The Warmer Side of the Southern Rockies

Take a deep breath as you begin to unwind and let your senses adjust to the surrounding sounds and sweet smells of nature. Here, the vacation begins on your terms, with the option of mountain adventures just steps from your hotel or cabin. Red River boasts the title of “Nightlife Capital of the Region,” so wrap up your day of exploration with live music and two-stepping.

Activities: Zip line, 18-hole disc golf, summer tubing, scenic chair lift rides, music festivals, mountain biking, hiking

True Travel Tip: Ride the longest summer tubing lanes in the country on "Gold Rush Hill" serviced by the Gold Chairlift. 

Red River Ski & Summer Area

Home to some of the best lift-accessed mountain biking in the country, the Pajarito Mountain trail network is created and maintained by a dedicated group of local volunteers. The area plays host to many live music events and festivals throughout the summer.

Activities: Mountain biking, hiking, craft beer events and summer concerts

True Travel Tip: Lifts run every Saturday and Sunday between May and October, so grab your hardtail and amp up your downhill mountain-biking.

Pajarito Mountain

Open every weekend in September and the first few weeks of October (check the Ski Santa Fe website for official dates), the Ski Santa Fe scenic chair ride offers guests spectacular views of The City Different. The short drive from Santa Fe to Santa Fe Ski Basin offers many great camping, picnicking, and hiking opportunities, as it passes through both the Santa Fe National Forest and Hyde Memorial State Park.

Activities: Scenic chair lift rides, hiking and La Casa Lodge open for meals

True Travel Tip: The lift will open daily during the  Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, one of the best opportunities to take in the golden aspens in their entire fall splendor.

Ski Santa Fe

Get a whole new perspective on the Duke City. Explore the lift-accessed downhill trails, ranging from the novice Capulin Spring Road — a wide gentle dirt road offering the inexperienced rider the opportunity to hone their skills before tackling the more advanced trails — to the most difficult Bighorn Climb.

Activities: Hiking, mountain biking and scenic chair lift rides

True Travel Tip: Visit the Double Eagle Cafe for your breakfast and lunch needs.

Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway

Where can you ride a gondola over green valleys passing by alpine peaks, then get a little shopping in and have a delicious lunch while taking in panoramic vistas and world-class views at a mountaintop gazebo? Look no further than Sierra Blanca and Ski Apache. Visit the Wind Rider Zipline. This stunning adventure begins above 11,000 feet and reaches over 8,900 feet in length, making it one of the longest ziplines in the world.

Activities: Zipline tours, mountain biking, scenic gondola rides, music festivals, disc golf and a children’s play area

True Travel Tip: Due to high volume, reservations are required for the wind rider zipline. Also, call to confirm the day of your reservation to check on weather conditions and make sure the zipline is operating.

Ski Apache

At Angel Fire Resort, you can experience an 18-hole golf course by morning and the number-one bike park in the Southwest in the afternoon. The addition of a state-of-the-art RV resort means you’ll have even more options for luxurious lodging in the cool valley of the Southern Rockies.

Activities: Golf, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, zipline and more

True Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Bike Park, voted #1 in the Southwest by MTBparks.com for 2 years running!

Angel Fire Resort

With renovations closing most of the base area, summer activities at the resort have been put on hold for summer of 2018. Popular hikes including Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake will remain open, as will the Northside at Taos Ski Valley Mountain Bike Park. Area businesses remain open to provide craft beers; hiking and fishing equipment; and hearty fare to help you fuel up for your time on the mountain.

Activities: Fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.

True Travel Tip: Enjoy lunch and a drink on the deck of the Bavarian Restaurant before checking out the Williams Lake trail, which departs from the restaurant.

Taos Ski Valley

Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort offers the perfect blend of quiet, laidback style, and ongoing family-friendly events. Whether you are looking to experience one of the finest trout fishing regions in the state, an unforgettable whitewater rafting adventure, or simply enjoy the refreshingly cool air of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Sipapu is the place to be all year long. 

Activities: Hiking, fishing, rafting and disc golf

True Travel Tip: Drop in for a free fly-casting clinic on Saturday mornings, or check out the world-class disc golf, also free to the public.

Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort