Overview
Eagle Nest is a small town in North Central New Mexico. Sitting in the Moreno Valley on the east side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the town is situated on the edge of Eagle Nest Lake, on the Enchanted Circle scenic drive east of Taos.
3 sights · 1 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Eagle Nest
Cimarron Canyon State Park
A narrow forested canyon along US 64 east of town, offering lovely views, camping, fly fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Open to fishing, boating, camping, hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as just general sightseeing. The visitor center offers plenty of good information on the area.
Elizabethtown
Just north of town along NM 38 lies a photogenic ghost town abandoned since the 1930s.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Santa Fe)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TSM Taos Regional Airport, Taos — 24 mi away. Directions
- ALS San Luis Valley Regional Airport/Bergman Field, Alamosa — 69 mi away. Directions
- ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport, Albuquerque — 129 mi away (major hub). Directions
Eagle Nest sits at the intersection of US 64 and NM 38, about an hour's drive east of Taos along a winding mountain road past the ski resort of Angel Fire. US 64 continues east through another set of mountains to the towns of Cimarron and Raton in Northeast New Mexico, while NM 38 continues northwest to the ski town of Red River, about half an hour's drive from Eagle Nest.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Cimarron Canyon State Park, Eagle Nest Lake State Park
- Lunch D & D Cafe
- Afternoon Elizabethtown
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Eagle Nest sits at the intersection of US 64 and NM 38, about an hour's drive east of Taos along a winding mountain road past the ski resort of Angel Fire. US 64 continues east through another set of mountains to the towns of Cimarron and Raton in Northeast New Mexico, while NM 38 continues northwest to the ski town of Red River, about half an hour's drive from Eagle Nest.
See
See Elizabethtown
Just north of town along NM 38 lies a photogenic ghost town abandoned since the 1930s.
Do
- Eagle Nest Lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing and boating.
Eat
Eat D & D Cafe
Local diner recognizable for its blue-paneled wood exterior. Mostly burgers and breakfast options, with huge portions.
Sleep
Stay Econo Lodge
Stay Horseshoe Motel and Cabins
Go next
- Eagle Nest is located between and within short driving distance of two prominent ski resort towns: Angel Fire to the south off US 64, and Red River to the northwest on NM 38. Both communities are surrounded by portions of the Carson National Forest, which offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
- Taos is further west on US 64 and is the most prominent community in the region, home to a noted art colony, several museums, a lovely old town district, the iconic Taos Pueblo, more mountain scenery, and the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge.
Nearby
Angel Fire
City / town · 9 listings · 11 mi away
Red River
City / town · 9 listings · 13 mi away
Taos Pueblo
City / town · 17 mi away
Cimarron
City / town · 9 listings · 19 mi away
Taos
City / town · 49 listings · 20 mi away
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Park · 6 listings · 25 mi away
Mora
City / town · 5 listings · 40 mi away
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Rural area · 3 listings · 41 mi away
My experience
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