Every year, thousands of visitors pour into the tourist crossroads of blue state New Mexico, better known as Santa Fe. However, not all of them take full advantage of their Southwest travel experience. Just 70 miles north of Santa Fe is the historic town of Taos. Its name derives from the original inhabitants, the Taos (Taos Indians), a pueblo and tribe of North American Indians. Their village straddled the Rio Pueblo de Taos (Taos River), an eastern tributary of the Rio Grande. Today, tourists recognize Taos mostly for its cultural blend of Western, Hispanic and Native American artisans, restaurants, and museums. Unfortunately, they sometimes overlook a unique outdoor wonder, the Enchanted Circle. As you read further, you’ll discover why it is high-altitude Southwest scenery at its finest.
Endless Amenities for Taos Visitors
Among Taos’ cafes, curio shops, and street galleries, you’ll find several hotel accommodations near Taos Plaza, the historic town center. Highly recommended is the Hotel La Fonda de Taos, featuring reasonable overnight rates and original Western decor. It also hosts a special room off the lobby, showcasing the banned paintings of famed English author and poet D. H. Lawrence, plus other fine art. Other hotels of interest include the Adobe Wall Motel, Casa Benavides Inn, El Monte Sagrado, and La Posada de Taos.
When it comes to both indoor and outdoor eating venues, be sure to check out the Bent Street Café & Deli, the Tapas de Taos Cafe, Plaza Café at La Fonda, Bella’s Mexican Grill, Lambert’s of Taos, Alley Cantina, Michael’s Kitchen, and many others. Their quality, menu selection, and reasonable prices should not be passed up. The Bent Street eatery has a bit of Southern charm to it, especially on the outside veranda; Michael’s is purely Western and Native American, accented with beautifully displayed wall art.
Enchanted Circle a Benchmark for Southwest Scenery
So, what is the most popular attraction or traveled-to destination in the Taos area? Most visitors cite the diversely scenic Enchanted Circle, also called the Taos Loop, and rightfully so. Clearly marked (Rt. 522) as you travel north out of Taos, this two-lane highway is more like a country road; its nearly 90-mile-stretch winds around mountains, ski slopes, creeks and rivers, foothills, and beautiful ranches and pasture lands. At the town of Questa, you’ll leave Rt. 522 and head eastward on Rt. 38; then at Eagle Nest, you’ll merge onto U.S. Hwy. 64, which takes you back to Taos. This scenic loop is a true microcosm of geographical wonders within a small radius, but don’t let its short distance fool you. Allow plenty of time (at least three hours) to witness the secluded sights that showcase the Enchanted Circle.
What the Enchanted Circle Offers
Surrounded by the Carson National Forest, the scenic route traverses the west valley of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. After first passing the Taos Pueblo Indian Reservation on the southern end, you’ll see several small towns along the way, including El Prado, Arroyo Hondo, San Christobal, Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Shady Brook.
And as expected, creeks and rivers are visible everywhere — Rio Lucero, Rio Pueblo de Taos, Columbine River, Moreno Creek, Red River, and Cieneguilla Creek. The mountain range highlights include Wheeler Peak, Lobo Peak, Latir Peak, Agua Fria Peak, and Bobcat Pass. And if skiing is your passion, Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Ski Resort, and Red River Ski Area should fulfill your desires. Other points of interest are Eagle Nest Lake, Cabresto Lake, Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Elizabethtown (Ghost Town), and the D. H. Lawrence Ranch.
As a final reminder, don’t forget to take along appropriate weather apparel. The Enchanted Circle is accessible all year round, amidst occasional snow accumulations during the winter months. But even during the hot summer months, you are likely to encounter wide temperature variations. You might even experience brief bouts with sleet or snow flurries in the higher elevations.
For further information regarding other scenic destinations in New Mexico and the Southwest, visit here.