New Mexico--Enchanted Circle Loop
Date: 2004-12-08
Continuing on the drive from Espanola to Taos, this route takes you from
the hustle and bustle of Taos into high, remote forests, lakes, valleys,
and Wild West towns. The four-to five-hour loop circles the 13,161-foot
Wheeler Peak, the state's highest mountain, as well as some outstanding
ski areas. Heading east from Taos on U.S. 64, the road climbs through
Taos canyon's evergreen forests and past several campgrounds and picnic
spots. After winding through the Carson National Forest, it ascends over
a 9,101-foot pass and heads back down to grasslands and the ski town of
Angel Fire.
A short detour down Rte. 434 takes you to the DAV Vietnam Veterans National Memorial, and further on to Eagle Nest Lake. At the town of Eagle Nest, U.S. 64 heads around the north end of the lake to Cimarron Canyon State Park, with camping and great fishing on the Cimarron River. From Eagle Nest, take Rte. 38 for several miles to the ruins of Elizabethtown, a 19th Century gold boomtown. The road then heads across the valley and through the 9,820-foot Bobcat Pass and back into Carson National Forest before heading back down into the resort town of Red River, once a mining camp and now a mecca for outdoor activities. At Questa, you can take a detour on Rte. 522 to Rte. 378 for a side trip to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area on the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge. Heading south from Questa on Rte. 522, you'll come to the intersection of U.S. 64 and Rte. 50/522. Drive west on U.S. 64 to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and head onto Rte.150 to reach the world famous Taos Ski Valley. Back on Rte. 522, you'll pass Taos Pueblo, one of the country's largest multi-storied pueblos. The drive ends back in Taos.
Starting Point:
Espanola, NM
Distance of Drive:
59 miles
Must Eat:
Angelina's
1226 N. Railroad Avenue, Espanola, NM 87532
Phone:505-753-8543
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:Great Steaks
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round: Snow can be a problem sometimes in winter
Points of Interest on Drive:
Cimarron Canyon State Park
Taos Pueblo
Elizabethtown, a 19th Century gold boomtown
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