Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway Live Cam

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a 83-mile loop through northern New Mexico that takes travelers through some of the state's most beautiful scenery. The route was officially designated a Scenic Byway by the New Mexico Department of Transportation in 1985, and it has been a popular destination for tourists ever since.

The history of the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is deeply rooted in the history of the region. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Taos, Jicarilla Apache, and Ute, who relied on the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering. Later, Spanish settlers arrived in the area, followed by American pioneers.

In the early 20th century, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway began to take shape as a popular route for tourists. The road was initially constructed to provide access to the mining towns of Red River, Questa, and Taos Ski Valley, which were popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts.

Over the years, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway has become more than just a way to get to these towns. Today, it is a destination in and of itself, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to explore the natural beauty of the region. The route takes travelers through rugged mountains, lush forests, and scenic valleys, providing stunning views at every turn.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is also home to a number of historic and cultural attractions, including the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America, and the historic mining town of Elizabethtown.

Overall, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway offers travelers a glimpse into the history and natural beauty of northern New Mexico, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.

Along the way, travelers will pass through a variety of landscapes, including high mountain passes, alpine meadows, forests, and valleys.

One of the highlights of the route is the Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, which is home to the highest peak in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, as well as numerous trails for hiking and backpacking. The area is also known for its wildflowers and wildlife, including bighorn sheep, black bears, and elk.

Another popular attraction along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which spans the Rio Grande River and offers breathtaking views of the gorge below. The bridge is a popular spot for photography and is also a popular spot for bungee jumping.

As I mentioned earlier, the Taos Pueblo is another must-see attraction along the route. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America and is home to a vibrant Native American culture.

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is also home to a number of quaint, picturesque towns, including Red River, which is known for its skiing and outdoor recreation opportunities, and Angel Fire, which is a popular destination for golfing and mountain biking.

Overall, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway offers visitors a diverse range of attractions and activities, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Taos Mountains

The Taos Mountains have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area has been inhabited by Native American tribes for millennia, including the Taos Pueblo people, who have lived in the region for over a thousand years.

The Taos Mountains were also an important part of the early Spanish exploration and settlement of the region. In 1540, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition through the area in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. Although he did not find the gold he was seeking, his journey helped to open up the region to further exploration and settlement by the Spanish.

In the 1800s, the Taos Mountains became an important center of the fur trade. Trappers and traders would travel through the mountains to trade with the Native American tribes in the region. The area also became home to a number of mining towns, including Elizabethtown, which was founded in 1867 and quickly grew to become one of the largest towns in the region.

In the early 20th century, the Taos Mountains began to attract a different kind of visitor - artists and writers who were drawn to the natural beauty and unique cultural heritage of the region. The Taos Society of Artists was founded in 1915 and included such luminaries as Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Today, the area is still home to a vibrant arts community, and visitors can explore numerous galleries and museums showcasing the work of local artists.

In addition to its cultural heritage, the Taos Mountains are also known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The mountains are home to numerous hiking trails, fishing streams, and skiing resorts, making them a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, the Taos Mountains have a rich and diverse history that reflects the many different peoples and cultures that have called the region home over the centuries. Today, the area remains a popular destination for visitors from all over the world who come to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Taos Mountains are located in northern New Mexico and are part of the southern end of the Rocky Mountains. The range is home to a number of peaks that rise over 12,000 feet, including Wheeler Peak, which is the highest peak in New Mexico.

As I mentioned earlier, the Taos Mountains have a rich cultural heritage that includes the Taos Pueblo, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. The pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a vibrant Native American culture that dates back over a thousand years.

The area is also known for its vibrant arts community. In addition to the Taos Society of Artists, which was founded in the early 20th century, the region is home to numerous galleries and museums showcasing the work of local artists. The Taos Art Museum, for example, features works by early Taos artists as well as contemporary artists working in a variety of media.

In terms of outdoor recreation, the Taos Mountains offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The area is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding, with resorts such as Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire Resort offering a variety of runs for skiers of all skill levels. During the summer months, the mountains offer a range of activities such as hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, the Taos Mountains are also home to a number of historic sites, including the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, which was built in the late 18th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the region.

Overall, the Taos Mountains offer visitors a rich and diverse range of experiences, from exploring Native American culture and history to skiing and hiking in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the United States.