Hit the links, shred the best, test your balance, saddle up, and more!
bike our world class Mountain Bike Park, or experience a zipline adventure through the forest. Play our high alpine golf course and driving range, surrounded by aspens and open to everyone. Enjoy our spring fed Monte Verde Lake—wonderful for fishing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the shore. The warm hospitality of
Ride up the Chile Express overlooking the beautiful Moreno Valley, bike our world class Mountain Bike Park, or experience a zipline adventure through the forest. Play our high alpine golf course and driving range, surrounded by aspens and open to everyone. Enjoy our spring fed Monte Verde Lake—wonderful for fishing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the shore. The warm hospitality of the Southern Rockies is awaiting you at Angel Fire Resort.
Robin Martin, Owner
Chris Baker, Publisher
John Miller, Editor
Ellen Miller-Goins, Magazine Editor
Emery Veilleux, Copy Editor
Karin Eberhardt, Art Director
Chris Wood, Advertising Director
Isabel Peña, Sales Manager
Mary Chavez, Business Manager
Paul Gutches, Creative Director
Jason Rodriguez, Production Manager
Zoe Urban, Graphic Designer
Heather Owen, Digital Editor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
BJ Lindsey
Lukas Cash
Jacqui Binford-Bell
Virginia L. Clark
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jacqui Binford-Bell
Courtesy Angel Fire Resort Courtesy Village of Angel Fire
WELCOME TO ANGEL FIRE, a place unlike any other, where nature’s call is the soundtrack and pristine beauty is the backdrop.
In our charming, growing, mountain village, you can escape the hustle and bustle, unplug from devices, and reconnect with yourself and your family, while you create moments that last a lifetime.
Summer in Angel Fire is all about adventure, and adventure means different things to different folks. Maybe you’re a thrill-seeker who wants to take on the mountain in a downhill biking excursion, or maybe you have a more leisurely appreciation of the outdoors and want to tee up on our resort golf course. Your adventure might be curling up with a great book in one of our
beautiful rental properties, hiking one of our rustic trails with the whole family, or sipping drinks while you take in sunsets and scenic views. The point is, Angel Fire has something for everyone. So head this way, and don’t forget to enjoy the drive — we can’t wait to see you!
BJ Lindsey Village of Angel Fire Mayor
They Built this Community
IT’S BEEN REPEATED SO MANY TIMES: WHEN A fire threatened to destroy the forest, the Ute prayed for rain. When it came, the intervention was known as “Angel’s Fire.” Others say famed Indian scout Kit Carson called the dawn sunlight on frozen dew “Angel Fire.” It is also said Franciscan friars called this place “the place of the fire of angels.”
Is any of it true? The late, great Bill Burgess claimed much of that legend was “written over a fifth of whiskey for promotional materials” and once quipped, “Come on, do you really think Ute Indians had angels?”
Yet according to Sally LeBus, daughter of Angel Fire founders Roy and LaVena LeBus, in the late-1950s they were kicking around ideas for a name when her brother George said, “‘Well this mountain is named “Angel Fire.” It’s on the map.’ And mom said, ‘That’s it!’ She loved the name.”
No one disputes the Utes’ history in the valley. In 2005, the late Joe Torres, whose family settled in Black Lake in the 1880s, recalled, “When I was a kid, you could still see where the Utes would leave their dead in what they call ‘Valley of the Utes.’”
A toe-dip into Angel Fire’s history
by EllenMiller-Goins
Joe’s grandfather and others settled courtesy of the Homestead Act which gave farmers a shot at 160 acres. The Torres family grew hay, potatoes and peas and Joe’s grandfather raised sheep. When Joe returned from World War II to Black Lake in 1954 to make a home with his wife Connie, five families lived between Palo Flechado Pass and the Torres ranch. In those days, everyone had telephone party lines and modern conveniences were almost nonexistent. There was no Angel Fire, no grocery store and no gas station. Joe had a private tank at his ranch, so, “People would get gas from the tank and leave money.”
