The Enchanted Circle is an 83-mile scenic drive that connects Angel Fire with Taos, Red River, Cimarron, and Eagle Nest in a loop around Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest mountain. The route passes through four distinct landscapes: the pine forests and ski slopes above Angel Fire, the Moreno Valley ranching country, the old mining town of Red River in its narrow canyon, and the high desert approaching Taos.
Allow at least three hours for the full loop without stops — more if you plan to pull over at the viewpoints, which you should. The approach to Red River through the canyon is particularly dramatic. In late September and early October the aspens along the upper sections turn gold, and the drive becomes one of the more spectacular fall colour routes in the Southwest.