DININGOUTREDRIVERSTYLE A LITTLE MOUNTAIN TOWN For a tiny mountain resort town, Red River has a Old Tymer’s Cafe - A variety of diner fare, including great selection of restaurants, diners, cafes, delis and pizza and Mexican. Open for breakfast, lunch, and din‐ bistros with something to satisfy everyone’s taste and ner, but hours vary. budget. Most restaurants offer kids’ menus and beer Pit Stop - “FunFood”-Friedpickles,friedoreos,fried and wine. Remember casual dress is always appropri‐ Snickers, funnel cakes, tater twist, frito pie. ate in Red River venues. Red River Brewing Co. - Open daily for lunch and Anchovies Pizzería - Now located at Jacks and Sixes dinner. Appetizer menu, sandwiches, salads and burg‐ and High St., they offer homemade breads - focaccia, ers,withaspecialmenuduringdinnerhours.Craftbeer, Italian, French herb - and specialize in thin crust piz‐ wine and distilled spirits made onsite. zas, including several specialty pizzas. Shotgun Willie’s - Close to the main chairlift, known Brett’s Bistro - Casual-elegant, fast and fine cui‐ for their breakfasts. Sandwiches, BBQ, burgers, Mexi‐ sine. Steaks, pasta, trout, seafood, lamb... take-out can food, wraps, salads. catering offered, as well. Open daily in the Lifts Steam Coffee - Specialty coffees, frappés, tea, West building serving lunch and dinner. Daily spe‐ smoothies, protein shakes, soups, salads, muffins, cials. Beer and wine. quiche, bagels, pastries ... Bull O’ The Woods Saloon - Food menu is served Sundance Mexican Restaurant - Tucked away on from 11:30 am to closing daily. They offer burgers, HighStreet,withacozyatmosphere,theyhaveavari‐ sandwiches, tacos, wings, appetizers and lots of spe‐ etyofMexicanfareandsteaks,killerwineMargaritas cials. Full bar. The summer of 2020 marks the 125th birthday of the timelines and what the summer has in store. For in‐ and beer. Capo’s Corner - Italian dining at its finest. With a town of Red River, a time to celebrate this wondrous stance, when it comes to the special events that have T-Bucks - Breakfast, donuts and soft serve ice cream. viewoftheskihillandriverrushingbythebackdeck, place which the locals delight in sharing with you. become a trademark of our town, a wait-and-see atti‐ Typical American fare with a few twists. Open morn‐ you can sit outside and enjoy delicious pizzas and In addition to this magazine you’re reading, which is tude will be SOP. Some of the events have already been ings, lunch on weekends. Patio dining available. made possible by the very special businesses whose ads canceled, while others... pastas with friends in this family-oriented restaurant. appear on these pages, the Miner had plans to produce May I recommend a phone call or a visit to a Town Beer and wine. Texas Reds - A Red River tradition with tasty steaks andchopsandarusticatmosphere,includingpeanut a birthday publication with lots of historic photos and website or the Miner Facebook page for a current read. Dairy Bar - Ice cream, malts and shakes, burgers, shells on the floor. Great acoustic music from the ad‐ stories in time for Red River’s July 3 birthday. Don’t call asking what it will be like in 2,3 or 4 months. fries, wraps, Mexican, salads, sandwiches and plenty of jacent Lost Love Saloon. Open daily. Full bar. Prior to February 2020, I had never in all my life One thing for sure: there will be a cool summer and specials. Casual family dining and a pet-friendly patio. heard the term “social distancing.” A friend asked me a beautiful fall in the mountains. Open daily. The Tip Restaurant - At the very tip top of the ski “Shouldn’t it be called “anti-social distancing?” Maybe. Stay safe, enjoy. (Fritz Davis, Editor) mountain, you will find a little burger shack with The Grill at the Lift House- Overlooking The Face of In the words of an old Bob Wills song: “Time snacks and beverages galore, just as you step off the the ski mountain, the deck offers a spectacular view and changes everything.” chairlift. Best view in town from the outdoor deck. En‐ casual indoor dining as well. It offers burgers, upscale As a result of the current situation that confronts us RED RIVER SUMMER /FALL joy a cold beer and watch the wildlife. bar food, wings, soups and salads. Full bar. across our great land, theMiner has scaled down our MAGAZINE The Way Coffeé - Awarmandcozygatheringplace in grand anniversary intentions, yet somehow we want to Published by the Red River Miner ©2020 Koffee House - Located in Wild Bill’s on W. Main the Lifts West with comfortable seating, specialty coffee keep the spirit of the frontier days on display for all to Owners: Kerry Shepherd & Fritz Davis Koffee House offers specialty teas and coffee drinks, enjoy. There is a 4-page section in this magazine about and soft drinks, pastries. Editor - Fritz DavisDesign - Kerry Shepherd delicious pastries and sandwiches. the town from the early days to the modern era. Some Yesterday’s Diner - Step back in time to Happy Photographer - Todd Michael Major Bean Coffee & Sandwich Co. - Open daily of the other articles also have a bit of historical per‐ Days. