Questa

15 minutes west of Red River and 30 miles north of Taos, Questa is the quiet and quaint getaway where you won’t feel like a tourist. Perhaps the most authentic location on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, Questa has mouthwatering authentic New Mexican cuisine, is the gateway to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument (a paradise for fly-fishing and big-game hunting) and home of the heart-warming and nationally-known ç. Officially founded in January 1842 by Spanish families as San Antonio del Rio Colorado, 'Questa' was an Anglo attempt at simplification; referring to the 'ridge' or the ‘cuesta’ where the church plaza was built. The San Antonio del Rio Colorado Church is a moving, must-see stop on your Enchanted Circle visit that has stood at the center of this traditional community since the mid-1800's.

Questa is known for exceptional fly-fishing with easy access to nine quality waters, enormous elk that are so plentiful they are a nuisance (except during hunting season, of course) and breathtaking mountains where visitors come to escape city life and tourist towns. Eagle Rock Lake is a local favorite for trout fishing, with roadside access from Highway 38 and handicapped access right up to the lakeside.

Questa is home to ranchers and farmers, artists and writers, hunters and environmentalists, who all enjoy the affordable land and independent lifestyle. Find an escape from the crowds, and dine in one of Questa’s hole-in-the-wall restaurants, where you won’t have to wait to be seated.