Page 69 - 2019 Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide

& OUTDOoRS
DOWNHILL SKIING
Within an hour’s drive of Las Vegas are four of northern New Mexico’s best ski areas: Sipapu, Angel Fire, Santa Fe, and Taos Ski Resorts. Sipapu (the In- dian word meaning the “little opening” in a ceremo- nial kiva), is known for its spectacular high mountain setting, narrow trails, and rustic lodges and cabins. This family-friendly resort is located 55 miles north of Las Vegas on NM 518 and has 37 runs at elevations of 8,350–9,200 feet. Information on season activities, ski rentals, rates, and lodging is available by calling 575- 587-2240, or 800-587-2240 or www.SipapuNM.com.
Angel Fire Ski Resort, nestled in a beautiful alpine valley approximately 60 miles north of Las Vegas, sports 76 runs at elevations of 8,500-10,500 feet, a variety of lodging options, restaurants, and bars. For more information call 800-633-7463 or www.angelfir- eresort.com.
For information about Santa Fe Ski Resort, located on Santa Fe National Forest lands, call 505-982-4429 or visit www.skisantafe.com. For a snow report call 505-983-9155.
Taos Ski Resort, about 98 miles from Las Vegas, is on Carson National Forest lands. Find ski resort infor- mation at 866- 968-7386 or 575-776-2291 or www.ski- taos.org. For Taos snow conditions call 866-968-7386 ext. 2202 or 575-776-2291 ext. 2202.
fishinG
Quality fishing abounds in all directions in San Mi- guel County, from secluded back country wilderness areas to easily reached popular spots. All skill levels will enjoy the beautiful northern New Mexico moun- tain scenery, clean air, moderate year round tempera- tures, sparkling trout and other game species. Prime fishing destinations include Storrie Lake, Morphy Lake State Park, Villanueva State Park, Conchas Lake State Park, El Porvenir, and the Gallinas and Pecos Rivers.
A New Mexico fishing license is required for any- one over 12 years. Licenses for residents and non-res- idents may be purchased for a year, five days or one day. Contact the Department of Game and Fish 505-
Photo of Rancho de Fe, Sapello, New Mexico, courtesy Alicia Robicheaux
757-6360 or visit www.nmsgf.com for state fishing re- ports, copies of the state fishing regulations, and maps. Golf
The Gene Torres Golf Course of New Mexico High- lands University, redesigned by noted golf course ar- chitect Jeffrey Brauer, is a links course where players of varying abilities can test their skills. The 9-hole course is open to the public (weather permitting) from March 1st to November 30th and features a pro shop, electric cart rental, driving range, club rental, and private lessons by appointment. For information on tournaments, course fees, rentals, lessons, and oth- er services contact 505-425-7711 or visit www.new- mexicohighlandsgolf.com. Those interested in high country golfing can try Pendaries Village Golf Course 25 miles north of Las Vegas in Rociada. This beautiful 18- hole course is open to the public and well worth the drive. Electric carts and club rentals are available as well as private lessons with the resident golf pro. For more information call the pro shop at 505-425-3561 or visit www.pendaries.net. Lakeside golfing at Con- chas Lake State Park, 76 miles southeast of Las Vegas on NM 104, features 9 holes and is open year round to the public. Pull carts, a club house with snacks, and a lock box for greens fees are available.
DisC Golf
The New Mexico Highlands University Disc Golf Course, located on the grounds of the Gene Torres Golf Course, is an 18 basket course where players of all abilities and ages can play. The course begins at the parking lot and utilizes the varied terrain of the area and is free to play. The clubhouse offers course maps and has discs for sale. For more information, call 505- 920-3431.
The Pendaries Village Golf Course has an 18 bas- ket course available during the spring and fall. Other seasonal courses include Sipapu Disc Golf Course - 20 baskets,AngelFireDiscGolfCourse-18basketsand Taos Ski Valley Disc Golf Course - 18 baskets. Year- round courses include Two Gray Hares Disc Golf Course - 18 baskets, Picuris Pueblo Disc Golf Course - 27 baskets, Taos Roc Pit Disc Golf Course - 18 baskets, and Conchas Dam Disc Golf Course - 9 baskets. More information on all the courses and the game may be found at www.pdga.com.
hikinG
Las Vegas is only minutes from thousands of acres of natural countryside and forest areas that afford hikers and backpackers a variety of beautiful terrain and trails. One of the most popular trails in the Pecos Wilderness is Hermit’s Peak (Trail #223) which is a four mile climb. At 10,238 feet it offers both a feeling of accomplishment as well as a fantastic view of the plains to the east!
Other popular hiking trails are Dispensas Trail #222, Gallinas Trail #216, and Porvenir Canyon Trail #247 which takes you into the Pecos Wilderness with 25 stream crossings in the first five miles. (Note: Avoid Porvenir Canyon during the spring runoff or during serious rainstorms.) Trails range from moder-
Photo courtesy RaeDawn Price
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