The simple-to-navigate route serves up mountain passes, historic sites, and brilliant foliage along the way.
What Makes the 'Enchanted Circle' the Southwest's Most Spectacular Fall Escape?
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During fall, the
The Enchanted Circle is a clearly marked loop with easy access to side trips and recreation areas. Driving it takes three to four hours without stops, though most visitors spend a full day exploring. Each town offers lodging, dining, and fuel, while trailheads, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks dot the route. Here's how to experience this breathtaking drive in the "Land of Enchantment."
Stops Along the Route
Start at the historic Taos Pueblo, an Indigenous community inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Take a guided tour to learn about Tiwa culture and Pueblo architecture, shop for Native American crafts, and try traditional fry bread. In Taos, browse more than 70 galleries – many around Taos Plaza – or visit the Millicent Rogers Museum. You might also time your trip to the Taos Fall Arts Festival. A short drive from Taos brings more attractions, including Taos Ski Valley, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the charming village of Arroyo Seco, where shops like Arroyo Seco Mercantile sell local crafts.
About 20 miles from Arroyo Seco near San Cristobal, the D.H. Lawrence Ranch honors the modernist author who once lived in northern New Mexico and drew inspiration from the area. Questa, a key stop on the route, is home to the Artesanos de Questa cooperative gallery and serves as a great base for hiking and camping at Cabresto Lake, Midnight Meadows, and Mallette Canyon.
Red River, an alpine town that hosts the annual fall Aspencade Arts Festival, offers year-round activities – from skiing and snowboarding in winter to fishing and wildlife viewing in summer. Dine at spots like Shotgun Willie's or Red River Brewing Company & Distillery for local barbecue and brews. A short drive leads over Bobcat Pass, one of the state's highest paved passes at nearly 10,000 feet. Beyond it lie the ruins of Elizabethtown, a gold rush settlement founded in 1866 as New Mexico's first incorporated town and now a ghost town worth exploring.
In Eagle Nest, visit Eagle Nest Lake State Park, a favorite for boating, fishing, and hiking. You can also take in the fall scenery from a chairlift with panoramic views of the foliage, tackle thrilling mountain biking trails, or walk through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire.
What to Expect
Late September to mid-October is peak season for fall colors along the Enchanted Circle, where Wheeler Peak and nearby mountain passes offer sweeping views of golden aspens, auburn pines, and evergreens. Hiking ranges from moderate trails like Punto de Coyote to the more challenging climb 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.
Because fall is one of the busiest times to visit northern New Mexico, reserve accommodations and rental cars well in advance. The loop reaches high elevations, so pack layers, sturdy shoes, and a jacket for cooler temperatures and sudden weather shifts. Roads are well maintained, but the winding mountain sections demand attentive driving, especially as leaf-peeping traffic increases. Gas stations are conveniently located in the main towns, but fill up before starting the loop. Parking at popular overlooks can fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot.
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How to Get There
Travelers outside the driving distance of Taos have several convenient airport options. Many fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), rent a car, and drive 2.5 hours to Taos. Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) is closer than Albuquerque but offers more limited service, while Taos Regional Airport (TSM) has direct flights from a few cities during peak seasons. Before you fly, compare domestic airport parking options and check for an airport parking promo to keep costs down – AirportParking.deals is a handy resource for both, and reviewing airport parking rates ahead of time helps you budget for the trip.
Where to Stay
For luxurious accommodations, Taos is the ideal base. Palacio De Marquesa, a Spanish-style adobe boutique hotel built in the early 20th century, has 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, on the site of a former 1960s adobe motor lodge, reopened in May 2025 as a 51-room luxury boutique hotel. Guests can enjoy a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, rotating art exhibitions, and landscaped courtyards with firepits and hammocks.
Another top luxury option about 45 minutes west of Taos is Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. Established in 1868, this historic Southwest-inspired property houses one of the oldest health spas in the United States, with 12 communal hot springs and a fantastic location near Carson National Forest.
