Wild landscapes, rich traditions, creative spirit
Less than an hour north of Taos, Questa is the northern gateway to the Enchanted Circle and a launch point into the Río Grande del Norte National Monument.
At 7,500 feet, this historic village sits between alpine forests and the Rio Grande Gorge, offering year-round adventure and small-town charm. When winter snows blanket the mesas, locals swap hiking boots for skis and snowshoes.
The Rinconada Loop Trail at Wild Rivers Recreation Area serves up six miles of cross-country skiing with sweeping gorge views, while Columbine Canyon transforms into a snowy wonderland. Eagle Rock Lake even draws hardy anglers for ice fishing. For more adrenaline, snowmobilers head up Cabresto Road into the Carson National Forest.
In town, the 19th-century San Antonio de Padua Church stands at the heart of the historic plaza, lovingly restored by volunteers and still central to community celebrations like December’s Alumbra de Questa, when luminarias light the way to a craft market and evening of music.
Creative energy thrives here, too. The Questa Creative Council supports local makers with art tours, plein air painting festivals, and a popular summer farmers market featuring handmade tortillas, tamales, and fresh regional produce.
For visitors seeking the authentic, Questa delivers — unspoiled landscapes, rich history, and a community that invites you to “find what’s real.”
More info: visitquesta.com | questa-nm.com