Angel Fire, 152 miles northeast of Albuquerque, is located in north-central New Mexico in the Moreno Valley of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is named after the fiery light that flashes off the surrounding mountain peaks at sunrise and sunset. This town of 1,048 residents is 8,415 feet above sea level and it's known for its scenic mountains, canyons, lakes and rivers. The 1.5 million-acre Carson National Forest borders Angel Fire and offers several hiking opportunities in the summer and fall for hikers of all skill levels.
Lake Trail
The four-mile Lost Lake Trail 91 starts 10,300 feet above sea level at the Middle Fork Lake trailhead located on Forest Road 58. Follow this trail along a creek for one mile to find the signed Lost Lake trailhead. As you go up, the first two miles of the trail traverse through mountain fir forest , leading to a saddle on the ridge. The terrain on the ridge is mixed between small aspen and spruce meadows and rock outcroppings. Follow the ridge to Lost Lake, located at 11,495 feet.
Canyon Trail
The 3.7-mile Italianos Canyon Trail 59 offers you the opportunity to hike the Rio Hondo Canyon. The trailhead is located on State Highway 150 at 8,700 feet. The trail starts at the canyon floor then moves upwards 2,800 feet along the south-facing slope of the canyon, through mixed conifers. Bring a supply of drinking water with you for this hike; there is water in the canyon, but it must be treated before consumption.
Mountain Trail
Hiking the tallest mountain in New Mexico, the 13,161-foot tall Wheeler Peak, will definitely earn you bragging rights. The trailhead to the eight-mile Wheeler Peak Trail is located on State Highway 150, at the entrance to the Twining Campground, at 9,200 feet. The first 2.25 miles of the trail go through the forest before reaching the Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture and Mountain. From this point, you will be traveling upwards along or above the timberline. You will not need technical climbing gear to reach the Wheeler Peak summit, where you’ll find views in all directions on a clear day. This popular trail gets heavy use in the summer and early fall, so start your hike early in the day if you prefer a less crowded trail.
Family Hike
A great hike to take with the family is the 5.2-mile East Fork Trail, which starts at 9,600 feet, at the trailhead located on SR 58. The trail follows the East Fork of the Red River for the first 2.5 miles then crosses the Big Ditch, a mining tributary built in the 1800s to transport water to the Moreno Valley. It begins climbing moderately 1,800 feet through spruce fir forest for the remainder of the hike.
Reminders
Wear light layers of clothing for any hike you undertake, as the weather in northern New Mexico often changes. If hiking in the summer, be prepared for afternoon rain showers. Stay on the designated trails to avoid damaging the surrounding vegetation.
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