Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway: New Mexico’s Most Beautiful Mountain Loop

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in New Mexico. It’s a classic northern New Mexico loop that circles Wheeler Peak, the state’s highest mountain.

We first drove it during our six-week New Mexico road trip in the fall of 2020. We were staying in Angel Fire for a month and spent our weekdays hiking quiet trails, our weekends exploring nearby drives, and one golden afternoon tracing this entire 85-mile circle.

It remains one of our favorite day trips from Taos or Angel Fire, especially in autumn!

What is the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway?

Circling Wheeler Peak, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a northern New Mexico driving loop that spans roughly 85 miles. It’s one of the most scenic drives in New Mexico, winding through aspen groves, alpine lakes, and small mountain towns.

Fall is the most spectacular time to drive the Enchanted Circle, when the Sangre de Cristo Mountains explode in gold, orange, and red. But it’s beautiful year-round, whether you’re hiking in summer, snowshoeing in winter, or using it as one of your day trips from Taos.

How long does it take to drive the Enchanted Circle?

You can complete the loop in about three hours without stops, but we recommend planning a full day (6–8 hours) if you want to enjoy hikes, cafes, and viewpoints along the way. If you have more time, spend the night in Taos or Angel Fire to enjoy sunrise or sunset over the mountains.

Where does the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway start and end?

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway begins and ends in Taos, New Mexico, forming an 85-mile loop that connects five main mountain towns:

• Taos: The artistic and cultural heart of northern New Mexico and a great base for exploring the loop. Here, you'll find access to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos Ski Valley, Taos Pueblo (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and one of two trailheads for summiting Wheeler Peak.

• Questa: A quiet gateway to the Columbine-Hondo and Latir Peak Wilderness areas. Explore the Columbine Creek Trail near Questa on your way in or out of town. It's a peaceful creekside path through golden aspens that’s especially beautiful in October.

• Red River: A lively alpine resort town known for skiing in winter, hiking and fishing in summer, and brilliant foliage in fall. Hop on the chairlift for panoramic views of the valley or tackle New Mexico's highest summit, Wheeler Peak, from the nearby East Fork Trailhead.

• Eagle Nest: Home to Eagle Nest Lake State Park, this small mountain town sits in a wide alpine valley surrounded by the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s a peaceful stop known for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.

• Angel Fire: A resort community known for its scenic trails, ski slopes, and mountain biking. In summer and fall, the ski runs transform into colorful hiking and biking trails framed by aspen groves, while winter brings some of the best snow in northern New Mexico.

Most travelers start in Taos since it offers the best access, dining, and lodging options, but you can easily drive the loop in either direction.

The route passes through Carson National Forest and returns to Taos, completing the circle. Smaller stops like Elizabethtown (a ghost town near Eagle Nest) and Taos Ski Valley are also worth detouring to.

1-Day Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway Itinerary

This loop assumes you start in Taos, but you can easily reverse the route or begin anywhere along the route.

Breakfast in Taos: Fuel up for the day at Michael’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery or Gutiz.

Wheeler Peak or Williams Lake Hike: Choose between two incredible hikes near Taos Ski Valley:

• Wheeler Peak Trail (8.5 miles, strenuous): The highest summit in New Mexico and one of the best hikes on the Enchanted Circle.

• Williams Lake Trail (4 miles, moderate): Shorter, dog-friendly, and surrounded by alpine beauty.

While both hikes are worth doing, Williams Lake is ideal for those driving the full loop in one day. If you have two days, the Wheeler Peak Trail is great.

Drive North to Questa: From Taos, follow NM-522 toward Questa. This stretch of the Taos Scenic Byway passes through quiet valleys and forested hillsides. Stop at the Columbine Creek Trail for a peaceful walk among aspen groves.

Lunch in Red River: Red River is a lively mountain town perfect for a midday stop. Enjoy a meal at Shotgun Willie’s Café or grab coffee at Steam Coffee & Tea Co.

After lunch, ride the Red River Ski Area chairlift for panoramic views. It’s one of the best ways to see the fall foliage from above. If you’re visiting in summer, you can even have lunch at the Ski Tip Restaurant and Deck, located at the top of the chairlift. Hiking trails also start here, making it a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the mountain views before continuing the drive.

Eagle Nest Lake State Park: Continue south to Eagle Nest Lake, a serene alpine lake framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Drive to Angel Fire: In summer and fall, Angel Fire’s ski trails turn into golden hiking and biking routes. The Elliott Barker Trail (moderate, 2–4 miles) is a great leaf-peeping hike.

For dinner, try El Jefe for Tex-Mex or Angel Fired Pizza for something casual before finishing your loop.

Return to Taos via Carson National Forest: On your drive back, stop at the Oesta Vista Loop or a scenic overlook for one last mountain view.

Dinner in Taos: End your day with a farm-to-table dinner at The Love Apple (cash only) or a cozy meal at Lambert’s of Taos.

Angel Fire Ski Resort in October

FAQ: Driving the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

When is peak foliage along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway?

Peak foliage along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway usually arrives in early to mid-October. We stayed in Angel Fire from the end of September through October and found the second and third weeks of October to be the best for fall colors.

New Mexico honestly surprised us. It’s not usually the first state that comes to mind when people think of fall foliage in the U.S. (you might picture Vermont or Colorado), but northern New Mexico holds its own. The contrast between golden aspens, dark evergreens, and deep blue skies makes the Enchanted Circle one of the most underrated fall drives we’ve ever taken.

If you’re planning your trip specifically for foliage, aim for the second to third week of October, and try to go midweek if you can. The colors are brilliant, the air is crisp, and the crowds are lighter.

Is the Enchanted Circle dog-friendly?

Yes! The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is very dog-friendly and one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico to experience with your pup. Most trails, picnic areas, and overlooks welcome leashed dogs, and many of the small mountain towns along the loop cater to pet travelers.

When we drove the Enchanted Circle, our dog, Lincoln, joined us from the backseat, and there were plenty of easy pullouts, shady trails, and scenic spots where we could all stretch our legs.

What are the best hikes along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway?

Here are some of the best hikes along the Enchanted Circle:

• Wheeler Peak Trail: A strenuous summit hike with panoramic views of northern New Mexico.

• Williams Lake Trail: Moderate and dog-friendly, ending at a turquoise alpine lake.

• Columbine Creek Trail: A peaceful creekside path through aspens near Questa.

• Elliott Barker Trail: A moderate loop near Angel Fire, especially beautiful in fall. (Signs can get confusing, we recommend downloading the offline map on AllTrails.)

• Oeste Vista Loop: A short, easy trail with forest views near Angel Fire.

If you’re visiting in autumn, these trails double as some of the best foliage hikes in the state.

Where should I stay to drive the Enchanted Circle?

If you want to stay directly on the route, Red River offers cozy mountain lodges (like the Three Bears Lodge), and Angel Fire has cabins and condos perfect for a quiet getaway, especially in the off-season. We booked an Airbnb at Angel Fire Ski Resort in October and loved being right on-site. For hotel stays, Taos is the best home base.

Can I combine this with other scenic drives?

The High Road to Taos and the Santa Fe to Taos Scenic Drive are great additions to the Enchanted Circle. For more ideas, see 3 Scenic Fall Drives in New Mexico.

What is the most scenic drive in New Mexico?

Many travelers consider the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway the most scenic drive in the state. The High Road to Taos, Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, and Dunes Drive in White Sands National Park are also top contenders.

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