Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
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| Length: | 84 mi (135 km) |
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The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a New Mexico Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway located in Northern New Mexico. It begins and ends in Taos, New Mexico.
The 84-mile (135 km) Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway makes a loop through Taos following four main highways:
The byway encircles Wheeler Peak (13,161 feet (4,011 m)) of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is the tallest mountain in New Mexico. The scenic byway passes through historic towns, alongside lakes and streams, and near ski resorts and recreational parks.
In Taos is its historic district of old adobe buildings. Within the town are the Taos Plaza, homes of historic figures, galleries, shops and the ancient Taos Pueblo. Recreational opportunities include rafting on the Rio Grande.
North of Taos NM 522 meets NM 38 at Questa, where Red River recreational opportunities include picnic facilities, fishing, and self-guided tours. The town of Questa is known for its artisans whose works are found at the Artesanos de Questa and historic santos and retablos are at the St. Anthony's Church.
Northeast of Questa, the Rio Grande and Red Rivers intersect in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. East of Qesta is the Red River Valley—where there had been cooper, lead, silver and gold mining. The town of Red River offers staged gunfights, shopping, a ski resort, and a mining museum. Traveling east on New Mexico State Road 38 (NM 38) is Bobcat Pass (9,820 feet (2,990 m)) which leads into the Moreno Valley and a view of the north side of Mount Wheeler.
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