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Angel Fire

Take wing over northern New Mexico mountains

It’s all about nature at Angel Fire. The small New Mexico enclave, which was only incorporated as a town in 1987, has no traffic lights, not a single nightclub or casino, and a population of just over 1,200. But what it does have is snowcapped mountains and an elemental beauty that just draws you in. In 1964, the LeBus family — Texan farmers who had bought this 23,000-acre swath of land in the Moreno Valley to graze their cattle — decided that an Alpine-style ski resort would be a more profitable use of the land.

Now, half a century later, the resort has expanded to include a wealth of year-round recreational activities for all ages and dispensations, including hiking trails, ski trails, tennis courts and a golf course.

Small but Perfectly Formed

Angel Fire is a welcoming, unpretentious town with its eyes firmly fixed on the great outdoors. With an emphasis on nature rather than designer labels and haute cuisine, it’s no surprise that the town lures adventurous, earthy souls.

With an offbeat lineup of events and festivals, there’s an infectiously happy vibe in town, regardless of the season. In summer, Angel Fire hosts a classical music festival and a hot air balloon rally.

New Mexico Tourism & Travel

Shine On 

With temperatures hovering around the mid-70s, Angel Fire thoroughly embraces its summertime alter ego. Home to the largest bike park in the Rocky Mountains, Angel Fire Resort draws impassioned riders to its impressive facilities, which rival some of the most renowned bike parks in North America. There are 60-plus miles of purpose-built, lift-served terrain, which includes a vertical of more than 2,000 feet, jump lines, jagged rocks, raised wooden bridges and a gap jump that’s certainly not for the faint of heart. Angel Fire also hosts to World Cup events, regional competitions and an annual 12-hour downhill endurance race.

For families, the Greenbelt Trail System crisscrosses the valley for hiking, running, cross-country mountain biking and horseback riding. For an adrenaline rush, Angel Fire’s Zipline Adventure is a three-hour tour that features six ziplines (ranging from 120 to 1,600 feet in length) at the summit, including a tandem zip line over the forest floor, dishing out Rocky Mountain and Moreno Valley views.

For more fun, head 12 miles to the north for Eagle Nest, a fun small town whose Historic District preserves buildings from the 1800s. Eagle Nest Lake State Park is a popular fishing destination for both locals and visitors.

For More Information

Angel Fire Convention & Visitors Bureau

866-668-7787

www.angelfirefun.com

New Mexico Tourism Department

800-827-7400

www.newmexico.org