Television reception was so bad, Joe said, “You didn’t know if you were watching a wrestling match or a football game.”
In the early ’50s, brothers Roy and G.F. LeBus of Wichita Falls, Texas, bought ranch
FROM LEFT: From 1987: Angel Fire’s (late) Mayor James Butts with little J.B. Butts III. James leased the Mini Mart in June 1976 and added the pharmacy in December 1976. Between ordering, stocking shelves and filling prescriptions, he kept busy.
land — and changed the valley forever when they decided to develop a ski area, golf course and resort in the early ’60s. The family’s dream planted the seeds, but a host of others helped turn this sleepy ranching valley into the resort
community it is today. New residents, many of whom retired from the military, came looking for a place where they could be sedentary — but not bored. The late Betsy Block, who moved here with husband George in 1970, once quipped,
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:Joe Gallagher, whose family traces its roots back to Elizabethtown, published Angel Fire Life and Baca Grande Life newspapers for then Angel Fire Resort owners Arizona Land and Cattle Co. in the early ‘70s. He began printning the Moreno Valley Lantern and The Red River Prospector in 1973. Scene from the mini-series Lonesome Dove, which was filmed near Angel Fire in 1988. Rancher Joe Torres shows a newborn calf to a little neighbor, 1988. Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters (l-r) Marilyn Diveley, Irene Lewis, Rene Webb, Sondra Reed, Nadine Bell, Kay Walton, Mary Paul, Nadine Ashcraft, Mary Painter and Sandra Samuels gather following their Founder’s Day Banquet at the Angel Fire Country Club, 1975.
“Five thousand dollars for a 1/2 acre in the boonies? I’ve got to think about this! We thought it would be neat to go out of our drive and snowmobile. We didn’t realize how great the summers were until later.”
The Blocks and other early denizens of Angel Fire helped establish an ambulance and fire department, library, and post office. They cut roads and ski trails. They participated in group fun: skiing, golf, bridge, and potlucks. In addition to being a daily gathering place, the country club hosted ’40s
dances, nature talks, club meetings (bridge, needlepoint, garden, birdwatching, etc.), non-denominational church services, community fund-raisers and a Sunday buffet that brought people from miles around. It wasn’t unusual for the bartender to go home before many an evening ended. Members would drink via the honor system leaving money on the bar.
Then there was the night Bill Burgess’ weekly bingo game at the country club was busted. As it turns out, Bingo, along with all other gaming pursuits, was illegal in New Mexico at the time. No arrests were made, but according to a 1975 Sangre de Cristo Chronicle account, two corporation employees were arrested because of the illegal deer police found in the club freezer. Signs started showing up to express members’ views about road conditions. “This road maintained by Ajax Shock Absorbers and Realignment Company” was a favorite, as was “No swimming in this pothole.”
It sometimes took a while to clear the roads on heavy snow days. Joe Torres recalled that when he was county commissioner, “A woman called to complain and I said, ‘Lady, you want to live where the tweety birds
live, you have to put up with some inconveniences.’”
The community was so small most residents would announce, “I’m going to Albuquerque. Anybody need anything?”
In 1975, the Mini Mart pumped its first gallon of gasoline, saving folks a drive to Eagle Nest. In 1976, the late James Butts came from Odessa, Texas, with wife Sharon to manage the Mini Mart and operate a pharmacy. Until Angel Fire got big enough in 1983 for the Valley Market (now Lowe’s), the Mini Mart was the general store offering everything from kerosene lamps and lamp oil, to air and oil filters, school supplies, hardware, tools, chainsaw oil, bread, and milk. The Mini Mart kept a little file box on the
counter with nearly every valley local’s name, date and items charged until paychecks or income tax returns came in or a job came available.
James once called Stanton Bundy, Russ Sylvester and George Block the true fathers of Angel Fire who worked tirelessly to realize their vision of a formal, incorporated municipality. In 1996, Angel Fire citizens voted to incorporate.
