Red River sits in Taos County in northern New Mexico, approximately:

•       36 miles (45 minutes) from Taos

•       100 miles (2.5 hours) from Santa Fe

•       180 miles (3 hours) from Albuquerque

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Its proximity to Texas and Oklahoma makes it a popular weekend getaway destination for families in those states. Originally established as a mining town in the 1890s, Red River has transformed into a beloved year-round resort destination while maintaining its authentic Old West character along Main Street.

Red River has earned its reputation as one of the Southwest's premier family-friendly mountain destinations. Here you’ll find:

• Family-Oriented Ski Resort: Red River Ski & Summer Area offers 67 runs with gentle slopes perfect for beginners and families, along with exceptional ski schools and short lift lines.

•  Year-Round Outdoor Recreation: From skiing and snowmobiling in winter to hiking, fishing, and mountain biking in summer, outdoor enthusiasts find endless activities in every season.

• Old West Charm: The town's historic Main Street maintains authentic Western architecture with boardwalks, unique shops, galleries, and family-owned restaurants.

•  Festivals and Events: Red River hosts numerous annual events including Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Aspencade motorcycle rally, and various music festivals that draw visitors from across the region.

•  Accessible Mountain Experience: The compact, walkable town layout and free shuttle service make it easy for families to get around without constantly needing a car.

The best time to visit Red River depends on your interests, but each season offers unique advantages:

Winter (December through March)

Best for: Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and winter sports enthusiasts

Summer (June through August)

Best for: Hiking, fishing, escaping summer heat, family vacations

Fall (September through November)

Best for: Aspen viewing, photography, fewer crowds, better rates

Spring (April through May)

Best for: Budget travelers, solitude seekers, late-season skiing

Red River's high elevation at 8,750 feet creates a mountain climate with four distinct seasons and significant temperature swings between day and night. Here's what to expect:

•  Winter (Dec-Mar): Daytime highs 25-35°F, nighttime lows 0-15°F. Heavy snowfall with dry, powdery snow. Sunny days are common.

•  Spring (Apr-May): Daytime highs 45-60°F, nighttime lows 25-35°F. Variable weather with possible late snow. Muddy conditions as snow melts.

•  Summer (Jun-Aug): Daytime highs 70-75°F, nighttime lows 40-50°F. Afternoon thunderstorms possible in July/August. Very comfortable without air conditioning.

•  Fall (Sep-Nov): Daytime highs 50-65°F, nighttime lows 25-40°F. Crisp, clear days ideal for photography. First snows typically arrive in November.

Yes, Red River is exceptionally walkable and pedestrian-friendly! The entire town stretches only about one mile along Main Street (Highway 38), making it easy to explore on foot.

The compact layout means you can walk from one end of town to the other in about 15-20 minutes. Most accommodations, dining options, and the ski area are within easy walking distance of each other. Many properties offer true ski-in/ski-out access or are just a short walk to the lifts.

For those who prefer not to walk or need to travel between more distant points, Red River offers the free Red River Miners Transit shuttle service during peak seasons. This convenient shuttle runs regular routes throughout town and to the ski area, making it easy to get around without driving. Free public parking is available throughout town when you do need your vehicle.

Red River transforms into a winter sports paradise from late November through early April. While skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, the area offers numerous snow-based activities for all ages and skill levels:

•       Skiing and Snowboarding

•       Cross-Country Skiing

•       Snowmobiling

•       Snowshoeing

•       Snow Tubing

Red River Ski & Summer Area is renowned as one of the best family-oriented ski resorts in the Southwest. While it may not offer the extreme terrain or extensive acreage of major Colorado resorts, it excels in providing an accessible, affordable, and genuinely fun skiing experience, especially for families and intermediate skiers.

Key features that make Red River skiing special:

•       Range of terrain from beginner-friendly to advanced

•       Short Lift Lines

•       Snow Reliability

•       Varied Terrain

•       Affordable

Summer in Red River offers an incredible array of outdoor activities that take full advantage of the cool mountain climate and stunning natural surroundings. The transformation from ski town to summer adventure destination is complete, with activities for every interest and fitness level:

•       Hiking: Trails range from easy nature walks along the river to challenging summit hikes including Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest point at 13,161 feet.

•       Fishing: The Red River and surrounding mountain streams offer excellent trout fishing with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat species. Guide services available.

•       Mountain Biking: Miles of trails through Carson National Forest provide routes for all skill levels, from family-friendly paths to technical single-track.

•       Horseback Riding: Local stables offer guided trail rides ranging from one-hour rides to all-day wilderness adventures.

•       Off-Roading and ATV Tours: Explore backcountry roads and trails with rented ATVs or UTVs. Guided tours available for those unfamiliar with the area.

•       Scenic Chairlift Rides: The ski area operates chairlifts for sightseers during summer, providing spectacular views without the hike.

•       Alpine Slide and Mountain Tubing: Thrilling downhill rides on the mountain that kids and adults love.

•       Zip-Lining and Ropes Course: Aerial adventure parks provide adrenaline-pumping experiences with safety equipment and trained guides.

•       Wildlife Viewing: Elk, deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species are commonly spotted in and around town.

Absolutely! Red River and the surrounding area offer excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The high mountain streams provide ideal habitat for several trout species in crystal-clear, cold water.

