Our Local Area

Northern New Mexico is truly a cultural kaleidoscope-- eccentric, colorful, and vibrant with a rich and tumultuous history, from conquistadores to cowboys. Today's New Mexico is high tech mixed with Old World charm, from the National Research Laboratory at Los Alamos to the ambiance and charm of Santa Fe, the nation's oldest capital.

Close to Angel Fire are several towns and cities that merit special mention...

Eagle Nest

The 2200 acre Eagle Nest Lake is the main drawing card here, a mecca for people determined to catch their limit of rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Diversion has always been the name of the game in Eagle Nest. During the boom times of the local gold mines in the 1800s and early 1900s, Eagle Nest was a central gathering place for the saloons, brothels, and gambling.

Red River

A hundred years ago, people traveled to Red River for one reason - to find gold. Now, people come to Red River for outdoor recreation. The town is reminiscent of the mining days of the late 1800s, when River City, as it was called then, boasted a rambunctious population of over 3000--compared to around 400 today. A great place to fish in the canyon, take in a rodeo, a cowboy concert, go square dancing, or just hang out along Main Street. The fabled "grand slam" of trout fishing is possible almost within sight of the town. Majestic peaks, dense forests of evergreens and aspens mixed with bright open meadows offer a chance to see wildlife in a natural setting.

Las Vegas

This former rail hub is almost a living museum with nearly 1000 historic buildings in its center. Also, the Las Vegas City Museum and Rough Riders Collection is a must-see. This year will be the 100th aniversary celebration of the creation of the Rough Riders. In 1898, the War Department began to actively recruit men who could ride and shoot to fight in the Spanish-American War. The governor of the Territory of New Mexico encouraged New Mexicans to join, thus the largest contingent from any state was from here. In 1899, the Rough Riders had their first reunion in Las Vegas. Teddy Roosevelt arrived by train amid great fanfare to preside over the celebration. Las Vegas became the regiment's official home and the site of many of their annual reunions.

Cimarron

Where cowboys tend the land and tumbleweeds blow across the open prairie--and kids from Angel Fire attend high school. This cowboy town has more bang-bang-shoot-'em-up history than most cities in America. Clay Allison, Billy the Kid, and Pat Garrett used to hang out here in the St. James Hotel, where you can visit a cowboy museum while you have a meal--or wait for your Scout to finish his/her trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, the world's largest youth ranch up the road about three miles.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Sited just north of Angel Fire, the memorial was built by Dr. Victor Westfall to the memory of his son who was killed in Vietnam. The marvellous structure houses a chapel and a visitor's center that tells the moving story of those who served our country in the Vietnam War. A place for reflection and healing, the Memorial should not be missed.

Taos

Kit Carson, trappers, mountain men, Taos Pueblo--continuously occupied for nearly 1000 years, nearly 100 art galleries and six museums, D.H. Lawrence's ranch, fine dining, skiing, river rafting, and outdoor sports...Taos is a unique town in a unique state. Nearly one-fourth of Taos' population consists of working artists.

Santa Fe

"A City Different", the city's motto, echoes the real spirit and allure of Santa Fe--a melting pot of people and rich cultural diversity, coupled with the spectacular geographical setting of blue sky and high desert. World class designers, artists, sculptors, actors and chefs have opted for Santa Fe over Paris or L.A. An open-air opera house, hundreds of art galleries, superb restaurants, a race track, a ski area, historic buildings, and a great climate make Santa Fe a magnet for all types of folks.