James was elected the village’s first mayor and served one 2-year term as mayor and two 4-year terms as councilor, retiring in 1996.
Everyone who came to stay, stayed because they loved it. Former resident Marian Shuter once shared the locals’ saying, “If it took a nickel to get out of the valley, we’d be stranded.”
The arts in Angel Fire
Angel Fire in summer is a place where you can steep your senses in joy, through beauty and lots of music. Here, you can uplift your soul to perfect sounds of chamber music, dance to rock ’n’ roll or buy from art masters and artisans.
Music from Angel Fire, Aug. 15–29
For the 41st season of Music from Angel Fire programs all connect to the theme of “Virtue and Virtuosity.” According to Tara Helen O’Connor, co-artistic director along with husband Daniel Phillips, “each program features a wonderful mixture of brazen brilliance and profound beauty. Highlights are a Buster Keaton film shown with live musicians providing the soundtrack. Baroque music is back! Our grand finale will be the famous Four Seasons by Vivaldi as well as Astor Piazzola’s Argentinian take
Cool Summer Nights
June 14-Sept. 6
comedian, Toby Appel.” Many favorite musicians are returning including Tara Helen O’Connor, Daniel Phillips , Benny Kim, and Toby on the Seasons. The annual Fiesta is a celebration with food and informal music making. The Salon Concert is again hosted by our own dry-witted
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, the Cool Summer Nights Concert Series offers free live music from national and regional acts. Grab a lawn chair, bring your friends, and your dancing shoes. Listen to live music under the sunset in Frontier Park.
3367 Mountain View Blvd, Angel Fire
Appel. Cathy and Robbie Robinson are also returning along with Robbie’s brother Hal Robinson, former principal bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
“Our brilliant and fashionable pianist this year is Wendy Chen,” Tara says, “and we welcome new artists; violinist Aaron Boyd; cellist Natasha Brofsky; harpsichordist Kathleen MacIntosh; as well as our young hot shot artists from the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. Marc Neikrug, the director of the Santa Festival Chamber Music, has written a new commissioned work for oboe and strings.” musicfromangelfire.org
Angel Fire Studio Tour, Sept. 28–29
This tour includes artists in Angel Fire, Black Lake and Taos Canyon. Art will be for sale, with music and workshops at some venues. Be sure to stop at “Whatville” on 30 Trujillo Lane, which is made up largely of colorful wooden structures, art pieces and found objects by Ray Renfroe. Spend the weekend in Angel Fire for two days to complete the tour and enjoy gorgeous fall colors in the Moreno Valley. Pick up a map and brochure at the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce,
online at angelfirestudiotour .org. Check artup-nnm.org for other summer events.
3407 Mountain View Blvd. in Angel Fire; at Visitor Centers in Taos and Santa Fe; and
Water works gallery
by JacquiBinford-Bell
IT’S
ALL ABOUT
THE LIGHT AND THE WATER.
Ramona Bagley and her husband David first visited Angel Fire first in 2019. Ramona was already an artist working in watercolor. Her mother was an artist, too. Ramona studied with her and at the Art Institute in Boston. Meanwhile, David, an oil company engineer, was looking for the perfect water.
On a 1977 historic map, they found the unincorporated town of Agua Fria (now Angel Fire). The Moreno Valley has several unincorporated towns once home for miners
capture the light in oil. Colors drew her to the other side of the mountain. Plein air accentuated the light and the colors. Ramona has won or placed in the top three in plein-air competitions in New Mexico. She was also Music from Angel Fire’s 2022 visual artist and her painting “Glory of the Palisades” appeared on that year’s poster.
“If you love a painting it is because the artist loved the subject,” Ramona states on her website. She loves the light and colors of New Mexico, as well as Tuscany and Tibet. Her work at the Water Works Gallery glows with the light and color.
Then came the pandemic. It altered plans for everyone. It closed galleries and workshops, even studios. Ramona maintains it was good for her artistic path. She took the time to learn pastel and explore teachers on the internet. She is now an online teaching assistant and finds she enjoys teaching painting and composition.
