Taos Pueblo

Questa

Day 1. Taos to Red River

The steep ascent into Red River is unusually scenic, offering stirring vistas of spruce and aspen. The town itself offers more than two dozen lodges and resorts and of course plenty of restaurants and gift shops. Ski runs rise steeply just off the single main street. Stay over in one of the many lodges in Red River or 20 minutes further, in Red River. Both towns offer a range of resorts, inns, and restaurants.

Drive north on NM 522 out of Taos to begin your Enchanted Circle Weekend. You may wish to detour at El Prado for the short drive west to the Taos Gorge Bridge, one of the highest spans in North America.

At San Cristobal, look for signs to the D.H. Lawrence Ranch and Shrine. The famous writer is buried here. The mountain range to the east is the Sangre de Cristo. The state's highest mountain, Wheeler Peak (13,161 feet), is visible at this point of your trip.

Travel through the scenic Arroyo Hondo and Arroyo Seco. Continue to Questa, where you will turn east on NM 38. You are now following what the locals call "The Enchanted Circle." Arrive at Red River community after a mountain ascent. 

 

Angel Fire link box

Day 2. Return from Red River/ Angel Fire to Taos

Be sure to stop at the DAV Vietnam Memorial near Angel Fire. Built by one family as a shrine to their fallen son, the site is one of unusual emotion and presence.

Return to Taos via the balance of “The Enchanted Circle” (NM 38 to NM 64), through Eagle Nest and Angel Fire, also an excellent family resort with skiing, golf, tennis, hiking, biking, and fishing. 

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