This 84-mile Scenic Drive Is Called the ‘Enchanted Circle’—and It’s Most Magical During the Fall

During fall, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway transforms into one of the most spectacular drives in New Mexico. This 84-mile loop begins and ends in Taos and traverses the high alpine desert of northern New Mexico and several mountain towns, including Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Questa, and Red River.

Travelers along the Enchanted Circle can expect a clearly marked loop with easy access to side trips and recreational areas. The drive typically takes three to four hours without stops, although most visitors spend an entire day exploring. Lodging, dining, and fuel services are available in each town, and trailheads, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks are scattered throughout the route. Here’s how to visit this breathtaking scenic route in the “Land of Enchantment.”

Stops Along the Route

Begin the journey at the historic Taos peoplean Indigenous community that has been inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Join a guided tour of the pueblo to learn about Tiwa culture and Pueblo architecture, shop for Native American crafts, and enjoy traditional fry bread. In Taosexplore more than 70 galleries, many of which are located in Taos Plaza, visit the Millicent Rogers Museumor plan your trip around fall festivals like the Taos Fall Arts Festival and the PASEO Festival. A short drive from Taos along the Enchanted Circle, you’ll find additional attractions, including the Taos Ski Valley, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the charming village of Arroyo Seco, where you can browse local crafts at shops like Secry Mercantile Arroyo.

Approximately 12 miles north of Arroyo Seco near San Cristobal, the D.H. Lawrence Ranch honors the legacy of the renowned modernist author who once resided in northern New Mexico and drew inspiration from the area. Questa, a significant point along the route, hosts the cooperative art gallery Artesanos de Questa and makes a great starting point for hiking and camping at locations like Cabresto Lake, Midnight Meadows, and Mallette Canyon.

The alpine town of Red River, which hosts the annual failoffers year-round activities, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to fishing and wildlife viewing in summer. Visitors can dine at spots such as Shotgun Willie’s or Red River Brewing Company & Distillery for local barbecue and brews. A brief ride leads over Bobcat Pass, the state’s highest paved pass at nearly 10,000 feet. Beyond the pass are the ruins of Elizabethtown, a gold rush settlement established in 1866 as New Mexico’s first incorporated town, now a ghost town worth exploring.

In Eagle Nest, visit Eagle Nest Lake State Parka popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking. You can also enjoy the fall scenery from a chairlift that offers panoramic views of the foliage, go on thrilling mountain biking adventures, or walk through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire.

What to Expect

Early to mid-October is the peak season for fall colors along the Enchanted Circle, where Wheeler Peak and nearby mountain passes offer expansive views of golden aspens, auburn pines, and evergreens. Hiking options range from moderate trails like Punto de Coyote to the more challenging route up Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point at 13,167 feet. Fall also brings active wildlife, with elk bugling in the valleys and migratory birds passing through the area.

Since fall is one of the busiest times to visit northern New Mexico, it’s best to reserve accommodations and rental cars well in advance. The loop reaches high elevations, so be prepared for cooler temperatures and sudden weather changes by packing layers, sturdy shoes, and a jacket. While the roads are well-maintained, the winding mountain sections require attentive driving, especially when leaf-peeping traffic increases. Gas stations are conveniently located in the main towns, but it’s best to fill up before starting the loop. Parking at popular overlooks can fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot.

How to Get There

For travelers not within driving distance of Taos, several airports provide convenient access to the city. Most visitors fly into Albuquerque International Sunport, rent a car, and drive 2.5 hours to Taos. Santa Fe Regional Airport is a closer option than Albuquerquethough it offers more limited service, while Taos Regional Airport has direct flights from a select few cities during peak seasons.

Where to Stay

For luxurious accommodations, Taos is the ideal place to stay. Marquise Palacea Spanish-style adobe boutique hotel built in the early 20th century, features eight rooms dedicated to influential women in New Mexico’s history, including the Icon Room for Georgia O’Keeffe and the Socialites Suites I and II for Millicent Rogers. Down the road, Hotel Willa occupies the site of a former 1960s adobe motor lodge, and it reopened in May 2025 as a 51-room luxury boutique hotel. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, rotating art exhibitions, and landscaped courtyards with firepits and hammocks.

Another top luxury property about 45 minutes west of Taos is Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. This historic Southwest-inspired property, first established in 1868, has one of the oldest health spas in the U.S. and features 75 rooms, 12 communal hot springs, and a fantastic location near the Carson National Forest.