Page 70 - 2019 Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY
Photo courtesy Tasha Rae.
erate to difficult depending on the experience and ability of hikers. Visitors can arrange for informal guided outings and field trips that include day hikes, overnights, backpacking and mountain climbing by contacting the Sierra Club at 505-983-2703. Visit www.fs.usda.gov or call the Las Vegas Ranger District 505-425-3534 or Pecos Ranger District at 505-757- 6121 for Forest Service maps of the area.
Be sure you carry enough water in this dry climate and do not depend on springs or streams unless you are prepared to treat this water to avoid becoming sick.
The Forest Service has a program welcoming vol- unteers who work to keep trails in good condition. Call their office at 505-425-3534 if you would like to volunteer.
For a short trek, try the Riverwalk, a paved trail along the Gallinas River which winds through the center of town between National Avenue on the south and Mills Avenue on the north, a distance of just over a half mile. Crossing Mills Avenue on the north to the paved walking track along Cinder Road adds 1 1⁄2 miles.
horsebaCk riDinG
There are many opportunities to experience the great outdoors on horseback. The Santa Fe and Car son National Forests offer most pub- lic opportunities for trail riding to popular destinations and loop trails that provide multiple day ventures. Designated access points into the Pe- cos Wilderness are Jacks Creek and Iron Gate Equestrian Campgrounds which also provide corrals, hitching rails, water, picnic tables, and other convenient amenities for riders. Pri- vate guest ranches and camps boast
unspoiled mountain areas and sparkling streams to be discovered on horseback. Guided outings of hourly, half day, full day rides, and pack trips are offered by Cow Creek Ranch 505-757-2107, Diamond E Stables 505-500-7839, and Los Pinos Ranch 505-757-6213 lo- cated in the Pecos, NM area.
hoT sPrinGs
Hot springs abound in Northern New Mexico. Less than 10 minutes from Las Vegas on SR 65, bordering the grounds of the Armand Hammer United World College of the American West, are the rustic but sooth- ing Montezuma Hot Springs, a popular haunt for lo- cals. Originally part of the famous Montezuma Hotel, several natural hot springs are available to the public year round. Call 505-454-4245 for more information. hUnTinG
Northern New Mexico’s hunting areas offer the avid sportsman a variety of game including elk, deer, bear, grouse, squirrel, turkey and mountain lion. Near Oca- te, the Black Lake – Whites Peak area is a popular elk and deer hunting site and accessible by vehicle. The Pecos Wilderness, a more challenging terrain, can only
be reached by foot or on horseback. Circle S Stables in Pecos offers elk hunts Sept. 1st thru October. Call cell 575-707-5133 or 505-757-8400 after June 1st. Also, Visit the Santa Fe or Carson National Forest websites at www.fs.usda.gov for information.
Hunting licenses are required and available through licensed vendors; however, applications to draw for lim- ited licenses (antelope, elk, bighorn sheep and other species) can only be made by contacting the Game & Fish Department. Seasons vary from area to area so hunters should obtain the New Mexico Big Game and Turkey Seasons Proclamation which is a de- tailed journal of dates, laws and reg- ulations governing the various hunts available. Proclamations are available from the Department of Game & Fish at 505-757-6360 or www.wildlife. state.nm.us.
MoUnTain bikinG
Exploring San Miguel County by mountain bike enables visitors to experience the countryside from an entirely different perspective. Back roads open up to high country and ranch land for two wheel adven- tures into the Santa Fe National Forest. Free Travel Management Maps are available online at www.san- tafenationalforest.com, or at local offices in Las Vegas (1926 North 7th Street) or Pecos (32 Main Street). The Gallinas Canyon Recreation Area near Las Vegas offers similar biking experiences. For more information call 505-425-3534.
RUNNING
Popular jogging routes in town include the historic business and residential districts as well as the River- walk along the Gallinas stretching from Mills Avenue in the north, south to Grand Avenue. Walkers and bicyclists are regulars here as well. The Las Vegas Na-
Photo courtesy Andy Sanchez
tional Wildlife Refuge, 5 miles east of Las Vegas off SR 104, is also used by and runners and cyclists. For more information call 505-425-3581 or visit www.fws.gov/ southwest/refuges/newmex/lasvegas/index.html. SWIMMING
New Mexico Highlands University offers an indoor swimming pool open to the public for adult lap swim- ming, 505-425-7511 or 505-454-3073 as does the Abe Montoya Recreation Center, 505-426-1739 for a sched- ule and fees.
WinDsUrfinG/WaTer sPorTs
With over 70,500 acre feet of water, Conchas Lake is one of the most popular recreation sites for boating, waterskiing, and other water sports. Call 575-868- 2270. For information on windsurfing at Storrie Lake call 505-425-7278.
WorkoUT sPaCes
Interested in outdoor exercise? Las Vegas has 22 public parks throughout the city. The Abe Montoya Recreation Center has a fitness center plus racquetball courts, a skate park, and basketball courts. Call 505- 426-1739 or check the Las Vegas City website www. lasvegasnm.gov
Photo courtesy Teresa Lujan
70 | Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide 2019