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner items named after Cover - Goose Lake in Moonlight 7 am. They offer a variety of appetizers, gourmet sal‐ spective. As a history buff in love with Red River’s col‐ TV series. Mexican and diner food, desserts. Beer ads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, paninis and entrees orful past and present... well, that’s just the way I’ve P.O. Box 735 • Red River NM 87558 and wine. with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Specialty written this magazine. No apology. 575-770-2231/779-7192 coffee drinks to accompany the yummy pastries. Note: COVID-19 restrictions may be in effect limiting As of press time, the Miner, the town of Red River redrivernewmexico.com redriverminer.com [email protected] Wine and beer. restaurants to carry-out or delivery.Call ahead for info. and many of you are in the same boat, unsure about HAPPY125TH B-DAYREDRIVER!
When a young frontiersman named Kit Carson first the frenzy. Land speculators made truth a rare com‐ saw the area in the early 1830s, he is said to have re‐ modity indeed. marked that he’d never seen so many beaver in his life. Red River was a tale of two cities. A swamp lay in the The beaver and the ponds were gone by 1895 but the middle of town, remnants of the beaver ponds that once soil that remained was rich, perfect for growing crops. filled the valley. A business community with Victorian In spring of ‘95, a family of farmers from San Luis in architecture typical of gold camps developed east on southern Colorado had spent the previous winter both sides of Bitter Creek. At the other end of the swamp camped in the high country valley of the Sangre de was a colony of cabins at the mouth of Mallette Canyon. Cristo mountains. They settled on the banks of the Rio By 1897, population estimates ranged from 1,500 Colorado – Spanish for “colored” or “red” river, – in (The Pueblo Chieftain Colorado newspaper) to 3,000, the New Mexico Territory. The Mallette family mi‐ a boomer’s estimate by the Red River Mining News, grated years before from New York and Ohio, seeking one of three papers in town. Like most western gold a good life in the American West. They found it. camps of the times, however, the hopes and dreams of It was not agriculture or beaver pelts, however, that hard rock miners were desperate longings for success. brought people streaming into the remote valley in The dreamers moved on, some to the Klondike, leaving that spring of ‘95. As early as 1870, miners from nearby cabins and contents behind. Elizabethtown in the Moreno Valley came looking for As early as 1905, Albuquerque papers and maga‐ any trace of “color” in the streams and along the river zines began referring to Red River as a trout fishing bank. Their efforts were futile, but 25 years later new paradise and an escape to a cool climate from the sum‐ exploration found promising results. By summer of mer heat. Anglers and vacationers came, renting aban‐ ‘95, the little valley was buzzing with rainbow chasers doned miner cabins and horses for a ride to spectacu‐ seeking a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. lar sightseeing vistas. In addition to rumors of “promising assays” and Red River City embraced a new way to survive, pro‐ “new finds,” articles in Western newspapers about rail‐ viding hospitality and summer recreation to flatland roads reported to be headed to the gold camp fueled and desert visitors . The future was already in progress. RED RIVER CITY - STILL ALIVE IN THESE CHANGING TIMES
The Red River Good Roads Association was orga‐ memorable tours on horseback. The Lewis family The 1950s, 60s and 70s were a grand time in the val‐ Oldbuildingsweredemolishedandmodernstructures nized in May of 1914 to petition the US Forest Ser‐ bought a ranch on the river west of town and built ley. A big pay-to-fish trout lake was built near the Play‐ of brick and steel appeared. Souvenir/gift shops, new vice for a new pass road. The Bobcat Pass road from cabins. The Riverside Lodge was on the east edge of house. A multi-level structure called Terrace Towers clothing stores and an indoor swimming pool were excit‐ the Moreno Valley most likely started as a deer path the swamp built cabins, as was Rio Colorado Lodge. Lodge sprang up where the road to Questa took a ma‐ ing. Condominiums, townhouses and lodges like the Ar‐ which was widened over time by freight wagons and Growth continued through the 1930s. Aban‐ jor turn. A souvenir store featuring the products of a rowhead, Edelweiss and Eisenhut were built within walk‐ buckboards. It was extremely steep, however, requir‐ doned cabins were purchased by “Summer Folks” Woodward, Oklahoma, western wear maker did brisk ing distance