R. Doug Wicker — Author

Enchanted Circle Fall Foliage panorama

After our relaxing night in Red River at the charming Riverside Lodge & Cabins, we took off into the heart of the Carson National Forest and our New Mexico fall foliage journey.  One does not need to trek into the forest to witness explosions of color.  Fall foliage here will great you right along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.

Splashes of color along the Enchanted Circle Byway

Most of the trees here in Carson are pine and fir, but hidden among these perpetually green conifers are deciduous trees covertly waiting for fall — mostly American aspen and gambel oak.  The color changes start out subtly, with dots of lighter greens and splashes of gold amongst a sea of forest green.

Enchanted Circle Fall Foliage

And then the colors cascade into hues of bright orange.

Aspen colors

Both palettes provide ample opportunities for stunning imagery, so be prepared to make many stops along the way to compose and enjoy, from light greens and yellows:

Enchanted Circle Fall Foliage

To bold pillars of orange standing alone in a field surrounded by firs:

Lone aspen

These color palettes are strikingly different from the red-dominated hues in New England, but no less impressive:

Enchanted Circle Fall Foliage