America's Best Fall Color Drives

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, Taos, NM

The Route: 84 miles.

Foliage Update: http://taosvacationguide.com

You’ll find some of the best southwestern fall foliage along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loop from Taos to Eagle Nest (where you’ll see 13,161-foot high Wheeler Peak), on to Angel Fire, and back to Taos. Here, the aspens range in color from brilliant gold to dark orange. Feast on purple cinquefoil and golden and red cottonwoods while on the lookout for elk, black bear, and eagles.

Where to Stop: Swing by the Taos Fall Arts Fest, September 24th–October 11th, and the old gold-mining town of Elizabethtown; dine at The Old Blinking Light Restaurant, known for its Tex-Mex Red Chile; and stay at the Historic Taos Inn (in business since 1936) in the town’s charming old section.