RED RIVER

An exciting small town where days are cool and the living is easy

 

 

RED RIVER IS ONE OF THE SMALL TOWNS on the Enchanted Circle with more than its fair share of entertainment options, great food and fun events. The coronavirus safety measures are in place here as in the rest of New Mexico (see information box), but towns are slowly and carefully retooling and opening up.

Summer time in Red River is an especially exciting time where summer days are cool and the living is easy. Just walking the shop-lined streets can fill up a day. Be sure to check out some of these popular smile-making summer activities.

 

Scenic summer chairlift

Summer Scenic Chairlift rides reopened in June and as of press time lift service runs daily. Strap your bike on the Platinum chair, put on your hiking shoes or bring your gear for a game of disc golf or just ride a round trip and check out the scenery.

Food and drink are offered at The Tip Restaurant deck, at the top of the mountain (take the Platinum chair lift up). Then, in July, the Red River Ski Area will host brunch at the Tip on Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit redriverskiarea.com.

Tubing

From June to mid-August, visitors to Red River can fly down the mountain at Red River Ski Area’s tubing areas. Ride the Little Blue Surface Lift up to enjoy the 400-foot Little Blue Hill. Riders must be 4 years old or older (there is a free mini-lane for riders under 4).

Or ride what Red River Ski and Summer Area calls the “longest summer tubing lanes in the country” on Gold Rush Hill, serviced by the Gold Chairlift. Gold Rush Hill offers 800 feet of excitement (you must be 7 years of age or older).

Summer tubing is available on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, weather permitting. 

 

Disc slinging

At the top of the mountain is an 18-hole disc golf course, with holes that wander through aspens and open up to beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Bring your own discs or rent from the staff at the pro-shop, which is located at the Tip Restaurant at the top of the Platinum Chair.

You can also hike or bike to the top of the mountain. The Sunny Side course suits introductory level disc golfers, while the Cracker Jack offers championship pro-style challenges.

Hoof it

Besides some great shopping and dining options, there are opportunities galore to work off some calories. The Red River Nature Trail starts in town beside the Platinum Lift and goes two miles along the Red River to Goose Lake Road. The trail includes interpretive signs along the way to help you learn more about the wildlife and plants around the area. For a complete list of hiking trails in the Red River area see redriver.org.

Festivals on hold for COVID-19

At press time all festivals, fairs and parades were on hold but some could be added. If the state mandates changes to the Public Health Order (see below) there may be August events like the Buckaroo Ball, Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights or late September and October’s Aspencade Arts and Crafts Fair and Oktoberfest.

COVID-19 Update

Pursuant to the  June 1, 2020 New Mexico Public Health Order, Red River Ski and Summer Area kindly asks everyone to follow these guidelines. For current updates, see redriverskiarea.com/landing/coronavirus-update.

• Buildings may now operate at 50 percent of standard occupancy, with dine-in and patio maximums of 6 per table. 

• Practice at least 6 feet of distance between you and other guests and refrain from congregating in groups larger than five people.

• Use a face covering or mask when enjoying public spaces, except for eating, drinking, exercising or if a health care provider instructs otherwise.

Town of Red River (575) 754-2223

Red River Ski Area