Bagley has shown in fine art galleries in Taos, Phoenix and Boston. Artist studios and small galleries have benefited from the closure of big galleries and art fairs. Studio tours became the way to shop for art. Ramona opened her own gallery at her husband’s Angel Fire Water Company. It is a wonderful space — with lots of light, of course.
and cattlemen. Some towns made it and some didn’t. New residents to New Mexico have the same experience. The Bagleys, most recently from Oklahoma, made it. David found the perfect water. And Ramona found the perfect light.
Artists are about light, and New Mexico has the perfect light. Ramona wanted to master oil painting and Taos had plenty of instructors able to
The Water Works gallery is open during holiday weekends and by appointment. It is located at 28 Fria Court (turn just past the Blinking Light). It has been a participant in the Angel Fire Studio Tour since its beginning. This year’s tour is Sept. 28 and 29.
Located at 28 Fria Ct (turn just past the Blinking Light).
To visit the gallery and for directions, call Ramona 575224-4224. Ramona’s paintings can also be viewed online at ramonarts.com.
gifts from the mountian
Sweet Shirt Company
A PEACEFUL POSITION
Former Angel Fire resident Sharon Butts remembers taking on the Sweet Shirt from Walt and Rosalie Custer sometime around 1998.
“They were retiring so we bought it and moved it over to where the Mini Mart used to be,” Sharon says.”I ran it for 10 years while James ran the Mini Mart.”
THE SWEET SHIRT COMPANY
may be the longest-open business under the same name in Angel Fire. Its original owners sold fudge — hence the name — but these days the shop is the place to buy that perfect Angel Fire hoodie or T-shirt to wear back to your hometown. The reviews and repeat customers support that.
When current owners Airen and Nick Martinez bought the store in 2015, they were its fourth owners: Walt and Rosalie Custer opened the shop in 1986 or 1987; former Mayor James Butts and his wife Sharon bought the shop in 1998; and Eileen and Wayne Hajovsky bought it 2008.
Airen says, “I worked for the Hajovskys for 6 years before we got it. Nick and I both have lived here over 20 years.”
Besides its owners, little has changed — everything from mugs to jackets to caps to travel cups bear the name Angel Fire — but colors and designs do follow trends. The couple attend markets in Las Vegas and Denver yearly to stay up-to-date on new colors and trends. Since most new tourists arrive in Angel Fire not aware of the cooler nights and mornings, Sweet Shirt Co. is a muststop shop for hoodies and flannel shirts all summer- and winter-long.
“Angel Fire has turned into an all-season location. It’s known for its winter skiing, but summers and fall are starting to be many of our customers’ favorite times to visit,” Airen says.
James had his hands full running the Mini Mart and pharmacy (he was also the village’s first mayor and founder of the Chamber of Commerce).
Sharon ran the retail business. But Sharon says her son and daughter helped. “JB helped me when he needed some money to go out on a date. Brittany helped me a lot in summer. She and all her friends
Some of their customers have been stopping by for years and Airen looks forward to seeing them. “Almost 70 percent of our customers are return customers. Nick and I have created relationships with these people. They expect to see one of us and if we’re not there, they come back another time.”
Locals also visit when they bring in out-of-town guests, or in summer when the shop carries local honey and jams. When asked what she would change if she could, Airen replied “more floor space.” (At this Nick rolled his eyes.)
Nick has an outside job in construction, but pitches in on the heavy work when new stock comes in. Their daughter has reached the age that she can work the shop when not in school. Weekends and holidays are busy, and her parents welcome the help. When he’s older, their son may end up helping, too; after all, owning and running a business in Angel Fire is a family affair.
Airen loves it all, especially her customers. “We’ve seen kids grow up and go to college. I love it.”
would work for me.
“I have fond memories of the locals who would stop and say hello and I had repeat customers that would come up from Amarillo. I really enjoyed it.”
