Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Byway Details

Designation

National Forest Scenic Byway

Length

84 mi in New Mexico

Managed by

Forest Service

About Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an 83.7-mile loop in northern New Mexico, managed by the Forest Service. It is designated both a National Forest Scenic Byway and a New Mexico Scenic & Historic Byway. Taos is the largest town along the way. The route links six communities: Arroyo Hondo, Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River, Questa and San Cristobal. Because it forms a circle, you can start from any of them and return to the same place without backtracking. Summer and early fall are the warmest times to drive it. Typical averages at a nearby Taos weather station show September highs around 78°F with lows near 45°F. July and August see the most wet days. That station sits at about 6,965 feet, so stretches of the byway higher up run cooler. Several campgrounds sit right along the route, including Las Petacas Campground and Junebug Campground. Questa Trail is close by for a walk, and the Red River offers paddling.