of the chair lift. The Claim Jumper A-frames ing wagons to tie a heavy log to the back to act as a who only spent the cool months in town. A Kansas business. Tourist shops and cafes popped up west of were directly across the street from the chair lift. brake. Sometimes that worked, sometimes it didn’t. coal miner built his wife a sandwich shop before the swamp. A short recession in ‘53 slowed commercial An old west “movie set,” complete with a bank rob‐ By 1915, the Good Roads citizens were effective. constructing a dance hall for himself and the local growth, but not for long. There was enough support in bery and shootout became a tourist attraction, as did a The Forest Service surveyed for the purpose of build‐ gamblers. The Monte Vista Lodge looked like a town that St. Edwin’s Catholic Church opened in ‘55, Texas steakhouse and a Mexican Restaurant. ing a new “modern” road. Named the Questa-Eliza‐ grand hunting lodge and had a dining room. The the first purpose-built church in Red River. There was excited talk of “A New Aspen ” as the ‘70s bethtown Road, work began in spring of 1915. It Black Mountain Playhouse was built as a dance hall An Oklahoma paint manufacturer built a movie the‐ came to an end. Townhouses were built and the ambi‐ would cost $17,000 and it opened in 1917. and Long John Dunn of Taos ran the gambling. Dan ater and the SEB Motel on the edge of the swamp near tious Lifts West condos opened in ‘79, adding a Main The road was a success, as autos filled with “Texi‐ Zehna’s Silver Spruce Tavern opened in 1939. the river, but it was only occupied in summer so he Street building with shops and a restaurant a year later, cans” and Sooners descended into the valley to es‐ A winter ski hill was built in Pioneer Canyon with built a ski area to attract winter guests. The doors of just in time for the Savings & Loan scandal that rocked cape the summer heat. While many old buildings the help of a Raton business group. It opened and the Red River Ski Area opened in 1959. He soon sold the country and the bottom fell out of the oil business. and cabins were left standing, new structures ap‐ closed on the same day – December 7, 1941. Soon the motel to a German couple, owners of an Alpine The ‘80s - ‘90s saw a slow recovery. Businesses did peared. The cabins of Grandview Camp were built in scrap drives for the war effort saw old mines stripped Lodge in Aspen. Businesses with a European ski flair changehandsandtherewasasmallhomebuildingboom. the 20s, as were those of the Oldham brothers’ Tall of metal. The 1942 opening of the Red River Com‐ were built. A tale of two cities continued – alpine vs. A forest fire caused evacuation of the town in 1996. Pine Lodge and the Young family ranch. munity House, though, provided a bright spot as a old west. By the New Millennium, things were poppin.’ An el‐ At the other end of town, on the edge of the place to worship and socialize for teetotalers and Skiing became “the thing.” A recreational tubing ementary charter school opened its doors and a Con‐ swamp, a hardware store at the mouth of Mallette bridge players. slope became Powder Puff Ski Area with the first snow‐ ference Center was built for conventions, reunions, Canyon became Three Canyon Camp owned by the “City” disappeared from the name as WWII making guns in the state. A new Main Street was built weddings and community functions. Live music, out‐ Cashion family. W.A. Johnson’s Pioneer Lodge be‐ ended and the post-war Baby Boom saw Red River through the swamp and a modern highway over Bobcat door shows, festivals and special events grew in popu‐ gan operating and had a stable to give visitors riding the winds of change for the next 40 years. Pass opened in 1965 (66?). larity. The year 2020 dawned with enthusiasm. . “FRONT STEP” RED RIVER STYLE HISTORIC LODGE GETS A FACELIFT She works each session by herself. Each portrait what’s going on with the Pioneer, but also serving the takes about five minutes and she’s doing them from property. What we’ve been doing is creating an experi‐ a safe distance, typically about 20 feet away. She ence which is as much a part of what the Pioneer Lodge sends a text message to the family when she arrives. is as much as what Red River is. They sit on the porch or steps, including the family “When you stay in the Pioneer Lodge you’re staying animals, for they have a very important place in the family dynamics. in a place that offers the coffee shop, that offers the She usually takes her truck which gives her a pond, and the amenities and features that any good, variety of levels for different heights and angles. quality lodge or hotel property should have.” “This is no ordinary town and these are no Speaking of the Lodge in general, Dietz says, “We ordinary people. These people are not my clients. have tried to maintain the historic aspects, but added These people are my friends and my neighbors. the things