Eagle Nest brings together an artificial reservoir, trails with specified lengths, and a local history with several historical names. If you’re looking for a place to stay here, you can first consider whether nature, the regional route, or cultural history should shape your stay most.
Reservoir and Mountain Scenery
Eagle Nest Lake is an artificial reservoir created in 1918, when the Cimarron River was dammed at Eagle Nest Dam. Eagle Nest Lake State Park is on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in the high-mountain landscape of Moreno Valley and offers views of Wheeler Peak. Here, the history of the lake and its creation meets the mountain scenery of the area.
Compare Trails by Length
The Lake View Trail runs for 0.41 miles from the park visitor center to the town of Eagle Nest, and for 1.17 miles from Eagle Nest to the Moreno Day Use Area. The Eagle Nest Lake Multi-Use Trail runs for 5 miles from the campground to the Cieneguilla Day Use Area. The difference is clear when comparing trail lengths: each of the two Lake View Trail sections mentioned is shorter than the Multi-Use Trail’s five miles.
The endpoints also help with orientation: one shorter route leads to the town of Eagle Nest, the other to the Moreno Day Use Area; the longer trail connects the campground with the Cieneguilla Day Use Area. The lengths and destinations give you concrete points of reference for incorporating these routes into your plans.
The Town’s Name and Hotel History
Eagle Nest was formerly known as Therma and adopted its current name after the Eagle Nest Lake Dam was completed. The dam is also part of the lake’s history: its impoundment of the Cimarron River created the artificial reservoir in 1918.
Another aspect of local history is the El Monte Hotel, built in the 1890s. The name El Monte was later changed to Laguna Vista Lodge. The dining room of Laguna Vista Lodge was once the lobby of the El Monte Hotel. The town’s name, the dam, and the hotel history offer different ways to place Eagle Nest in its historical context.
Museums, Tours and Local History
Eagle Nest’s local history includes gunslingers, ghost towns, and gold mining. The Gateway Museum is part of the Eagle Nest Visitor Center and features exhibits about gold panning and early railroads. As exhibits may change, check what is currently on display before your visit.
A museum program licensed by the State of New Mexico is titled “Water In the Southwest/Eagle Nest Dam Tour.” If you’re planning to take this tour, check its current availability in advance.
Eagle Nest also has a self-guided “Walking Tour.” It often reveals tracks left by elk, deer, bears, and mountain lions; coyotes can be heard. The tour combines a walk through town with signs of local wildlife and the tracks and sounds you may notice there.
The Enchanted Circle and Surrounding Area
The Enchanted Circle is an 85-mile US Forest Scenic Byway connecting Taos and Questa with the resort towns of Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire. This places Eagle Nest within the context of this regional route.
Nearby, outside Eagle Nest, is the family-owned Comanche Creek Brewing Company, a small brewery. It makes craft beers, adding a regional brewing connection to the area’s nature and history.
Discover more destinations: Raton, Springer, Angel Fire.
Go to the main travel overview: Colfax.
