High valley views, frozen lakes, mountain quiet
Perched at 8,300 feet in the Moreno Valley, Eagle Nest is a laid-back alpine village on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Once a rowdy outpost of miners and gunfighters, today it’s a quiet hub for outdoor adventure.
Winter transforms Eagle Nest Lake State Park into a frozen playground. Anglers test their nerve on the ice, reeling in kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, pike and perch. Kokanee snagging season runs until Dec. 31, and the lake hosts the annual Ice Fishing Tournament Jan. 31, 2026. For the bold, the Polar Bear Plunge & Stomp on New Year’s Day delivers a bracing start to the year. Nearby Cimarron Canyon State Park offers snowshoeing and fly fishing through dramatic cliffs and ponderosa forest.
In town, the main street brims with character — rustic lodges, cozy diners, gift shops and Comanche Creek Brewing Company, where mountain views pair with craft beer. The community gathers for traditions like the Laguna Vista Saloon Thanksgiving Potluck and a Christmas decorating contest that lights up the village in December.
With Wheeler Peak on the horizon and elk, deer and bald eagles roaming the valley, Eagle Nest is a peaceful base between Angel Fire and Red River — close to ski slopes, yet worlds away from the bustle.
Visitor Info
Eagle Nest Visitor Center & Gateway Museum – 505-721-0704 – visiteaglenest.org
Eagle Nest Chamber of Commerce – eaglenestchamber.com