that visitors are used to when they are home Each and every one of them plays a role in keeping our town moving and growing. These are the faces so that they feel comfortable in Red River.” that will greet all of our visitors when they are Last year he focused on the interiors of the rooms. welcome to come to Red River again. He says the focus this summer is on the exteriors and “What we share in living here and working here the beautification of the property. “We did some of that is sacred. It certainly is to me. It actually got me a last year with the painting and exterior repairs on the little emotional when I was looking at them (the units, but now it’s more about vegetation, the landscap‐ portraits), seeing these families, these people. “We may be suffering right now, but we’re ing and the serenity of the property.” suffering together and we’re fighting to protect one The pond has been an issue. another and this place that’s so important and In the winter of 2019, Amarillo’s Matt Dietz pur‐ “Last year we tried to line it, but within a week, we significant to so many people.” chased the historic Pioneer Lodge in downtown Red broke seal and within two days, the pond drained. We River, acquiring the place just before the annual Red decided this summer to not have that issue again by Marisa Nimon (above) has been operating Living The River Mardi Gras in the Mountains celebration. putting in a polypropylene liner. Then we’ll getit DreamPhotographysincebuyingaRedRiverbusinesslicense in 2013. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she specializes in Built in the 1920s and operated for over 30 years by stocked as a fishing pond, an amenity for guests.” weddings, portraits and commercial photography. Dolly and W.A. Johnson, the property, which once in‐ Dietz has plans to add another pergola by the pond As of the first half of the year, however, she’s been cluded a stables for horseback tours, consisted of 18 which will have a view of both the pond and The Face. documenting her friends and neighbors and the sense of cabins which have served for years as monthly rentals “We’ve done a lot, but we still have a lot to do!” community that’s developed from staying at home. for locals, a roomy house which also contained an “When things started to shut down, I noticed on office, a small trout fishing pond and a railroad caboose Instagram that some of the photographers that I was following – one in particular – were doing something called on Main Street. The place was “a great buy” but was, to #The Front Step Project in Albuquerque. I thought about put it mildly, in need of some renovation. it, then someone brought it up to me, then someone else. I Dietz was up for the task. The owner of Rebuilders thought ‘I’ll do this in my community.’ Amarillo, rebuilding and refurbishing is his line of “I was a bit concerned that someone would say, ‘That’s work. After an initial cleanup of the property the work not essential.’ My business is not essential, but I’m not began. As of summer 2020, eight cabins for nightly running my business at the moment. I’m not taking any money for these portraits. I’m doing this simply to lift up rental have been renovated, as has the house. He’s my community.” working on restoring the pond which has become an She is taking pictures of her friends and neighbors. interesting challenge, but has been focused on trans‐ By the response, her project of documenting the families forming the caboose into the Steam Coffee and Tea Co. and individuals who are sharing this unusual time with That included the addition of a pergola – an outdoor, Marisa is proving to be a positive community adventure, shaded seating area with a great view of The Face of the good for the spirits of all concerned. She is posting the pictures on her Living The Dream Facebook site. These ski area. folks in the pictures ARE Red River. “The big focus has been putting the coffee shopin “I usually work by myself but lately I’ve been with my and getting it to the place that it runs as a legitimate family at home all the time. It’s been different.” business to serve the community separately from IT’SALLABOUTTHEMUSIC! FUN STUFF TO DO? WELL, YEAH! Red River streets, but not on Main Street. Since Main is also NM Highway 38, the NM Department of Trans‐ portation currently restricts highway travel. Single seater ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles), which are allowed on forest roads, are not allowed on any Red River streets. Trailer them to and from the trail heads. The Community House will have a lighter schedule of activities this summer, but there is always something going on in the Big Log Cabin on Main Street. Thenamesaysit:RedRiverSki&SummerArea. Check out the Scenic Summer Chairlift, Summer Mountain Tub‐ ing, the amazing Hidden Treasure Aerial Park, Pioneer Flyer seated Zip Line, Mountain Top Disc Golf and the popularHikeWithARanger. Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures is located... on top of Bobcat Pass. Providing Western hospitality and aspecialexperiencefor29years,theyoffer horseback tours, off-road adventure, backpacking and outfitters’ servicesandguidedhuntsinseason. Theyarealsothe Music is a regular summer feature at the Motherlode, but Steve came to enjoy the music and the Lode be‐ It’s not uncommon to hear a newcomer to town ask home of Cowboy Evenings, with great food and ex‐ Lost Love Saloon, Rockin’ 3M Ranch, Bobcat Pass Cow‐ came “the place!” “What is there to do in Red River?” Look through the cellent entertainment, creating memories to last a boy Evening, Bull O’ The Woods Saloon, Red River Brew‐ Over the years the stage at the ‘Lode has seen world pages of this magazine at the ads and articles and see lifetime! ing Co. & Distillery, The Tip at the Red River Ski Area and renowned acts plying their trade: Leon Russell, Del‐ what looks interesting and enjoyable. special events around town. As is always the case with spe‐ bert McClinton, Brooks & Dunn, Asleep At The Brandenburg Park, Mallette Park, Woerndle Park, P.S. Social Distancing will be with us for awhile – in the Mountain Bark Park and the Ball Park are free to cial events and musical productions in Red River, call Wheel, and Michael Martin Murphey to name a few. town and in the Carson Forest. ahead before coming. While that may be a bit difficult this Besides enjoyment, there is something else that 45 the public. Ask a local for directions. summer with things changing slowly/quickly without no‐ years of music has given Steve: Stories. (Don’t ask him Thereareoldlumberroadsanddeertrailsthathavebe‐ tice, doing your homework is highly recommended. Call! if Neil Young really spent 2 weeks “sleeping” under the come widened by human use. Mountain bikes are a great pool table or if Joe Ely had a guitar pull on the front way to see the sights. Pioneer Canyon and the Old Pass When Steve Heglund moved from his hometown of porch until sunrise.) are long-time favorites for both serious and casual riders. Albuquerque to Red River in 1974 to be a partner in Steve recently recalled the first time in 1978 when The Lodge at Red River, he was not a big fan of “coun‐ Horses have been a part of the Red River Valley long he met Michael Murphey - the middle name Martin try” music. When the partners bought the D-Bar-D Sa‐ before there was a town. Native people, Spanish was added later. An act canceled just hours before loon next door and changed the name to the Mother‐ settlers and early frontiersmen traveled and hunted showtime and Murph replaced him at the last minute. lode in 1975, he got a crash course in a musical evolu‐ themountains,meadowsandvalleysonhorseback.Be Heglund describes the show that night as “magic!” tion – a cross between , folk, country and rock & roll. it work or pleasure, the equine heritage is still very Michael Martin Murphey and Heglund are still work‐ Across the street from the Lodge was a coffee house/ much alive. Guided tours and pack trips are available. ing together. For the past eight years they’ve been en‐ pizza joint where three young folk singers entertained Bring your own horse. They’re welcome too! tertaining people at the Rockin’ 3M, formerly the Bitter packed houses. Three Faces West played their folk/ Surplus military Jeeps first appeared in the moun‐ Creek Guest Ranch located up Bitter Creek Road. country/rock tunes and welcomed friends from the tains after World War II and became a popular way to Success breeds success. It seemed like a natural step Dallas/Austin music scene like Steve Fromholtz, haul people to a high country adventure and some for Steve to get into the festival business a few years Michael Murphey, Rusty Weir and Willis Allan Ramsey spectacular scenery. Guided tours are available in Red ago. As of 2020, plans include a “big stage” outdoor to hop on the small stage and perform a style of music River, as are 4-wheel drive rentals. festival and cook-off in the park and a Folk Festival that would be labeled Progressive Country or Country during Aspencade. Call ahead – it’s going to be an in‐ ROVs (Recreational Off-road Vehicles), also known Pop. By ‘75, the coffee house venue was winding down, teresting summer. as side-by-sides, are currently allowed to operate on ANGLING FOR THE CUTTHROAT IT’S THE RIVER AND THE LAND
