If you are looking for your next getaway, plan a trip to this mountain town in the Southwest! Angel Fire sits at 8,406' elevation with a summit elevation of 10,677' at the resort. This gem has an abundance of outdoor recreation, cultural cuisine, and endless fuel for your next adventure! Within 30 minutes of every direction, you will find treasures like hiking trails to the tallest peak of New Mexico and a mecca of stucco architecture leading to the artsy town of Taos. Add these 8 items to your Angel Fire Bucket List. #1 Stop by the Visitor CenterWhen our family passed the Angel Fire sign for the first time, we didn't know where to begin. With the Angel Fire Visitor Center nestled right beside the local grocery store, we were able to pop in and have all of our questions answered by a very friendly face. There are brochures offered on local events and things to do from Taos to Albuquerque. There is a plethora of info on hiking, biking, skiing, and real estate right in the Moreno Valley so no need to venture too far off from town if you're looking to get cozy. #2 Hike Oeste Vista LoopIf you are looking for a casual walk in the woods, consider checking out the Angel Fire Greenbelt Trail. Otherwise, if it is a burning in your thighs you seek with stellar views of the Wheeler Peak wilderness- do the Oeste Vista Long Loop. You will arrive at an intersection for Short Loop or Long Loop, I suggest the Long Loop. It is a great 2.5 mile hike to burn off that pizza from dinner. Bring the kiddos along in a backpack or a rough terrain trailer like this one and the dogs, too! #3 Check out AF Ski Resort for biking/skiingDepending on what season you plan your visit, make sure to bring your favorite outdoor gear and hit up Angel Fire Ski Resort! Angel Fire boasts some of the country's best mountain biking terrain with flow, technical singletrack, and clean jumps! And if it's the snow you're after, well they've already received 54% of the snow compared to last season with 34" and counting! #4 Learn How to Throw a TomahawkStop by the Gateway Museum/ Trading Post in Eagle Nest. Ask for Lisa and prepare to spend a relaxing afternoon learning how to chuck a tomahawk into wood posts. She is a wonderful teacher and makes safety a priority by first teaching you how to properly carry the wooden ax. Children of a reasonable age are invited to participate also! #5 Drive the Enchanted CircleTake a scenic drive along the 83-mile loop that circles the highest point of New Mexico- Wheeler Peak. There are plenty of hikes, breweries, and museums that branch off of the scenic byway. So take it easy by the seat of your pants, or get out and explore the local culture of the southwest! #6 Buzz around the Farmer's MarketIf you plan a visit during spring or summer, make sure to reserve a Sunday morning for the local farmer's market between the visitor center and Lowe's Market at Frontier Park. And eat a small breakfast, because you have to try the fresh produce from local farmers and a green chile cheeseburger is a MUST for lunch! You can get a whole bag of fresh green chiles while you're there and freeze them. If you like them as much as our family, you'll be dousing them in chili, stew, burgers, and pretty much everything you eat for the rest of the season. #7 Observe the Local WildlifeViews like this are not uncommon in the Moreno Valley. Families of deer and gangs of elk roam the woods they call home, too. Elk are seen often grazing in the golf course and nearby woods in the early morning and late evenings. Doe and their young can be seen cuddling for warmth and playing in the afternoon. Other wildlife like black bears, coyotes, and mountain lions live in these mountains but do not come out as often. That doesn't mean you won't see them! #8 Picnic in Cimarron CanyonTake a hike to Clear Creek Falls in Cimarron Canyon State Park, 15 minutes from Eagle Nest. Pack a light lunch and picnic on top of the first waterfall. The trail is dog-friendly and [easy to moderate] with a slight climb in elevation. You can climb down a trail to the bottom of the waterfall and let the dogs or kids splash around. The hike is 2.5 miles but can be made as long or short as you like. Great for families and beginners! With or without a plan, your family will not be short of fun things to do in the Moreno Valley. Angel Fire is as unique as the name itself and full of surprises- the good kind.
2 Comments
Gayle Glatz
11/26/2018 03:38:22 pm
What a beautiful slice of heaven! Will need to check it out
Reply
D&D
11/26/2018 06:27:33 pm
It absolutely is, Gayle! You have a place to stay if you come for a visit :)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Dogs & Diapers-Family Travel Categories
All
Archives
April 2019
|