Want to get out of the house but not sure where to go? Well, as long as the snow’s not flying, it’s the perfect time to embark on one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico. If you are located in northern New Mexico, you’re in luck, because you’re in close proximity to one of the best driving routes in New Mexico, the Enchanted Circle Drive.

Enchanted Circle Drive, which is officially the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, is an approximately 83-mile route that circles around Wheeler Peak starting in Taos.
Dustin Askins/Flickr
One of the best driving routes in New Mexico, this will take you on a scenic journey through some of the state's most stunning mountain views.
It's beautiful year-round, but fall is a great time of year to head out on the road since the leaves are vibrantly hued in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Shafi/Flickr
In a matter of weeks, the roads will be lined with warm tones like this.
Starting in Taos, you'll drive along the winding State Route 522 up to Questa and Red River.
Doug/Flickr
So, how long does it take to drive the Enchanted Circle? Well, the first portion of the drive is approximately an hour long and you'll love the quiet and quaint atmosphere of these mountain towns. Nearby, you can visit Eagle Rock Lake, the confluence of Red River and the Rio Grande, and modest eateries.

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From there, you'll drive to Eagle Nest and Angel Fire, which takes approximately 45 minutes to drive through.
Diann Bayes/Flickr
A few sights to see on this curvy portion of the drive include Eagle Nest State Park and its accompanying lake, the striking Vietnam Veterans Memorial sitting just outside Angel Fire, and the rustic Angel Fire Resort.
The final stretch of the drive will take you back to Taos and up to Taos Ski Valley, totaling an additional hour of driving.
Dave Hensley/Flickr
You can opt to stop in Taos where you can grab a bite to eat. Or take the half-hour drive up to Taos Ski Valley for some gorgeous views from the mountaintop and a chance to ride the ski lift.
If you've driven this scenic byway, what are your favorite sights and stops?
Sarah Richter/Flickr
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is located in northern New Mexico and measures approximately 83 miles.
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You just won’t find many driving routes in New Mexico that are prettier than the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Need information on accommodations along this scenic route? Check out Booking.com, where you’ll find accommodations of all sorts, for all budgets.

Prefer to get your views on foot? New Mexico is filled with some incredible hiking trails and one fascinating trek is through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to Lake Katherine. One of the best hikes in New Mexico, the scenic 15-mile hike is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains leads to one of the clearest lakes in New Mexico.

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Enchanted Circle Drive

Daniella DiRienzo | August 17, 2023

Aside from Enchanted Circle Drive, what are some other scenic drives in New Mexico?

There are several scenic drives in New Mexico, including:

  • Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway: A National Scenic Byway, this route stretches between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, spanning roughly 50 miles. Along the way, you’ll encounter the historic mining towns of Madrid and Cerrillos, along with stunning desert landscapes, old mining sites, and unique artsy communities.
  • High Road to Taos Scenic Byway: Running from Santa Fe to Taos, this drive takes you through picturesque villages, ancient churches, and stunning mountain landscapes. The route also traverses the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage.
  • Valles Caldera Scenic Drive: This drive makes it easy to explore the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a volcanic crater filled with lush meadows and diverse wildlife, delivering breathtaking views of the caldera, forests, and mountains.

 

What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico?

Beautiful sites are abundant in New Mexico. Some of the most beautiful places in New Mexico are:

  • White Sands National Park: Located just outside of the town of Alamogordo, this park boasts an otherworldly landscape – complete with vast, white gypsum sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park: An outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true, this national park is nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert. Visitors can explore the park’s underground world of Carlsbad Caverns, which boasts stunning limestone formations, massive chambers, and impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
  • Bandelier National Monument: Sure to stun, this park is known for its rugged canyons, towering cliffs, and ancient Puebloan dwellings. Between the archaeological sites and scenic beauty, it’s one of the most unique attractions in New Mexico.

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Taos, NM 87571, USA