Despite the crazy busy times over Christmas, spring break and in summer, Sharon says, “It was just a peaceful job to me.”
TEN HIGH COUNTRY ADVENTUres
Hit the links
Why golf Angel Fire? Named one among the top five public golf courses in New Mexico by reviewers on golfpass.com, Angel Fire Resort’s par 72, 18-hole, links style, 6,600-yard, PGA-rated course features generous fairways lined with aspens and ponderosa pines with spectacular views of Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area. Angel Fire local Mike Woolley agrees: “I love the fresh mountain air, the incredible scenery, the camaraderie of friends and clients, and the course is always in great shape!” Playing a round of golf at Angel Fire Resort offers special challenges — you’ll feel your pulse ounding a little more at 8,600-plus feet above sea level. For a more laid-back option, try Valle Escondido’s 9-hole walking course.
2 shred the best in the southwest
Why bike Angel Fire? Big Mountain Enduro, which is bringing its series to the Angel Fire Bike Park June 27–30, notes, “Angel Fire is continually ranked as one of the top parks in the nation and we are excited to be racing here for the first time ever!” Trail Party, whose downhill event is June 1–2 in Angel Fire, notes,
“The Park has a reputation for leading the way in new trail construction and variety of trails. ... This is due mainly to the staff’s love for downhill biking.”
Cruisers can find lovely beginner and intermediate routes along Angel Fire’s Greenbelt Trails, a free-access system of trails located within the Village of Angel Fire. The South Boundary Trail, the only trail in New Mexico to receive an EPIC designation from IMBA, is a 22-mile upper-intermediate trail best ridden as a shuttled ride from Angel Fire, with another vehicle waiting at the finish near Taos.
Saddle up
NANCY BURCH’S ROADRUNNER TOURS
in Angel Fire offers horseback riding tours in the Enchanted Circle and Carson National Forest. Located 1-mile west of the Blinking Light (US 64 and Hwy 434) in Angel Fire, Roadrunner Tours offers horseback riding lessons and guided tours from one-hour to all-day, plus horsedrawn carriage and wagon rides and romantic wedding-day and wedding engagement carriage rides. Plus, Nancy offers many handicap-accessible tours including horse trail rides, lessons and horsedrawn wagon rides.
Riders who seek a true Western adventure can book an overnight group camping excursion or a Western-style chuckwagon meal along the trail.
fish
on the fly
Fishing is more than a way to provide tonight’s dinner. This is food for the soul. Within Angel Fire Resort, two spots are stocked with trout in summer. At Monte Verde Lake, guests can rent everything from poles to boats. Angel Fire fishing permits are required and can be obtained at the boat house. The small, stocked pond at Olympic Park is free for children, seniors and those who physically challenged.
Outside Angel Fire, Coyote Creek State Park, 17 miles south of Angel Fire, is ideal for fly fishing, as is Cimarron Canyon State Park, 22 miles northeast. Sections of Cimarron Creek are “special waters” and limited to barbless, artificial flies and lures. Eagle Nest Lake, 12 miles north, is a primo fishing spot for kokanee salmon and rainbow and cutthroat trout. Shore fishing is an option but it’s worth it to hire a guide.
5
Take a hike
Who knew one could park off Highway 434 and find such beauty?
ANGEL FIRE RESORT
“GREENBELT” SPACES have become favorite hikes for residents and visitors. Benches and picnic tables offer trekkers a welcome place to take in the scenery or picnic. First-time users can find great info on interpretive kiosks at greenbelt trail entrances. The resort also features a guide on its website’s hiking page that neatly groups trails into easy (green), intermediate (blue) and advanced (black), along with maps. For a day-long outing, visitors can opt to ride Angel Fire’s Chile Express to access the Overlook Loop at the Summit, followed by — if they’re up for it —a strenuous descent down the Enlightenment Trail.
