Travel from the hustle and bustle of Taos into high, remote forests, with lakes, valleys, Wild West towns, and large multi-storied pueblos.
Continuing on the drive from Espanola to Taos, this route takes you from the hustle and bustle of Taos into high, valleys, lakes, remote forests, and Wild West towns. The four-to five-hour loop snakes the 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak, the nation’s highest mountain, as well as some outstanding ski spots. Heading east from Taos on U.S. 64, the road ascends through Taos canyon’s evergreen forests and past several picnic spots and campgrounds. After winding through the Carson National Forest, it climbs over a 9,101-foot pass and heads back down to farmlands and the ski town of Angel Fire.
A brief detour down Route 434 brings you to the DAV Vietnam Veterans National Memorial, and further on to Eagle Nest Lake. At the town of Eagle Nest, U.S. 64 heads around the north end of the lake to Cimarron Canyon State Park, with great fishing and memorable camping on the Cimarron River. From Eagle Nest, take Route 38 for a few miles to the ruins of Elizabethtown, a 19th Century gold boomtown. The road then heads across the valley and through the 9,820-foot Bobcat Pass and back into Carson National Forest before driving back down into the resort town of Red River, once a mining camp and now a mecca for outdoor activities. At Questa, you can make a detour on Route 522 to Route 378 for a side trip to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area on the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge. Driving south from Questa on Route 522, you’ll come to the intersection of U.S. 64 and Route 50/522. Drive west on U.S. 64 to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and proceed onto Route150 to reach the world popular Taos Ski Valley. Back on Route 522, you’ll pass Taos Pueblo, one of the state’s largest multi-storied pueblos. The trip ends back in Taos.
Starting Point:
Espanola, NM
Distance of Drive:
59 miles
Must Eat:
Angelina’s
1226 N. Railroad Avenue, Espanola, NM 87532
Phone: 505-753-8543
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Great Steaks
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round: Snow can be a problem sometimes in winter
Points of Interest on Drive:
Elizabethtown, a 19th Century gold boomtown
Cimarron Canyon State Park
Taos Pueblo
Tagged with: best time:yearround • forest • lakes • New Mexico
Filed under: Best Road Trips