Fish Species: The Red River and nearby streams are stocked regularly with rainbow trout, and you'll also find wild brown trout and native Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Fish sizes vary, with most catches in the 8-14 inch range, though larger specimens are certainly possible.

License Requirements: Anyone 12 years or older must have a valid New Mexico fishing license, available online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or at local sporting goods stores in town. One-day, five-day, and annual licenses are available. Be sure to check current regulations regarding bag limits, size limits, and any special restrictions.

Best Fishing Spots: The Red River flows directly through town, offering convenient access. Public access points are available throughout the town and in the Carson National Forest. The Middle Fork and East Fork of the Red River provide more remote fishing experiences. Cabresto Lake and other high mountain lakes in the area also offer excellent fishing.

Guided Fishing: Several experienced guides operate in the area and can provide instruction, equipment, and transportation to the best spots. This is highly recommended for beginners or those unfamiliar with mountain stream fishing techniques.

Red River offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. We prefer the home away from home experience and space that comes with a vacation rental.

While outdoor recreation dominates Red River's appeal, the town offers several indoor and cultural activities, especially welcome during afternoon thunderstorms or rest days:

•       Shopping: Main Street features unique gift shops, art galleries, Western wear stores, and souvenir shops. The Kenneth Wyatt Gallery showcases Western and Native American art. Browse for handcrafted jewelry, local artwork, and mountain-themed home decor.

•       Live Music: Several venues host live music throughout the year, from local bands to touring acts. The town's music festivals bring renowned performers during summer months. Many restaurants feature acoustic performers on weekend evenings.

•       Wine Tasting: Noisy Water Winery and Sheehan Winery offer tastings of New Mexico wines in cozy tasting rooms. Great way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

•       Red River Community House: This gathering place hosts various free activities including movies, crafts for kids, and community events. Check their schedule for current offerings.

•       Little Red Schoolhouse Museum: Learn about Red River's mining history and early settlement days in this small but informative museum.

Red River is exceptional for families and has intentionally cultivated a family-friendly reputation. Unlike some ski towns that cater primarily to serious athletes or party crowds, Red River welcomes families with open arms and provides activities suitable for all ages.

Red River offers numerous free activities that help families and budget-conscious travelers enjoy the mountain experience without constant spending:

•       Nature Trails: The Red River Nature Trail and access to numerous hiking trails in Carson National Forest are completely free. Pick up trail maps at the visitor center.

•       River Access: The Red River flows through town with multiple access points for wading, rock hopping, and playing in the water during summer. Perfect for hot afternoons.

•       Community House Programs: Free craft activities, games, and programs for kids throughout the year. Check their schedule for current offerings.

•       Concerts and Events: Weekly summer concerts and various community events throughout the year. Many annual events are free to attend.

•       Wildlife Viewing: Elk and deer are commonly spotted in and around town, especially in early morning and evening hours. Bring binoculars for better viewing.

•       Window Shopping and Gallery Browsing: Stroll Main Street and enjoy the art galleries, interesting shops, and people-watching without spending a dime.

•       Red River Shuttle: The free town shuttle eliminates parking fees and transportation costs during your stay.

•       Scenic Drives: The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loop is free and offers spectacular mountain and valley views with numerous pullouts for photos.

Red River's location on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway makes it an ideal base for exploring northern New Mexico's attractions. Several worthwhile destinations lie within an hour's drive:

•       Taos (36 miles, 45 minutes): This historic art colony offers world-class galleries, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taos Pueblo, unique shopping, excellent restaurants, and the iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The town blends Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures into a distinctive Southwestern character.

•       Eagle Nest (20 miles, 20 minutes): This tiny mountain village sits beside Eagle Nest Lake, popular for fishing, kayaking, and sailing in summer and ice fishing in winter. The scenic drive from Red River offers spectacular mountain views.

•       Wild Rivers Recreation Area (30 miles, 35 minutes): Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this stunning area features dramatic gorge views where the Red River and Rio Grande converge. Hiking trails descend into the canyon, and rim trails provide spectacular overlooks.

•       Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park (30 miles, 30 minutes): Near Angel Fire, this moving memorial honors Vietnam veterans with a striking chapel and visitor center set against beautiful mountain scenery.

•       Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (84-mile loop): This National Scenic Byway circles through mountains, valleys, and charming towns including Red River, Eagle Nest, Angel Fire, Taos, and Questa. Allow 3-4 hours for the complete loop with stops.

Red River is approximately 36 miles (about 45 minutes) from Taos via Highway 522 North and Highway 38 East. The drive is scenic, passing through the small community of Questa before ascending into the mountains.

Red River has limited grocery options compared to larger towns. The town operates a small general store on Main Street, Der Markt, that stocks basic groceries, snacks, beverages, and some fresh items.

Yes, Red River is quite dog-friendly, many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the outdoor activities and mountain environment.

Proper packing for Red River depends heavily on the season, but the high altitude and mountain weather require some universal considerations:

Year-Round Essentials

•       Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen (50+), quality sunglasses with UV protection, lip balm with SPF. The thin mountain air means intense sun exposure year-round.

•       Layers: Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common. Bring base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers you can add or remove.

•       Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated at altitude is crucial. Aim for more water intake than usual.

•       Comfortable walking shoes: Even if not hiking, you'll do significant walking around town.