Eagle Nest
Elevation: 8,238 ft
Miles From Taos: 31.3 mi
ALONG THE ENCHANTED CIRCLE
in neighboring Colfax County is the laid-back mountain town of Eagle Nest. The tiny village — with a long history of gunslingers and gold mines — is now a popular destination for outdoor fun and adventure.
In the summer, visitors can hike, camp, horseback ride, mountain bike, canoe, sail and fish. Eagle Nest Lake is a great spot for fishing year-round and is regularly stocked with trout and salmon.
The area is also home to buffalo, elk, deer and gold-en eagle — for which the lake is named. The main drag offers visitors hotels, restaurants, gift shops and a brewery. There’s even an outfitter to sell gear for adventurers visiting the Lower Eagle Nest Lake Trail and Cimarron Canyon State Park.
High Country Artisan Festival is the last weekend in July and in August, the town hosts an annual hot air balloon and coun-try music festival.
visiteaglenest.org