It’s easy to be a kid again in Red River. Between trying new activities, exploring the area, and having so much fun, you will go to bed tired but with a full heart. Consider these fun activities when planning your next family trip to Red River, NM!
Hiking the Red River Trails
The days are longer in the summer, and that’s great when you’re in Red River. Families of all ages and sizes can enjoy an endless list of trails to hike. Choose an easy trail like the Red River Nature Trail for the little ones, or if you have older kids and want something more adventurous, you can hike to Lost Lake. Check out this printable list of hiking trails in and around Red River, New Mexico. Let the adventures begin!
Fishing the Red River and Ponds
Fishing is an activity that the whole family can participate in and enjoy, especially in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Fishing licenses can be purchased online or at Sitzmark Sports in town. Children under the age of 12 are not required to have a license to fish. FREE licenses are available for New Mexico residents over the age of 70. Whether you enjoy river fishing or fishing from a stocked pond, there is a place for you to enjoy your favorite quiet time activity. River fishing can be challenging but is so much fun and there are quite a few places in the Upper Valley where you will have great luck at catching a few prize fish to boast about.
Fishing in Red River is a little more catching than it is fishing when you have the correct bait and know exactly where to go. You can ask some of the locals where their favorite spot to fish is; they might just let you in on a secret spot. Red River Fish Hatchery is a great place to find out when the ponds were last stocked and where they are located.
If you haven’t tried fly fishing, Red River is a great place to start. Contact Sitzmark or Fagan’s Guided Fly Fishing to learn more about fly fishing during your stay in Red River.
Skiing and Snowboarding at the Ski Area
Waking up to fresh snow in the mountains calls for a day out on the mountain! At Red River Ski and Summer Area, explore all the runs on skis or a snowboard. Kids aged 3-4 can enjoy a half day ski program that is designed to introduce skiing the mountain environment in a safe and fun way. Youth lessons are available for those between the ages of 5-12 or you can book a private lesson that gives your child one on one time with a coach.
Don’t forget to stop by The Tip Restaurant and Deck for a burger for lunch before you head back down the mountain. The views from the restaurant are absolutely beautiful! You will find this restaurant open during the winter and summer with music.
Red River ROV Trail Riding
Choose between half-day or full-day rentals when you book with Enchanted Off-Road. These rentals include helmets, safety glasses, and a full tank of gas. Pick up your ROV rental and be ready to go so that you can head straight to the trails. If you only have a half-day rental, we suggest cruising to the top of Goose Lake. This trail starts by crossing through the river and leads you 7 miles up the mountain and is often busy so be aware of other drivers and hikers you will encounter. The best time to visit this trail is July through September, sometimes earlier and later, depending on snow conditions. Don’t forget to pack a rain jacket just in case- you never know when a quick shower might roll in.
Cowboy Evening at Bobcat Pass
Cowboy Evenings are a family-friendly activity that is offered on most Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights in the summer. Beginning around 5 p.m., you can entertain the kids with outdoor activities such as petting the horses, cornhole, and other games until dinner is served at 6 p.m. Every part of the meal is served from scratch that day, including the ranch biscuits and warm cinnamon rolls. All while enjoying a delicious meal, you will listen to live music sitting at an elevation of 9820 feet!
Simply put, Red River caters to families with young children, teens, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. Traditions start with family, and Red River has a lot of activities to help fuel your family adventures. Keep your family wanting to come back year after year to enjoy their favorite Red River activity and make those mountain memories.
