Great Drives - New Mexico

The Vermejo Park property and other lands -- totaling almost one million acres -- were eventually bought by Texas magnate W.J. Gourley. Wanting to expand the small existing elk herd, he purchased several hundred elk from Yellowstone National Park (at $5 per head). He also bred and raised wild turkeys, in order to increase the wild bird population. Gourley died in 1970; the land was then sold to the Pennzoil Company, which donated 100,000 acres to the Forest Service in 1982.

The prime job for the Forest Service now is wildlife preservation, although the land grant area is also used for ranching. There are two developed campgrounds along the route. Because of the elk calving season, some of the western part of the Valle Vidal unit is closed to traffic from May 1 until early-to-mid July. Motorized campers are restricted to the two campgrounds, although backcountry camping is permitted in the unit.

D.H. Lawrence Shrine

Kiowa Ranch, once owned by Mabel Dodge Luhan (a woman with a fascinating story of her own), was the home of novelist D. H. Lawrence and his wife, Frieda, in 1924 and 1925 -- given to them by Mrs. Luhan. Frieda continued to live at the ranch after the author’s death. She later married Angelo Ravagli. In 1934, they built a shrine for Lawrence’s ashes. Aldous Huxley was one of the many literary and other artistic visitors to the ranch, which is now owned by the University of New Mexico. The shrine on San Cristobal Road is open daily. Red River Fish Hatchery Two miles north of Questa on N.M. 515, the hatchery rears trout and is open daily. The visitor center features a display on the fish-rearing process, with a free self-guiding tour.

Red River Resort

Set in the forests of the Red River Valley, this rustic and informal town provides a getaway for those who eschew the sophistication of the ritzier ski and summer resorts. This popular summer and winter playground offers excellent stream and lake fishing, guest ranches, hotels and tourist courts. The ski area is right in town. Wheeler Peak is to the southeast. Restaurants run to steak and barbecue cuisine, and there are several small cafes serving “down-home food.” This is a great place to stay for a thorough exploration of the region.

Eagle Nest Lake

Eagle Nest Lake: This popular fishing lake is leased for public fishing by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The lake is also a mecca for windsurfers. If you wish to wander farther, the Wild West town of Cimmaron is located east of Eagle Nest, via Highway 64.

Angel Fire

Angel Fire, another noted ski area, is located 26 miles east of Taos -- via N.M. Route 68 and then south for 4 miles on N.M. Route 75. With a vertical drop of 2,180 feet, runs up to 3.5 miles, and a cross-country ski center, Angel Fire offers just about everything (including golf when the snow has disappeared).

Angel Fire is a very scenic resort town. Summer activities include golfing, hiking, and mountain biking. The ski area is a popular alternative to Taos Ski Valley, and you'll find good accommodations (motels, condo units) in the little town.

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