Major city · United States
Eagle NestEagle Nest, New Mexico
Give Eagle Nest one night as a stop on the Enchanted Circle, or a half-day for the lake and Cimarron Canyon; skip it as a base without a car.
Eagle Nest is a village of about 290 people in the Moreno Valley, on US 64 and NM 38 east of Taos. The draw is Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon, both state parks, plus the ghost town of Elizabethtown. It works as a quiet night between Taos and Angel Fire or Red River, not as a multi-day base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the lake and hiking; Jan–Mar for snow
- avoid Nov–Mar for lake boating (ice and closures); monsoon downpours Jul–Aug
- Airports
- SAF · ABQ
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Eagle Nest911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Eagle Nest, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyLow-crime small town; the real risks are winter ice on US 64 and NM 38, altitude on your first day, and storms on the lake.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 511 New Mexico Road Conditions (NMDOT)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckSAF Santa Fe Regional (About 2 h 15 min by car via US 84/285 and NM 68/US 64; check seasonal flights).
- Getting aroundA car is effectively required: sights sit 5–20 min apart on US 64 and NM 38, and there is no town bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–5
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$10–16
- Budget bedRV or tent site, a night, per roomUS$25
- Mid-range bedMotel or cabin double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMotel or cabin double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$150 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SAF Santa Fe Regional (About 2 h 15 min by car via US 84/285 and NM 68/US 64; check seasonal flights) · ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport (About 3 h by car; the usual gateway for the region)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Care
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
Care
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Care
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: Jun, Sep. Mixed: Jan–Mar, Jul–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Eagle Nest: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
5 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
5 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
6 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
5 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is effectively required: sights sit 5–20 min apart on US 64 and NM 38, and there is no town bus. Fuel up in Angel Fire or Red River before late evening.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 25 min
US 64 south, about 20 min by car
Ski hill in winter, bike park and golf in summer.
Red River
goDoor to door: About 35 min
NM 38 northwest over Bobcat Pass, about 30 min by car
Ski town with a compact main street; check the pass in winter.
Door to door: About 1 h
US 64 west over Palo Flechado Pass, about 1 h by car
Pueblo, plaza and gorge; a full day if you add the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
Cimarron Canyon State Park
goDoor to door: About 20 min
US 64 east, about 15 min by car
Canyon drive, fishing and short trails; day-use fee may apply (check).
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
US 64 through town
Motels and cabins on the main road; walkable to the lake visitor centre.
Thermal / NM 38 side
Quieter cabins and RV spots north of the crossroads; still a short drive to everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–230 excl. bed
- High
- $250+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or cabin double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$60 | US$60 |
| Fuel, Taos return (about 130 km)1 × US$18 | US$18 |
| State-park day-use fee1 × US$5 | US$5 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$53 |
| Trip total≈ US$293 per person per day, bed included | US$586 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–5 |
| Diner breakfast | $10–16 |
| Burger and fries | $12–18 |
| Fuel, per gallon | $3.00–3.80 |
| Motel double room, summer weekend | $120–220 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter storms close or ice US 64 over Palo Flechado Pass; check road conditions before driving to Taos.
- Altitude is about 2,500 m: pace the first day and drink water.
- Cell coverage is patchy on NM 38 and in Cimarron Canyon.
- Summer monsoon storms bring sudden hail and lightning on the lake.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- New Mexico Road Conditions (NMDOT)
- 511
Pocket card
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Eagle NestEagle Nest, New Mexico
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Road conditions (NMDOT)511
Embassy
No consulates in Eagle Nest; nearest in Santa Fe and Albuquerque (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Taos return: about $18
- State-park day-use fee: about $5 per vehicle (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the lake marina? — Where is the lake marina?
- Is the pass open? — Is the pass open?
Carry water and a paper map: signal drops on NM 38 and in Cimarron Canyon.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Eagle Nest. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for the lake and hiking; Jan–Mar for snow · avoid Nov–Mar for lake boating (ice and closures); monsoon downpours Jul–Aug · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SAF and ABQ: last sensible departure, winter-pass fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: the US 64 crossroads, the lake marina, and the NM 38 cabins.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Eagle Nest Lake State Park, Cimarron Canyon, Elizabethtown) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and monsoon arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.