Page 213 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Southwest USA & National Parks

NOR THERN NE W MEXIC O  211

t Enchanted Circle Tour Tips for Drivers

The scenery around Taos rises from high desert plateau Length: 111 miles (179 km).
with its sagebrush and yucca plants to the forested Starting point: North of Taos
on Hwy 522, continuing east and
Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Enchanted Circle south on Hwys 38 & 64.
tour follows a National Forest Scenic Byway through Getting around: While the main
some of the area’s most breathtaking landscapes. roads offer smooth and rapid
Circumnavigating the highest point in New Mexico, driving, bear in mind that many
sights are located on dirt tracks
Wheeler Peak (13,161 ft/ 4,011 m), it continues through and minor roads.
the ruggedly beautiful Carson National Forest. Lakes
and hiking trails lie off the tour, which passes through
a number of small towns.
2 Questa
1 Rio Grande del Norte This hamlet is the gateway to Carson
National Monument National Forest, with rivers, mountains,
Established in 2013 by and lakes set against a rocky backdrop.
President Obama, this
area stretches up the
Rio Grande Gorge to
Colorado. The visitor
cen ter has information
on hiking and is a launch
point for rafting trips.

Cerro 3 Red River
Once a gold-mining town,
this hill village retains its
Old West-style
J J architecture, and
offers a base for
hiking and
skiing in this
scenic area.
San
Rio Grande Cristobal Eagle Cimarron
Idlewild
Nest
Lake J

Taos 0 km 7
Pueblo
Taos 0 miles 7

6 Vietnam Veterans 5 Angel Fire
Memorial State Park Winter sports are foremost
Located northeast of Angel here, with sleigh rides, snow-
Fire, this modern chapel mobiling, and horseback
honors all the US troops who trips through the snowy
lost their lives in Vietnam. landscape available at this
growing resort.
Key
4 Eagle Nest
Tour route Growing in popularity as a base
Other road for sports trips, this small town is
conveniently located and offers
ski and boat rental for the nearby
mountains and lakes.

For keys to symbols see back flap

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