Angel Fire is blessed to have Carson National Forest bordering it on the West and The Cimarron Canyon Area to the Northeast. Each area grants us hiking trails with varying vegetation and views. This area has a number of easy treks for flatlanders, kids and anyone who just wants to get out among the beauty.

by Hawk Publications

There are numerous trails, here are three to whet your appetite.
Clear Creek Trail in Cimarron Canyon is excellent for the beginner. You will hike by numerous small waterfalls.

Elliot Barker Trail is an intermediate hike with incredible views of the Moreno Valley, Baldy Mountain, Eagle Nest Lake and the Wheeler Wilderness. The end of the trail opens into a large meadow where you'll feel on top of the world.

Wheeler Peak, the tallest peak in New Mexico at 13,161 feet, towers majestically over the Moreno Valley. Climbing this earns you bragging rights. Wheeler Peak Wilderness is in the Carson National Forest. The Questa Ranger District office can provide information and maps of the area. Write or call: Questa Ranger District, PO Box 110, Questa, NM 87556, Phone (505) 586-0520.

For the less adventurous, you can ride the Chile Express to the top of the ski mountain and hike one of their designated trails back down through fields of wildflowers.

Victory Ranch Alpacas 505-387-2254, fax 505-387-9005. Enjoy hugging and feeding loveable Alpacas on 1100 spectacular acres. Gift shop & educational center. Open Thurs-Mon 10am-4pm. Tues & Wed groups only. One mile north of Mora on Hwy 434.

If wildlife viewing is not a good enough reason to mountain bike, the vast and varied expanse of uncrowded trail systems are. Truth is you're more likely to see an animal than another biker. There is something for every level of rider.

You can also bike Angel Fire's ski area. Take your bike up the Chile Express to the top of the mountain and explore the many biking trails. The Chile Challenge, New Mexico's Off Road Annual Mountain Bike State Championship is held here each September. It's two days of cross-country, downhill and dual slalom mountain biking.

After checking out the big guys tearing down the ski mountain on their bikes, be sure and see the younger daredevils maneuver through their own track.

Mountain Sports 377-3490. We do it all 365 days a year from retail to rental to repairs. Top quality name brands in mountain bikes, clothing, Oakley products & more. Located at Highway 434 & North Angel Fire Road intersection.

Alpine Fitness Company 377-3892. Guided hiking & biking tours.