No matter the season, the Enchanted Circle in New Mexico makes for a scenic ride with fun activities and beautiful landmarks. A drive around the Enchanted Circle is a fantastic way to explore a somewhat lesser-known yet stunning part of New Mexico.
What Is the Enchanted Circle?
The Enchanted Circle is an iconic 84-mile loop that takes riders through the picturesque towns of Taos, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, and Red River. Each of these towns offers its unique charm. The loop circles the towering Wheeler Peak, the highest natural point in New Mexico, while providing breathtaking mountain vistas, lush forests, and serene valleys. With its mix of winding roads and sweeping views, the Enchanted Circle is a popular destination for motorcyclists and one of the most enchanting rides in the Southwest.
What To Do on Your Enchanted Circle Ride
The Enchanted Circle offers many opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and adventuring year-round. Must-sees include:
Taos
Taos is the largest town on the Enchanted Circle and a traditional starting point for the ride, making it an excellent home base. Founded in the early 1800s as a frontier settlement, Taos is steeped in Spanish-era and Native American history. Start your visit with a stroll through the beautiful historic center with colonial-style architecture.
Next, ride down to Taos Pueblo just two miles northeast of the town. The Pueblo is one of the longest continually inhabited places in North America: Its adobe-like buildings were built around 1,000 years ago by the Tiwa people.
Taos also boasts a thriving arts community and mouthwatering cuisine. Check out the vibrant art galleries and grab a bite at the Taos Inn, which has been serving customers since 1936. You can also go for a dip in one of the many local spas and hot springs. Before you leave, remember to fill up your tank. There aren’t many gas stations along the Enchanted Circle.
Questa
Questa is the first stop on the loop. This peaceful village can be a breath of fresh air after some of the busier resort towns in the area. The town center is dominated by a magnificent church from the mid-1800s. The nearby lakes offer trout fishing for anglers at any skill level. If you prefer something more active, just hit one of the local trails.
Red River
Red River has a busy events calendar, from Mardi Gras in the mountains and a summer bluegrass festival to Oktoberfest and winter torchlight parades. Live bluegrass bands play year-round at the local bars and restaurants. But where the Red River really shines is in its outdoor activities. The town has a popular ski resort with an extensive trail system for hiking and mountain biking. In summer, you can go rafting and trout fishing in the rivers and lakes. Red River offers ziplines and aerial rope courses.
If you’re hungry, check out Bull O’ The Woods Saloon, a pioneer-style eatery, and Old Tymer’s Café, a motorcycle-friendly establishment with the best homemade burgers in town.
Eagle Nest
Towering at 8,200 feet above sea level, the aptly named final stop on the Enchanted Circle will give you a real taste of the Wild West, a quaint town nestled along Eagle Nest Lake. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The main street of this old frontier town features a swinging-door saloon and shops for antiques, leather goods, Native American crafts, silver jewelry, pottery, and more.
Before you leave, go for a picnic at Eagle Nest Lake. It offers some of the best water views in the area, plus world-class trout fishing and wildlife viewing.
Past Eagle Nest, the road worsens between Angel Fire and Valle Escondido, so ride carefully. The pavement improves again toward Shady Brook. Once you reach Taos, you can return to Santa Fe or ride west through Carson National Forest.
Red River
From Eagle Nest, follow NM-38 to Red River, a lively mountain town known for its outdoor adventures. In Red River, you can explore the charming downtown area. If you’re visiting during the winter, take advantage of the excellent skiing and snowboarding options.
Finally, loop back to Taos by following NM-522 south. Along the way, enjoy the stunning views of Wheeler Peak and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As you arrive back in Taos, consider ending your ride with a visit to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the U.S., offering dramatic views of the deep gorge below.
Safety Tips
While the Enchanted Circle has much to offer visiting motorcyclists, New Mexico experiences high temperatures even in the winter months. Make sure to bring water for the trip and take breaks throughout your journey to rest and get out of the hot sun. Enjoy your ride on the Enchanted Circle!
Had a Motorcycle Accident? Call Law Tigers
Whether you’re driving the Enchanted Circle in New Mexico or in downtown Santa Fe, accidents can happen. If you are injured in an accident, call us at 1-888-863-7216. We will refer you to an experienced New Mexico personal injury attorney. They will advise whether you can seek compensation.