Toss some plastic
Disc golf changes a stroll in the park into an afternoon adventure with a flying piece of plastic. It’s a chance to get outside and get some exercise. The sport is relatively affordable and easy to get into. It’s one of the few games that families can easily play together, and it lends itself to group or solitary play. Enjoy amazing mountain views and challenge yourself with Angel Fire Resort’s 18-hole disc golf course at the summit. The course is free, but you’ll need a lift ticket or season pass to access the summit via the chairlift. Course maps, disc rentals, and scorecards are available in the ticket office at the base of the Chile Express chairlift. For more information call 575-377-4499 or visit angelfireresort.com/activities/summer-activities/disc-golf.
Testbalanceyour 7
Stand-up paddling is an affordable, family-friendly, relaxing, and relatively easy-to-learn sport.
Tagged “the world’s fastest-growing watersport” on multiple websites, the sport is well-known for working your core, improving balance, burning fat and losing weight. Try this fun water sport on MONTE VERDE LAKE in Angel Fire but be aware: swimming is not allowed. Fans and first-timers ages 12 and older can rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) at the boathouse. You can also rent fishing boats, pedalboards, pedal boats, canoes and kayaks, or you can bring your own non-motorized watercraft no larger than 15 feet to Monte Verde Lake. 575-377-9971
8 | Swing a racket
The Angel Fire Resort Tennis Center at Olympic Park has six tennis and six pickleball courts for use by Resort Members, guests, and visitors to the Moreno Valley. (Non-members pay $15 or $150 for a Summer Tennis Pass.) Register with the Tennis Pro before play. If the Tennis Pro is not on-site, register at the Country Club reception desk, located on the clubhouse’s lower level near the fitness center. Tennis Pro Jimmy Celli comes to Angel Fire with 30 years of teaching and playing experience in tennis, squash, platform tennis, and pickleball. For more information: call Jimmy at 239-304-6282. See angelfireresort.com/activities/summer-activities/tennis for a list of tennis and pickleball events.
9 | Ride high
I spy… a deer! Chair lift rides at Angel Fire Resort take you to the mountain summit at 10,677 feet where you can enjoy disc golf, hiking, or lunch with a view from the Summit Haus. When you are ready to head back, you have the option of either hiking down or riding the chairlift back to the base area. The views on the way down allow you to see the entire valley, Wheeler Peak, and Eagle Nest Lake State Park. Purchase rides at the ticket office located at the base of the mountain. Children 6 and under are free. For more information call 575-377-4499 or visit angelfire resort.com/activities/summer-activities/scenic-chairlift
10 | zip it
On an Angel Fire Zipline Adventure Tour, two professional guides take guests on a 40-to-50minute tour of four ziplines. We know the tour is not a good idea for those with acrophobia, but all others should just enjoy the views — and the thrills. The resort’s website has helpful tips and information on restrictions and its refund policy. A big “need-to-know” is the 90-to240-pounds weight restriction. (Resort staff “discreetly weigh” everyone, and there are no refunds if you are over or under). Similarly, it pays to watch the weather: If a tour is cancelled because of lightning or high wind, in lieu of a refund, you will receive a voucher for a future tour that is valid for up to one year. If you have questions about the weather, or to purchase tickets, call the ticket office at 575-3774383 or visit angelfireresort.com.
Expert Care Right Here at Home
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Pickleball champ jamie elliot >
‘Where there’s a wheel, there’s a way’
by virginial.clark
FEW FOLKS ARE AS AMAZING
as Jamie Elliott—a Junior Olympics athlete in swimming and track and field, a 2018 Senior Olympics pickleball silver medalist, and the now famous, hard-core pickleball player/ teacher and wheelchair-wonder-of-Angel Fire who also works with standing players.
“In 2019, the doctors tried to remove a tumor off my spine but there were complications that damaged the spine and paralyzed my legs,” Elliott said in a phone interview mid-April. “I started walking (like a robot) in about four months after surgery,” she said. “I wasn’t able to stand and play anymore so I bought a sports chair. I’m growing para-PB now” — Elliot’s speciality, disability pickleball teaching and competing.
