Great 4x4 trail that leads up to a Beautiful mountain lake,great views. You can also hike up, its 2…read moremiles each way.If you don't have a 4x4 you can rent a jeep.The town of red river is small and also has a small ski slope for all you Texans..Not to far from anglefire and eaglesnest,taos. Theres a lot of 4x4 trails that will bring you right by old mining sites. About a 5 hour drive from Albuquerque.

Just hiked this trail today and its one of our favorites. The meadows along the way are just…read morebeautiful! You follow a stream most of the way up so it is wet with lots of vegetation so you might want to wear long pants. A few short steep sections but a great trail. The locals sometimes call this old bones trail so plan to be off the trail by 4:00 since there are mountain lions and you will sometimes see bones along the trail. There are a couple of river crossings that are a tad dicey but nothing too terrible. Take an extra pair of socks if you don't like to hike in wet ones in case you fall in.

I would rate it 0 . the gentleman that drive the side by sides , are rude as hell and I wouldn't…read morecome to this place . they handle stuff very poorly

So beautiful and peaceful! Very nice spot! We didn't catch any fish from the shore and most we saw…read morewere pretty small, however still a beautiful and relaxing experience

Pretty little lake. Great for kayaking or paddle boarding. Fission is not bad here either but it's…read moreincredibly expensive. $25 per day per person.

Great little lake with options for pedal boats, SUP boards, canoes, and kayaks with low prices…read more Wonderful area for fishing as well. We had the chance to take the SUP boards for a ride while the other half of the family were able to catch 3 beautiful 16" long rainbow trout. A family of deer came up to us and explored the lake during our time there. Steve at the office was just a ray of joy. We felt like he was part of our family during my brother's birthday trip. I hadn't been on a lake fishing since I was a kid; this experience brought back that nostalgia and I couldn't ask for more. Will definitely make the trip from Albuquerque here again :)

Beautiful place. Cold nights year round. Nightly Frost expected even in the warmest months of summerread more

We came up here and seen the established campgrounds had already been occupied and I really wasn't…read moreinterested in camping with neighbors. We drove a little ways in and sought at a clear space, slight slope, off of a dirt road. We walked in and foraged our spot. I definitely liked what we had found and carved out as our own. We stayed here one night unfortunately, I personally would have rather we stayed another few night but the husband likes to camp lakeside and the only place to do that really is at the west neighboring el vado/heron lake. We made wonderful memories here. I would definitely come back

You just can't imagine how fantastic this place. The setting is in the Vermejo valley in Northern…read moreNew Mexico surrounded by mountains many which are still snow capped in June! After sitting on the veranda in the cool evening crisp clean mountain air we enjoyed the majestic view while having a few cocktails and reviewing the days adventures. This evenings menu had gourmet entrees that are first class. Our group had: Piñon Crusted Trout Pan seared Bison Tenderloin Grilled Ranchero Beef Ribeye Country Fried Quail Knots Seared Sea Scallops Friends listen this food was unbelievable. The chef knows his business. Any if nothing on the menu feels right, then ask the Chef for an off the menu item....like a gourmet cheese burger. They aim to please. The wait staff couldn't have been more accommodating or friendly. They had no problem with substitutions or asking for extra. They know how to make customers happy. Put a visit to Vermejo Park Ranch on your bucket list. Truly you will not be disappointed.

Vermejo Park Ranch has a history that has been sustained in its current usage. In 1841, it was a…read moreland grant from Mexico, and has been used for cattle ranching but recently it has been a sheltered tract reserved for hunting and fishing. Under current ownership, significant effort goes into maintenance of stable healthy populations of elk, deer, antelope, bear, turkey and bison. The guest buildings remain as they must have been 70 years ago and the 920 sq. miles continue to host several different ecosystems from wetlands to tundra above timberline. This site doesn't aim at 5 star modern luxury but rather maintaining that level of luxury consistent with reduced degradation of the land by the visitors and staff. No human effort is spared to make this a top flight experience. Everyone we met went out of their way to ensure our comfort, satisfaction and safety. "Fracking" is going on and is evident from the many gas wells one sees dotting the landscape. The gas company is responsible for many of the graded roads on the ranch. The most frequent use of the site is for guided hunting and fishing. We went for a guided nature photography experience. One finds this place with some difficulty. State Highway 555 turns into a gravel road a few miles from the minimally marked turnoff to the ranch. An electric gate blocks the entrance and is opened remotely if the telephone systems are working. While we were there the entire area had been blacked out by Centurylink. No fault of theirs but still an inconvenience. Check in was quick and simple. Rooms are situated around the main lodge which was rebuilt after a fire in a modern rendition of the prior structure. We stayed in an annex to the main lodge called Casa Minor. Our bedroom was large, 30 x 40 feet, with bay windows facing the front lawn. The bathroom was wheelchair accessible as was the shower. Two queen beds were comfortable and heating and cooling effective with a ceiling fan. Other rooms we saw with a single queen bed were smaller. Meals were gourmet, frequently featuring either a bison, elk, wild turkey or antelope meat option and tours of the working kitchen were encouraged. Usually hors d'oeuvres and a cocktail party with a full bar began as the first group returned to the lodge and continued until all groups are back and ready for dinner. Since different groups are returning from various distances, dinner can be late. A cooking class for preparation of game is planned and should be wonderful. Days here begin early so that one can be in place at sunup and frequently end with a drive back to the lodge after sunset, whether one is hunting with gun, bow, rod, or camera. All of the guides have a patina of experience but some more than others. We drew Gene Coon and he made the experience a gem. He used his ample experience to craft an exposure to the things we wanted to shoot photographically. He carefully judged our abilities and kept us safely within them.

