Visiting Red River, New Mexico
With a population of just under 500 people, Red River, New Mexico survives on tourism. Fortunately, there are enough options in this quaint little town that finding something to do is not difficult. The people of Red River live by sign located at the mouth of town: "Red River Welcomes You!"
Once a bustling mining town, Red River soon found that the burst of success was bound to fade - and fade fast. The residents of the town discovered that opening its doors to weary travelers eager to trade in the hot, relentless sun for a cool mountain valley. Located 8,750 feet above sea level, Red River's activities can be divided into summer and winter. While there are plenty of activities to do year-round, dividing them into categories helps to plan future trips.
In the winter, one can snowboard, ski, or even ride a snowmobile. Red River sits right against the Red River Ski Area, a large expanse of land partially federal-owned. This unique public-private partnership leaves the area open to tourists, providing numerous opportunities for great fun! There are ski slopes for all levels, providing entertainment for the entire family. The 58 slopes of the area are divided evenly based on skill level - 30% expert, 38% intermediate, and 32% beginner. There is a ski school right on the park grounds that caters to all skill levels. In addition, most lodging in Red River is within easy walking distance from the ski area. There is also a chairlift service available to take you exactly where you need to go.
For those that are looking for a gentler time on the slopes, consider snowmobiling - modern advances in technology have made snowmobiling much more reliable, quieter, smoother and easier to manage. The Red River Ski Area also offers snowmobile services, including tour operators to escort you on day trips across freshly cultivated trails.
An even more extreme trip awaits you just three miles away from Red River - the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area. This ski area sits atop 9,800-foot Bobcat Pass, offering more than 30 kilometers of well-developed trails in a 1,400-acre park.
Summer activities provide a break from the continuous snow of winter in Red River. There are plenty of activities available, such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding and biking. For those that are a bit less interested in "roughing it", there are also shows in town, such as the Cowboy's New Year Rodeo show. Trails for hiking and biking are clearly marked, and tour guides are generally available.
Red River, New Mexico takes small town values and packs them into a tourist package that keeps travelers coming back to Red River again and again. Come to Red River and find out just why this small town thrives on tourism so well!