“I can spin on a dime!” she said enthusiastically about “Mr. Barney,” her camber-wheeled sports chair she got in 2021 to use on the courts (named after Washington State pickleball co-founder Barney McCallum who started pickleball in 1965).
The wheels pop off and she can load the chair into the back of her car, now that she can walk using a cane.
Elliott has since won the Senior Olympics pickleball silver medal. She also played the US Open 2022 in Naples, Florida, and and her para-PB group did a WC Exhibition on Championship Court Championship Court at Nationals in Dallas, November 2023.
An Angel Fire resident for almost 30 years, Elliott first played on a home court in Washington State before relocating to Angel Fire. She loved pickleball so much she and four other people worked together to form the Angel Fire Pickleball Club in 2010. She said she was AFPB Club vice president for 10 years.
She and Angel Fire resident Julia Smith are both USA Pickleball Ambassadors, “so we can always help anybody. We Ambassadors really try to go the distance,” to help and promote the sport.
Elliott is also a sponsored player of the CNP Chicken
N Pickle) Grand Prairie indoor/ outdoor entertainment complex that, per their website, includes a casual, chef-driven restaurant and sports bar, boasting pickleball courts, ping pong, boccie, Jenga and more.
“There are 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S. and there are also 50,000 known pickleball courts in the nation,” she said.
Once a full-time resident, Elliott now splits her time between Angel Fire and Fairview, Texas. She said she’ll return to Angel Fire in June this year, so get your tennies ready to hit the PB courts. Jamie Elliott and the whole AFPB Club gang will be rarin’ to give you a game.
“No matter what your ability we have people who will help, and we do it all for free,” Elliott says. “Never give up. No matter what’s goin’ on in your life — where there’s a will there’s a way” (a phrase she cleverly changed for para-PB to, “Where there’s a wheel, there’s a way.”)
Courts are available at Angel Fire Community Center for $1/ day; free for Angel Fire Resort members; or $10/day for nonmembers. For details, see Facebook/AFPB Club; angelfirepick leball.com; or angelfirenm.gov/ pickleball.
breakfast to bedtime
When it comes to dining out,
Angel
Fire has it all
by EllenMiller-Goins
ANGEL FIRE IS TRANQUIL IN THE SUMMER, BUT STILL BOASTS PLENTIFUL outdoors and entertainment opportunities — summer festivals, stellar music, shopping, mountain biking, hiking, horseback rides, fishing, hunting, paddle boating, hot air balloon rides, chair-lift rides, bird watching, sightseeing … But first you have to fuel up!
Cozy breakfast pick-me-ups
If you stay at the Angel Fire Resort Hotel, you can roll out of bed and head for the Lift Café just off the lobby for coffee, freshly baked goods or a homemade breakfast burrito.
As for the village’s main drag, locals swear by the espresso drinks, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and more from Taty At The Bump by Lowe’s Valley Market. Just as many frequent The Bakery & Cafe at Angel Fire for donuts, breakfast burritos and
more traditional breakfasts, and Morning Star Restaurant in the Elk Horn Lodge for warm, friendly breakfast pick-me-ups. J & A’s Fun Bakery and Café, which opened in March 2023, is also popular for its amazing home-baked breads and pastries (if you go for lunch, even the hamburger buns are baked fresh). Owner Jessica Arnold notes, “I’ve baked all of my life. I love it!”
J & A’s bakery & Café
El Jefe Magaritas y Mas
DINING
Grab a tasty lunch
After an early morning adventure, if you’ve been riding Angel Fire Resorts renowned bike park, you can enjoy yummy Mexican treats with patio dining at El Jefe Magaritas y Mas close to the Chile Express. If you had an early tee time, head to the Par & Grill by the Pro Shop for fast, savory treats like burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken or corn dogs.
In the village, all the breakfast spots above also offer yummy lunches. Zeb’s Restaurant & Bar is another popular hangout for lunch and dinner, offering a
wide range of items including seafood, burgers, barbecue and more.