On a map dated to 1700, it is called El Río del Norte of Taos and is a spectacular feature of the Taos It was fishing – and cool summer weather – that offerahikingcomponentaswellasanangler’schallenge. y de Nuevo México: The river of northern New Mexico. Plateau. It is definitely on the must-see list for visitors transformed Red River City from an abandoned mining If it’s open, nearby Eagle Nest Lake State Park in the For western movie lovers, it is best known as Rio to the area, offering a breathtaking glimpse of the camp into a destination for eager anglers and refugees Moreno Valley is known not only for a variety of trout, Bravo and the historic and ancient river is the stuff of great natural upheaval that created this area over 29 from the heat of desert and plains. The chilly waters of but also kokanee salmon, sunfish and northern pike. legendary tales of life and romance in the Great South‐ millionyearsago. babbling mountain streams and high country lakes are There are four species of trout to be found in theRed west. It is one of the most famous rivers on the planet. The Gorge is 800 feet deep, around 650’ near the still today as inviting for sportsman and diners. River and tributaries that drain into the Rio Grande. It is also a very spiritual river, the center of the great Gorge Bridge, which spans 1280 feet and is the cross‐ If you want to fish in New Mexico, you are required Rainbow trout are easy to identify by their colorful native cultures that dot the landscape of the Land of ing point for US Highway 64. The bridge opened in to have a current NM fishing license. If you live out of th sides. German Browns were introduced into New Mex‐ Enchantment, as well as the farms, villages and towns fall of 1965 and is the 10 highest structure of its state these can be obtained online at https://online‐ ico waters in the early 1900s. Brook trout are plentiful built by Spanish settlers. For many generations it has kind. sales.wildlife.state.nm.us. If you have a problem com‐ and are surface feeders and like to hit tied flies. been the stream of life, providing precious water in a In addition to motorized traffic, the bridge has side‐ pleting the process, call 1-888-248-6866 during nor‐ land where drought and desert are daily realities. walks on each side for pedestrians and observation mal business hours for assistance. It’s Official: The Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout has With the headwaters in the San Juan Mountains of platforms in the center make great places to take dra‐ The Red River area has a variety of fishing experi‐ been designated as New Mexico’s State Fish and for Southern Colorado, the river travels nearly 1,900 miles matic photos of the river below. ences to offer, from the community ponds by the ski good reason. This handsome fish which is native to the through New Mexico and serves as the border between area to the river that runs through the heart of town waters of the Land of Enchantment is exciting to catch, The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument isan the state of Texas and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, and the classic mountain streams running cold and an aggressive feeder that has been known to hit almost approximately 242,555-acre area of public lands in Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas before empti‐ clean from the high country. anything, from lures to spinners and flies. They will Taos County, and was proclaimed as a national monu‐ ing into the Gulf of Mexico near Brownsville Texas, In addition to the stocking program conducted by the give you a fight. ment on March 25, 2013 by President Barack Obama and nearby Heróica Matamoros. state of New Mexico, the town of Red River also stocks They’re named for the bright red slash mark under under the provisions of the Antiquities Act. Designated by the United States Environmental heavily during summer months, not only in the river but the jaw (cutthroat). Their spots are mostly near the tail. It’s the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Manage‐ Protection Agency as an American Heritage River in in the two community ponds which are reserved for fish‐ They can also be identified by the presence of small ment (BLM) which cares for 13.5 million acres of pub‐ 1997, it is the fourth longest river system in the conti‐ ing. There are a few lodges in town that have private, teeth behind the base of the tongue. Cutthroats are lic lands in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. nental United States. stockedpondswhichareavailableonlytotheircustomers. often found in stream fed lakes and tributaries and the They also oversee 42 million acres of federal oil, natu‐ The Rio Grande Gorge is a landmark in northern There are also high country trout lakes like Goose young ones enjoy hiding among fallen trees, rocks and ral gas, and minerals for the use and enjoyment of New Mexico, located just north and west of the town Lake, Middle Fork, Cabresto Lake and Lost Lake that other structures. present and future generations. HIKING THE HIGH COUNTRY OUR FOREST IS VERY PRECIOUS Hiking in the high country of Northern New Mexico is fun and rewarding, offering adventure and also the discovery of a grand and natural world. It frequently provides treasured memories that endure for a lifetime. Around the Red River area are several hiking trails that have been delighting generations of visitors. Some are