Angel Fire, a village in Colfax County, 25 miles from Taos, New Mexico, attracts numerous vacationers each year. Visitors come to family-friendly Angel Fire for the beautiful scenery; the high peaks popular with skiers, snowboarders and mountain bikers and the hiking trails. Hikers enjoy trails ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate to strenuous, located close by the town.
Oeste Vista Trail
The Oeste Vista Trail provides hikers with amazing westward views of the Angel Fore Golf Course, Monte Verde Lake and Wheeler Wilderness. Considered a moderate to difficult hike, this trail eventually reaches an elevation of roughly 600 feet. This three-mile loop takes hikers through areas abundant with wildlife and forests that contain ponderosa pine. Hikers may also encounter large but easily crossed ravines. Red diamonds mark the Oeste Vista Trail for hikers to follow. Parking and the trailhead are located east off the junction between Country Club Drive and State Road 434.
Solar Trail Loop
The Solar Trail Loop represents the two newest trails in the area, the Solar Trail and Cieneguilla Creek, which marks the return trail. Beginning on the north side of North Angel Fire Road, east of the firehouse, the trails provide hikers with a view of streams, wildflowers and high-tech solar panels. The Solar Trail Loop is slated to gain a new entrance from Plaza del Sol and a bridge that connects the trails at the north end.
Elliot Barker Trail
Elliot Barker Trail, in Carson National Forest, is a moderate level hike that starts at the base of Palo Flechado Pass (on Highway 64). The approximately three-hour hike (2.6 miles) offers stunning views of Wheeler Wilderness, the Moreno Valley, Eagle Nest Lake and Baldy Mountain. The trail lacks water, so hikers should plan to carry water with them; they may also want to bring a compass, as there is a deficiency of trail markers. It is important to be aware of your surroundings on this trail; wildlife, including bears, coyotes and deer, wander through the forest. Hikers who reach the end of the trail find themselves in the midst of a large meadow.
Monte Verde Lake and Lady Slipper Trails
The Monte Verde Lake and Lady Slipper Trails offer hikers spectacular views of streams, lakes, marshland, mountains and more. The trails start at the parking area for Monte Verde Lake Trail, which sits on State Road 434. The hike covers anywhere from one to 3.5 miles, depending on the hiker’s choice route. The Monte Verde Lake, considered to be an easy hike, makes a pleasant day trip for beginners. If you’re looking for a short hike, travel the one-mile loop, which circles the lake; this route takes the hiker away from the south end of the lake, where the marsh region lies. For a longer hike, head toward the trailhead of the Lady Slipper Trail. Hikers who opt for the extended hike should travel on Alpine Lake Way, south from Monte Verde Lake to reach the start of Lady Slipper Trail. Lady Slipper Trail takes hikers through meadows and across bridges. Lady Slipper wildflowers dot the trail. The trail ventures through the national forest, eventually ending on the southern shore of Monte Verde Lake.
Green Belt Trails
The Green Belt Trails (Deer, Elk and Bear) connect by Coyote Trail at the west end. These well-marked trails are available for hiking, cross-country skiing and biking.
The Deer Trail leads hikers into the forest after they pass several rock piles strewn in a meadow. The trail, marked by red diamonds, eventually winds to Via Del Ray, a wooded community in Angel Fire.
Coyote Trail begins at the intersection of Via Del Rey and the Valle Grande Trail North. An easy hike until arriving at Elk Meadow, this trail takes hikers through the woods and across a bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail increases in difficulty; it is marked like Deer Trail with red diamonds. The trail eventually separates; both routes end on Bear Meadow.
Elk and Bear trails run along the borders of expansive meadows. Hikers soak in a view complete with cattle ponds, streams and dams. Elk and Bear trails, easy hikes, provide hikers with the best opportunity to experience wildlife at dawn and dusk.
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