ANGEL FIRE New Mexico RESORT NATURE TRAIL

The Angel Fire Resort Nature Trail is located at the base of the ski area and starts at the Ticket Office near the base of the Chile Express Chair Lift. While hiking the Nature Trail you will see many of the trees, flowers and views that make Angel Fire so beautiful. The Trail is categorized as easy. It will take about one hour to hike.

The Trail starts at the Ticket Office. Walk towards the Dreamcatcher Ski Run and look for the hiking sign in the middle of the slope. From here follow the bicycle cross-country path up the hill.

In the first group of trees on the left see examples of Douglas Fir and White Fir Trees. Wild Flowers dot the way. Can you identify Clover, Pentstemon, Harebells, Lupine and Yarrow?

Half way up Dreamcatcher Run (at .2 mile) the trail turns to the right and goes into the woods. Look carefully here to see the Gambrel (White) Oak Trees. More wild flowers are also visible in this shady area. Wooly Mullen, Fleabane, Bull Thistle.

Continue into a field above the Ski Run Condominiums. This is actually one of the original ski runs at the Resort. Notice the incredible view of the Wheeler Wilderness and the Moreno Valley. Continue following the path into the woods and you will see some Ponderosa Pines, Willows and Aspens. Walk quietly here as you may catch a glimpse of Mule Deer that often frequent this area. The trail makes a sharp turn to the left (at .6 mile) and heads up hill.

You will cross the old ski run again (at .7 mile) and here is an even better opportunity for pictures of the Moreno Valley, Baldy and Touch-Me-Not Mountains. Did you know that gold was discovered on the slopes of Baldy Mountain in 1867? During the height of the "Elizabethtown Gold Rush" the town had over 7500 residents. Wheeler Peak is the highest mountain in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. Can you identify it?

Soon you will arrive at the "Overlook". Many young couples are married on this platform because of the spectacular view. This is the highest point of the trail. Here it intersects the ATV trail and heads down hill along Ridge Run. Can you pick out the Douglas Fir Trees from the Ponderosa Pines? The Pines have five-inch long needles.

Follow Ridge Run back to the Base area. Look for more wild flowers on your way down