Espanola New Mexico, outdoors activities

Rio Grande River Tours Whitewater rafting, float trips. Rio Grande. Pilar Racecourse, Taos Box, Lower Gorge, Rio Grande Gorge. Professionally Whitewater Rafting Outfitted Trips. Most companies offer a choice between an oar-powered trip, where passengers simply ride along, or a more active trip where passengers help paddle the whitewater raft under the direction of a guide. Children are welcome on trips - the minimum age ranges from 4 years, for trips on quiet sections of river, up to 14 years for the Taos Box at high water. Please ask your outfitter about their age requirements at the current water flows.

www.bigriverrafts.com

Abiquiu Lake US 84, about 30 miles northwest of Espanola, NM. Abiquiu Lake is a mix of public and private property. There are 2 paved boat ramps on the north side with a fishing and swimming area on the south side. Popular sports are waterskiing, jetskiing, fishing, and pontoon boat cruising

Heron and El Vado Lakes Less than 20 miles west of US 64 near Tierra Amarilla

These two lakes are quite different in their natures and uses. Heron Lake's 6,000 acres gets its water from west of the Continental Divide via tunnels. El Vado's 3,500 acres is fed by the Rio Chama. Heron is a no-wake lake and favors fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and swimming. El Vado Lake is popular with swimmers, waterskiers and jetskiers. Neither lake has a public marina. Heron has 2 paved ramps. El Vado has a ramp at the main campground and another at the extreme north end that isn't usable in periods of low water. Heron Lake Store and Stone House Lodge, two private businesses near both lakes, offer an assortment of rental boats.

sangres.com

"Land of Enchantment" Campers, Hikers, Bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts that have visited New Mexico certainly know why New Mexico is called the "Land of Enchantment" Our nickname, The Land of Enchantment, isn't an empty advertising phrase. We come by it honestly and naturally. You'll begin to understand how when you witness the light changing at sunrise and again at sunset, when the clouds can somehow turn blue and gold and red all at the same time. It will become clearer when you see our mountains, our prairies and our deserts. Our climate is comfortably dry, yet we have miles of pristine trout streams, dozens of crystal blue lakes and numerous secluded hot springs.

Tesuque Peak Trail, Espanola Located in the Santa Fe National Forest, this trail is used by cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts during winter, and hikers, mountain bikers and trail-runners in the warmer months.

Puye Cliff Dwellings, Espanola Located on the Santa Clara reservation, these ancient Anasazi sites can be explored by a challenging hike or by car. Attraction type: Ancient ruins

Note: Some chair lifts operate during the summer for hikers and mountain bikers. Call individual ski areas for information.

nmosg.com

The mountains of North Western New Mexico in Rio Arriba County are world famous for producing large heavy horned rocky mountain MULE DEER. These mountains also contain vast tracts of public lands populated with ELK,BEAR, COUGAR, BIGHORN SHEEP and ANTELOPE. Hunt the 13,000 foot peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the rich pastures of large mountain meadows, and the pine and aspen forests near trout streams and lakes. Abundant game and low hunting pressure create a trophy hunter's paradise. Call or visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for a Big Game Proclamation, application forms, and other information.

www.worldclassoutdoors.com

Winter offers numerous ski areas catering to all skill levels. Choose your favorite kind of skiing, from downhill to cross-country. Many of the large ski areas and resorts offer on-site ski schools to help maximize your winter vacation. New Mexico’s ski areas are loaded with many ski-related activities including snowboarding, Nordic and snowshoeing. With a broad season, great snow, plentiful sunshine and a tie to unrivaled cultural, archeological and historical experiences, it is the best place to plan a winter vacation.

• The Santa Fe Ski Basin (43 runs). Information: (505) 982-4429.

• Pajarito Mountain at Los Alamos (40+ runs). Information: (505) 662-5725.

• Angel Fire (69 runs). Information: 1-800-633-7463.

• The Taos Ski Valley (72 runs) Home of the world famous Ernie Blake Ski School. Information: (505) 776-2291.

• Red River (58 runs). Information: (505) 754-2223.

• Sipapu (20 runs) Information: (505) 587-2240.