The anticipation of what awaits you in Red River can make a short car ride feel like it is taking FOREVER!! But, whether you travel by 2 or 4 wheels or more, the fun of your journey has already begun.
Driving in From Texas, Oklahoma and other neighboring states
The car-drive in from Texas, Oklahoma, or anywhere that involves a long car ride can be an experience that your children will remember for a lifetime. But having children seated in a car for long periods of time can be challenging. As we all know the iPad is often a go-to item for entertainment; however, there are many other great “unplugged” ideas. Audiobooks, reading, and healthy snacks are just some of the ways to keep parents from saying, “Don’t make me stop the car.”
New Mexico Visitors
For those flying in, Red River is about a 3-hour drive from Albuquerque International Sunport, (That’s what they call their airport down there), the 177-mile journey to Red River via I-25 begins with a drive through wide open plains on the way to Santa Fe. This route will give you views for miles and miles. You might even see an occasional tumbleweed or antelope. But the mountains in the distance will seem clearer with each mile and they beckon you to come explore their beauty and the adventures they hold in store in Red River, NM.
If the kids get bored in the car, try a game to get them off the iPad. Have them name the things they may see along the way – antelope, elk, snake (ewe!), or license plates.
If the backroads are more to your liking, take I-40 East to the Turquoise Trail, NM Highway 14 to Santa Fe. It’s the same distance to Red River via this route. But it takes you off the major highways and into “The Road Less Traveled”. This route takes you through Stagecoach Pass, the ghost town of Golden, the village of Madrid, and Cerrillos, NM, all on the way to Santa Fe. Whoever said that the car ride is half the fun of getting somewhere, must have traveled this route to Red River.
Once north of Sante Fe, begin your ascent into the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. Sangre de Cristo Mountains is where we call home.
Enjoy the Enchanted Circle
No matter when you may be driving from, all roads lead to the mountain roads with incredible views, Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, cool breezes in the car, or on your motorcycle, and the ride on any part of the Enchanted Circle is a destination in itself. And you can only get to Red River by some part of that circle. Once you’ve seen it, you’ll know why it’s called the Enchanted Circle.
Arrive in Red River NM
When you arrive – we consider ourselves the “Pot-o-Gold at the end of the 177 mile Rainbow” – you will enjoy a small town with big hospitality – and fun. You’ll see why we came and never left.
Start your day with a 3-egg omelet with all the trimmings to fuel your day at Yesterday’s Diner. Some folks call it a Denver Omelet for reasons we don’t understand – we call it the Tipsy Tail. That should get you ready for hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding or site seeing.
We recommend the Hidden Treasure Aerial Park for the thrill seekers as well as Pioneer Flyer that will have you soaring along at 35 miles per hour on the zipline. If you are not holding on for dear life, make sure to take a few pictures on the way down.
Tank up during the evening at Sundance Mexican Restaurant on High Street for a Carne Adovada Burrito or Open-Face Enchilada. They have a great selection on the Kids Menu too. Then settle in for an evening of entertainment and drinks at Bull o’the Woods Saloon with the locals.
Except for the saloons in town, there is plenty for the kiddos to do in Red River too. We are a kid-friendly town. Be sure to stop by the Reservations Unlimited office for some other great tips on things to do and see while you are here.
Your Red River Vacation begins well before you get here. You won’t be bored on the ride and you won’t be bored when you get here. We will make sure of that.
So sit back and enjoy….we will be waiting for you.