Unless you're traversing the Continental Divide Trail, this is the ultimate in New Mexico popular…read morehiking. The 16 mile roundtrip takes you in a looping ascent from Taos Ski Valley to the summit and back. Having spent plenty of time on 14ers, I've crossed paths with my share of marmots. This tip top rock had more than I've ever seen, perhaps 50 along the way. Of course, the views are majestic. While not a 14er, New Mexico does not offer any, at 13,167' it is still an exquisite outing. This state high point is a must for anyone on the 50 state quest. If you're looking for your share of 14ers, dear western traveler, you need not worry. Colorado boasts 58 of the nation's soaring peaks and is just a short trip away. Call it 53 14ers, if you're an alpine purist.

I spent a summer in the New Mexico high country years ago, and while I did my fair share of hiking…read morethat summer, I never took on Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico at just over 13,100 feet. I always figured I'd return to the area at some point, and maybe do the hike. Well, "some point" finally arrived, and I decided that I was going to make a serious effort at hiking this rather daunting-looking rocky, steep mountain. I gave myself permission to fail - while over the years I've probably spent far more time at altitude than 99.9% of South Floridians, the fact remains that I have spent most of my life at oxygen-rich sea level. I didn't practice for this. My existing fitness would either allow me to make it, or fail me. There are two main ways to get up the mountain, a longer, less steep 8 mile trail, and a shorter but steeper trail at just over 4 miles, known as the Williams Lake trail. I chose Williams Lake. The trailhead starts near the famous Bavarian restaurant within the Taos ski area. You basically take the road to the ski area, drive past it and find a dirt road. 2 miles up this dirt road and you'll find the trailhead parking lot. You can't miss it. I started my hike around 7:45AM. It is highly recommended to start early, as the weather above tree line is unpredictable and can change on a dime. You do NOT want to be stuck up there as an afternoon thunderstorm builds up in a matter of minutes. It is an exposed high alpine summit, subject to all the same potential extreme weather conditions of most high exposed summits. To me this hike can be broken down into 3 sections: 1) base at the Bavarian restaurant through the woods up to Williams Lake, about 2 miles, 2) Williams Lake up through ever sparser trees to tree line, about three-quarters of a mile, and 3) tree line to summit, traversing several rocky scree/talus slopes on the way, about a mile and a half. The first section up to Williams Lake is a nice hike in itself, and a popular day hike for families. It is a steady climb and not easy, and will be a challenge to inexperienced hikers, but most should be able to make it if they persevere. The payoff is a pretty high alpine lake situated in a picturesque bowl at about 11,000 feet with higher peaks on all sides. From there, part 2 gets you through sparse trees up to tree line. While not much more difficult than the first part, it was here when it became pretty apparent that every step was taking me to less oxygen. I was still strong at this point, but when you emerge in the meadows above tree line, you can see the peak and it looks way up there. In practical terms, from here you still have to climb a little higher than the Empire State Building, over the course of a mile and a half. At altitude. Above tree line. This is where it gets steeper, and rockier, as you traverse some loose talus slopes. It starts out fairly mild but ramps up fast. At this point, every step was difficult....I felt like Frodo taking the Ring to Mount Doom. It would have been very easy to quit. Some people did. It can be done though. One step at a time, keep drinking your water and you'll eventually make it. Keep an eye out for some fat marmots and bighorn sheep! Eventually you come to a staggeringly high saddle/ridgeline. From here, make a right and continue up the steep rocky slope....the payoff is only a few minutes away. Such amazing views, Wheeler Peak feels like the top of the world. What a feeling, to have walked and earned this view on the strength of your two legs. Now, after the adrenaline rush of reaching the summit, you have to descend. Pay attention. Cardio isn't a problem going down, but everything else is. Thighs burn like crazy. Lots of loose rock to slip on and hurt yourself. This was the most stunning hike I've ever done. If you think you can deal with a tough high altitude hike, I highly recommend it.