for people who just want to go for a nice walk in a beautiful setting, while others are for serious and expe‐ rienced hikers. For example, the Red River Nature Trail runs along the west side of the river. It begins at the Platinum Ski Lift at the Red River Ski & Summer Area and runs ap‐ proximately 3 miles, exiting at Goose Lake Road. There are a few challenges which can be tricky, but the trail offers fun for all ages. It is easily accessible by several bridges in town. One great hike begins at The Tip Restaurant at the top of the Platinum Chair Lift at the Red River Ski & Summer Area. Walk With A Ranger is a tour of the area with a knowledgeable guide who will explain the flora The Carson National Forest that surrounds the town tors and locals alike. Some of the finest mountain and fauna, as well as historical and geological features in of Red River is one of five National forests located in scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million the area – an enjoyable and unique hiking experience. New Mexico. Under the supervision of the United acres covered by the Carson forest, which extends west If you’re looking for something more challenging, States Forest Service, an agency of the Department of to the setting sun. Goose Creek Trail is easily accessible from Highway Agriculture, the National forests are plain and simple Forest management by the Federal government be‐ 578, the road to the Upper Valley. Two miles up the America’s Great Outdoors, with the purpose of serving gan in 1876, only one hundred years after the Declara‐ highway is a parking area near Aspen Park. Cross the the American people at work and play. Forest Service's tion of Independence was signed. During the final year bridge, turn sharp left and the trail begins. It has sev‐ "mixed use" policy allows for it to be utilized for recre‐ of the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, Congress created eral water crossings of Goose Creek and can be tricky. ation, grazing, and resource extraction. the office of Special Agent in the U.S. Department of The Wheeler Peak Summit Trail will take you to the With 1.5 million acres which extends from the Front Agriculture. Their job was to assess the quality and top of the tallest peak in New Mexico. It’s a long and up‐ Range to near Bloomfield NM, elevations in the Car‐ conditions of forests throughout the United States. hill walk so be prepared for a long day. son rise from 6,000 to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the In 1881 the Department expanded the office into and always, ALWAYS carry rain gear. Pay attention to highest in New Mexico Always be prepared. Preparation and consideration wind changes and watch the sky for storms. Mountain the Division of Forestry. A decade later Congress The Carson National Forest offers unlimited recre‐ are required. It can save your life and those around you. weather can change rapidly. In case of lightning, seek passed the Forest Reserve Act of 1891 authorizing the ational opportunities in any season. The magnificent Good maps are available at local shops, the Visitor immediate cover if possible. President to designate public lands in the West into mountainsceneryandcoolsummertemperatureslureva‐ Center in the Conference Center and from the Forest A quick word about hypothermia. Often referred to what were then called “forest reserves.” Responsibility cationers to enjoy the peace and quiet, for fishing, hunt‐ Services. A compass and a good pocket knife are a as “freezing to death,”it does occur during the summer for these reserves fell under the Department of the In‐ ing, camping and hiking. Winter activities include skiing, must. Also tell someone where you are going. in the mountains. Hypothermia is caused by the lower‐ terior until 1905 when President Theodore Roosevelt snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Some recreation areas Fuel the Furnace. Four sandwiches and a six-pack of ing of the temperature of the human body’s inner core. transferred their care to the Department of Agricul‐ haveundergonenewandexcitingrenovationstomakethe beer are not recommended for a successful hike. Hydrate The body temp decreasing even a few degrees is a prob‐ ture’s new U.S. Forest Service. National Forest lands accessible to all. Plans are being im‐ andeatcarbsandproteinbeforeyoustartsoyourbodyhas lem. The first symptom is shivering. Other symptoms President William McKinley appointed Gifford Pin‐ plemented to make additional recreation areas accessible. something to burn. Always carry twice as much water as include lack of coordination and fatigue. Stabilize the chot, mentored by Sierra Club founder John Muir, as Named after legendary frontiersman Christopher youthinkyouwillneedandhighenergysnacksareamust. person by warming them and give room temperature the head of the Division of Forestry in 1898. Pinchot “Kit” Carson who called Northern New Mexico home Cutoffs, T-shirts and flip-flops are not a good fash‐ liquids. Then turn around and go back down the moun‐ became the first Forest Service chief. (Courtesy U.S. from 1843 until 1868, the Carson has delighted visi‐ ion choice. Dress in layers, take an extra pair of clothes tain. Seek help when you get to town. Forest Service) ICAMEFORTHEWILDERNESS A TEST OF YOUR CRITTER SAVVY
