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.
With snagging season in full swing now, fishermen at Eagle Nest Lake are aiming for kokanee salmon in addition to the normal complement of fish available at the lake.
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 golden eagle — for which the lake is named.
In August, the town hosts an annual hot air balloon and country music festival. 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.
during the 2022 Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour on Saturday (Aug. 27)
Eagle Nest Visitor Center & Gateway Museum 505-721-0704 visiteaglenest.org