We hiked Williams Lake for two reasons:…read more 1. To check out the turn off to the Wheeler Peak trail 2. To enjoy a leisurely couple's hike before tackling the big stuff And both we did! The journey to the lake from Alpine Village Suites to Williams lake trail (even amongst the construction) is refreshing. We drove to the trailhead, but if you're looking for a more strenuous hike, you can certain add a few extra miles (and a lot of elevation) by hiking amongst the residential mountain homes to the trailhead. If you're from out of town, be mindful of the weather, and make sure you have the adequate mods/the appropriate vehicle for driving to the trailhead. It almost goes without saying, but, speaking of weather, dress appropriately for three hike. At that altitude, we caught first snow of the season, so although the ski lifts were not running, we still needed our gloves and such towards the middle and end of the hike (even though there was no snow to be found further down the mountain). The hike itself is alright, not the most picturesque, and there aren't a ton of switchbacks if that's your thing, but it's very accessible and full of fresh air as well as moments to enjoy. The lake is a lake, but it's pretty expansive, and there's a good amount to explore. The vibe is forest adventure, and the trail is well maintained. While out, we saw a handful of doggos on the trail with their owners, couples, and small groups. So why am I hating on nature? Why give nature 4-stars?! Because this is a man made trail, and the current abundance of construction completely breaks the illusion. I'm sure it'll be back to 5 stars once the construction/selective tree demolition etc is complete. If you're in the area, no matter your skill level, highly recommend this quickie of a hike! Bonus points: when you complete your hike (if you choose to hike during season), you're rewarded with a Bavarian restaurant near the trailhead.

I am not a hiker. I was 66 at the time and in pretty good shape. A NY'er, I was in Taos to…read morevolunteer with Habitat for Humanity. On a day off I decided to do this hike to see where the turn off was for Wheeler Peak. I enjoyed the hike although sections were rather rocky. Started to rain on the way up and continued lightly most of the way down. Rain was predicted but an accurate weather prediction in Taos is not the norm. But I'm glad I got to the turnoff near Williams and knew the next leg would take hours which I didn't have.

Decent little marina that carries probably everything you need for the lake here. Plus souvenir…read moreshirt and some other stuff. Some really cool crossbow. Friendly enough staff.

Ok, the other reviews are old and not so great. I can speak to this year 2018. I have spent a month…read moreup in the Eagles Nest area, I have rented boats, bought tackle and bait and just chatted with the folks who run the marina. I could be more pleased with their help and service, Renita is a very sweet lady and her son Tony was very helpful and pleasant. Nothing but a great family run business. I have been in the store when families with children were treated with great kindness and an obvious desire to see that they had a fun time on the lake. I have also seen the old timers treated just the same. Time for yelpers to bury the old owners reviews and give credit to the new folks!

I've gone on two trips with Far Flung thanks to Diversify Whitewater and Latino Outdoors along with…read moreother sponsors. Will has been great at organizing a free community event, providing lots of fun information about the Rio Grande Del Norte area. I definitely recommend them. After our trip they had picnic tables, a volleyball net, and a nice area to swim in the river.

Seeing as there are less reviews here than on Far Flung's other social media…read more.. Wife and I went on the Racecourse with Brian this afternoon with another couple, and we all had a blast. Considering this was the first time for two of us and my second time rafting, we all did well thanks to Brian's coaching and guidance. Everything is easy through Far Flung's reservation system, the check in process is easy, everything laid back like it should be. Thanks for a great paddle y'all, give that man a raise!

My family and I spent a birthday weekend out there. We rented a cabin and a pontoon from Renita…read more She was very friendly and gave us a warm welcome every time we talked to her. The cabin was very clean with grills. Taking out the pontoon was an adventure that everyone should try at least once. We will be starting a yearly tradition with them:)

These guys are amazing, and we love love loved our adorable single cabins. Renita and her…read morehusband John really came through when all of the other resorts and hotels failed. We had a terrible situation in that we arrived in Angel Fire at 10pm to our booked VRBO rental. We were shocked to find it occupied by another family who had booked it through AirBNB . I loved the original details and hardware in our cozy rooms; it was a blessing to find Eagle Nest Cabins- we will definitely be coming back! Thank you, Renita and John!