circle scenic drive in Mexico.
- Take a stroll through the old western town of Red River.
- Get to know the local craftspeople and artisans at the Artesanos de Questa.
- Visit the former gold mining and now ghost town of Elizabethtown.
- Go mountain biking at Angel Fire Resort – it’s home to one of the best bike parks in the southwest, not to mention some great hiking in the Carson National Forest.
- Get out on the water for some fishing or paddling on the Monte Verde Lake in Angel Fire.
- Visit the Taos artists and studios.
- Visit the stunning bridge across the Rio Grande Gorge.
- Visit the Taos Pueblo, a World Heritage Site that just reopened to the public on August 4, 2022.
- Visit the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, which is one of the most photographed and iconic churches in New Mexico.
- Explore Taos Ski Valley by foot, bike, or on horseback.
- Visit the nature lover’s paradise of Eagle Nest. This is the perfect place from which to launch other adventures to the Colin Neblett Federal Wildlife Area in nearby Cimarron Canyon State Park.
- Enjoy some of the best trout fishing in the southwest in the Cimarron Canyon near Eagle Nest.
More Scenic Drives in New Mexico Worth Taking
The Enchanted Circle in New Mexico is just one of the worthwhile scenic drives to enjoy this fall. There are several delightful scenic drives in New Mexico, and we’ve listed a few more of our favorites below in hopes of inspiring in you a grand adventure that includes a few days’ respite at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast.
- The High Road to Taos is another drive through New Mexico that is well worth the journey! This route travels from Chimayo, NM, to Taos and highlights some of Northern New Mexico’s most quaint and charming towns.
- We also love the 15-mile Santa Fe Scenic Byway! It’s a gorgeous scenic drive that winds through the Santa Fe National Forest to some of the best vistas in northern New Mexico.
- If you plan to head towards Albuquerque this fall, perhaps for the International Balloon Fiesta, then don’t miss the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway. The 50-mile road earned its name from the blue-green stones mined in this area by the early Pueblo tribes.
Depending on how much of the state you want to see, you can find even more inspiring scenic drives in New Mexico here! We can’t wait to share this extraordinary scenery with you this fall. Book your room at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast today!