The Carson National Forest contains five (5) wilder‐ growth in the higher elevations. Although bighorns ness areas which offer 86,193 acres of pure nature. are native to the area, the local population was re- Wilderness areas are land set aside as part of wild introduced to the area in 1993. Other local avian America, where man can be a visitor, not an intruder. fauna include many common rocky mountain The natural environment hasn’t been disturbed and species such as magpies, Canada jays, chickadees travel is restricted to foot or horseback. and woodpeckers. First designated as the Wheeler Peak Wild Area in The Columbine-Hondo Wilderness is 44,698-acres 1960, Wheeler Peak Wilderness was established in located within easy access to Red River. The area is the 1964. Today it includes almost 20,000 acres of wild and newest Wilderness area of the five in the Carson, added wonderful forest. to the National Wilderness Preservation System on De‐ A plaque at the summit explains that the mountain cember 19, 2014. It is a tribute to the dedication and was named to honor Major George Montague Wheeler hard work of the people who saw the need for this won‐ (1842–1905), who for ten years led a party of surveyors drous place to be protected. and naturalists collecting geologic, biologic, planimet‐ Latir Peak is a 20,506-acre wilderness area located ric and topographic data in New Mexico and six other within the Carson National Forest in northern New southwestern states. Mexico. It was designated in 1980 as alpine tundra. Elevations in the Wilderness area range from a low of 7,650 feet to above timberline for a height of 13,161 Cruces Basin is a 18,876-acre wilderness area lo‐ feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the state. For‐ cated within the Carson National Forest in New Mexico merly named Taos Peak, after the town of Taos, it was just south of the Colorado border. renamed Wheeler Peak in 1950. The Pecos Wilderness lies within the Camino Real Wildlife is abundant. Marmots, pikas, bighorn Ranger District of the Carson National Forest, and the sheep, and golden eagles are year-round residents. Pecos Ranger District and Española Ranger District of Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer dwell in the area the Santa Fe National Forest. It is 223,667 acres (350 during the summer season, feeding on new aspen square miles), the largest wilderness in the state. PACK IT IN AND PACK IT OUT
RESPECT FOR THE LAND CAMPFIRES Thousands and thousands of visitors flock to the Be sure and check with the Forest Service regarding Carson Forest every summer for the cool summer cli‐ any fire restrictions that may be in effect. Campfires mate and they have a tremendous impact on the land. should be built only when absolutely necessary and for It’s the responsibility of hikers and campers to mini‐ cooking purposes. mize the human impact, to travel softly, leaving no trace The least damaging campfire is the pit. Remove all of a visit so that future generations can enjoy the moun‐ burnable materials from a circle and dig a shallow pit tains we all love. keeping the sod there to replace later. Take the responsibility seriously. Use only fallen timber for firewood. Do not cut trees. Here are some simple and handy camping tips which Put the fire completely out. Drown it, cover the ashes can help you enjoy your time in the forest and have a with dirt and replace the sod. memorable experience. Quality time with Mother Na‐ Return the area to its former state and before leaving ture is getting more and more rare in the modern world. scatter fire pit rocks and pick up trash. Remember that being a good neighbor includes not PACK IT IN - PACK IT OUT! only respect for the land, but also for those who will be next to enjoy the camping experience. Bring trash bags to carry out all trash that can’t be completely burned like aluminum foil, aluminum lined SETTING UP YOUR CAMP packages, egg shells and orange peels. Where possible, use sites that already exist. Set up Cigarette butts, pull tabs and gum wrappers are camp away from the trail in low-traffic areas to lessen the worst type of pollution because of their size. impact on vegetation. Avoid camping in meadows. Please don’t overlook them when cleaning your Camp 300’ from springs, streams and lakes. Human campsite. waste should especially stay far from water. Never bury your trash. Animals will dig it up and spread it through the bushes and among the trees. Don’t cut live limbs or brush. Please pick up trash left by others.