High in the mountains of northern New Mexico, the Enchanted Circle region offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. Wide open skies, alpine lakes, rolling meadows, and forested ridgelines define the landscape between the Village of Eagle Nest, Eagle Nest Lake State Park, and the Village of Angel Fire.
GO Unlimited is currently advancing this vision through a Trails+ grant project with the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. The focus is clear: build universal design trail connections between Eagle Nest Lake State Park and the Village of Eagle Nest, expand accessible trail and fishing access within the state park, and look toward future trail connectivity between Angel Fire and the park.
Our recent trail audits and assessments examined existing routes, informal social trails, shoreline access points, and potential connection corridors. The good news is that the path forward is looking beautiful. Many existing social trails already provide natural alignments that, with thoughtful design, can become sustainable and inclusive community assets.
With proper trailhead improvements, defined access points, erosion control strategies, and surface fortification, these routes can serve a broader range of users. Universal design principles ensure that families, seniors, adaptive cyclists, anglers with mobility devices, and outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities can experience the landscape safely and comfortably.
This work is about more than trail construction. It is about long term stewardship, reducing erosion, protecting sensitive lake and forest environments, and strengthening the connection between local communities and their public lands.
The Enchanted Circle has always been known for its beauty. With strategic planning and inclusive design, it is becoming a model for accessible mountain recreation in New Mexico.
