Page 68 - 2019 Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide
P. 68

 SAN MIGUEL COUNTY
 Photo of Rancho de Fe, Sapello, New Mexico, courtesy Alicia Robicheaux
RECREaTION
cos/Las Vegas Ranger District at 505-757-6121 or 505- 425-3534 or visit www.fs.usda.gov.
State Park camping sites are available at Storrie Lake, McAllister Lake, Morphy Lake, Coyote Creek, and Conchas Lake. These sites provide various amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, pavilions, and toilet and shower facilities for both RV and tent camping. Call New Mexico State Parks at 888-667-2757 or view the links at www.nmparks.com.
There are multiple private campgrounds in San Mi- guel County, like the KOA campground just 4 miles south of Las Vegas (505-454-0180), and the Pecos River Campground, 25 miles south of Las Vegas in San Jose. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Folks seeking cross country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities will enjoy designated trails around the Sipapu and Angel Fire Ski Resorts (see contact infor- mation below), as well as the serenity of snow packed trails (used by hikers and backpackers in warmer months) in the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. Weather permitting, the half-mile Riverwalk in the middle of Las Vegas between Mills and Grand Avenues offers a short run.
Cross country ski classes at New Mexico Highlands University have used a variety of forest roads which are ideal during a snowy winter. Most of these sites are off NM 518 north of Las Vegas and include Agua Sarca Can- yon (4 miles past Alamitos Creek), La Junta Canyon (one mile further past Alamitos Creek trail), Agua Piedra just past the community of Tres Ritos, Gallegos Trail #4 just beyond Sipapu Ski Area, Amole Canyon just 55 miles north of Las Vegas, and US Hill another 2 miles beyond Amole Canyon. Happily, the uphill trip starts where you leave your vehicle, while the return is mainly downhill with some opportunities for double poling. For safety’s sake, go in a small group and leave information about your route, expected time of return, vehicle description, and license plate with a responsible person. Be aware that many of these areas do not have cell phone coverage. Do not expect these areas to be maintained by the Forest Ser- vice. Carry water and a small saw to cut your way through downed saplings across the trail.
There is no lack of potential activities in Las Vegas and the surrounding area, especially considering the many outdoor adventures available for those wishing to experience the beauty of both mountains and plains, including the wildlife inhabiting the region.
See here information about and how to access the plethora of recreational and outdoor options available for visitors to Las Vegas, New Mexico.
birDinG
The Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge (LVNWR), established in 1965, is home to thousands of wintering and resting birds as they pass through northern New Mexico. The refuge is open year-round, seven days a week. Sundays in November, an additional wildlife drive is open allowing visitors into normally inaccessi-
Photo courtesy Deanna Roybal
ble areas of the Refuge. Canada geese, sandhill cranes, snow geese, golden and bald eagles are among the win- ter guests. Common sightings include prairie falcon, mule deer, coyote, bobcat and a variety of hawks and shore birds. A one-mile nature trail provides a look at native plant life and smaller bird life. For information on schedules, permits, and a birding list containing names of 244 bird species sighted since 1965, con- tact the LVNWR at 505- 425-3581 or visit: www.fws. gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/lasvegas/index.html. Friends of Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge sponsor interpretive programs throughout the year. For topics and program dates call Jan Arrott at 505-454-6115.
Birding in the Upper Pecos Valley. One of the hid- den gems of birding sites in New Mexico is the Upper Pecos River Valley. The Cowles area is home to many breeding species and is a corridor for migrants in the fall and spring. Mountain birds such as woodpeckers, sapsuckers, kinglets, crossbills, jays, finches, nuthatch- es and warblers abound. It is also one of New Mexico’s best places to find the delightful American Dipper as it forages in and along the rushing Pecos River. From early summer to early fall, blizzards of hummingbirds swarm area feeders. Fascinating birds and great scenery define birding in the Upper Pecos Valley!
CaMPinG
Las Vegas is fortunate to have a backyard playground that features high forested mountains and lush wilder- ness areas. Tent campers will find sites that offer a range of recreational opportunities and services from Forest Service remote wilderness areas and designated camp- grounds, to multiple State Park facilities, to private campgrounds.
The Santa Fe National Forest offers public land for day use and overnight camping just 15 miles northwest of Las Vegas on SR 65 which leads to the tranquil Gal- linas Canyon at the base of Hermit’s Peak. Other Forest Service sites near Las Vegas include Johnson Mesa, and El Porvenir campgrounds. The Pecos Canyon Corridor 35 miles east on I-25 (onto SR 63) lends itself to camp- ing near the Pecos River at Field Tract, Holy Ghost, Panchuela, and Jacks Creek campgrounds. The Con- gressional Designated Pecos Wilderness area consists of a 200,000+ acre tract that offers primitive camping opportunities throughout. For information call the Pe-
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