Enchanted Circle

US Forest Scenic Byway connecting Taos and Questa with the resort communities of Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire. This offers dramatic mountain vistas of aspen and pine in the shadow of 13,161 foot Wheeler Peak, New Mexicos highest point. Drive north on NM 522 out of Taos to begin your Enchanted Circle Weekend. Continuing north; travel past scenic Arroyo Hondo. At San Cristobal, look for signs to the D. H. Lawrence Ranch and Shrine. The mountain range to the east is the Sangre de Cristo. The state's highest mountain, Wheeler Peak (13,161 feet), is visible at this point of your trip. Continue north to Questa ato turn east on NM 38. You are now following what the locals call "The Enchanted Circle." The steep ascent into Red River is unusually scenic, offering stirring vistas of spruce and aspen. The town itself offers more than two dozen lodges and resorts and of course plenty of restaurants and gift shops. Ski runs rise steeply just off the single main street. Return to Taos via the balance of The Enchanted Circle (NM 38 to NM 64), through Eagle Nest and see the beautiful Eagle Nest Lake State Park. This beautiful 2,400 acre lake offers trout and kokanee salmon fishing. The fun continues with boating, hiking and cross country skiing. A beautiful location to see an abundance of birds and wildlife to include elk, deer bear and eagles! Continue west on NM 64 towards Angel Fire, an excellent family resort with skiing, golf, tennis, hiking, biking, and fishing. Be sure to stop at the DAV Vietnam Memorial near Angel Fire. Built by one family as a shrine to their fallen son, the site is one of unusual emotion and presence. This is the only state park dedicated as a Vietnam Veterans Memorial.