Take in a sunset for dinner
For dinner, Mikuna Grill, a casual fine dining restaurant, serves a fusion of traditional Peruvian cuisine and Southwestern favorites, plus steaks, elk and more, with patio dining and live music. Owner Jazmin McKee famously notes: “My love for my family and the recipes that bring me back to my childhood have continued
Angel Fire Resort Country Club, 100 Country Club Drive, 575-377-3055
El Jefe Magaritas y Mas 10 5 Springs Road 575-377-4410
Enchanted Circle Brewing Company
20 Sage Lane, 505-216-5973
to push me to share these same experiences with my community.”
Elements, a fine dining venue on the second floor of the Angel Fire Country Club, also offers outside dining featuring fantastic views with a wide selection of appetizers, steaks, seafood and lighter fares, along with a full array of mixed drinks, beers and fine wines.
Enchanted Circle Brewing Company also features dining with spectacular views of the mountains with the added bonus of house-made beers and classic bar fare. For pizza, visitors and locals both alternate between the
Pizza Stop and Angel Fired Pizza.
Angel Fire Food Carts
Fans of street food will be pleased to know Angel Fire has a lively food cart scene with myriad delicious options. Frontier Park, site of Friday night Cool Summer Nights Concerts and Sunday Farmers’ Markets, is home to Jeanette’s Café Specialty Foods and Catering — Angel Fire’s first food cart — Smoke Rings BBQ, and Thai Angel Authentic Thai Food Truck.
Builders, locals, and visitors also frequent Arias Taqueria Mexican Food Truck in the Mountain Supply parking lot.
Bring a lawn chair, blankets and your dancing shoes for free live music in Frontier Park.
dog days at the golf course
Angel Fire Farmers’ Market
Sundays, June 9 – Sept. 15
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy shopping for fresh produce, art, friends, and entertainment in Frontier Park.
Stargazing & S’mores
June 14, July 12, Aug. 16 & Sept. 13 8:30 – 10 p.m.
Head to Monte Verde Lake for complimentary s’mores and stargazing with amateur astronomer and astrophotographer Mike Hawkins, who will be on-site to operate the telescope, guide discussions, and answer questions.
Dog Days at the Golf Course
June 15, July 13, Sept. 14 & Oct. 5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bring your furry friends to the golf course on our special “Dog Days” to enjoy giveaways with Angel Fire pup swag. (Dogs must be on a leash at all times.) Angel Fire Golf Course, 100 Country Club Drive. 575-377-4488.
JUNE
balloons over angel fire Vietnam veterans
Balloons Over Angel Fire
June 14, 15 & 16, 7 – 9 a.m.
Every year on Father’s Day weekend, 30-50 brightly colored hot air balloons lift off from Angel Fire Airport into Moreno Valley skies. The threeday event includes mass ascensions at 7 a.m. Families can get “up-close and personal” with the balloonists every morning as the crews prepare to launch. 575-377-6555. angelfirenm .gov/296/Balloons-Over-Angel-Fire
Mimosas on Mainstreet
June 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For this day-long street festival, North Angel Fire Rd (aka Bill Burgess Blvd.) is closed to accommodate mimosas, food vendors, live music, arts and crafts, a “Kids Zone” at Shuter Library, and more. Mikuna Grill — mimosa central — serves Peruvian-Southwest fusion cuisine and has proven itself to be an Angel Fire staple for years now. 575-3776353. angelfirechamber.org/event/ mimosas-on-mainstreet-2
Big Mountain Enduro at the Bike Park
June 27 – 30
Enduro combines elements of all mountain biking racing disciplines
from cross-country racing to technical gravity-fed singletrack downhill. Learn more and register here: bigmountainenduro.com/roundfour
JULY
Fireworks Display over Eagle Nest Lake
July 4
Drone Show & Party
July 5, Dusk
Join residents and visitors for a spectacular drone show at Frontier Park. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Homegrown Women’s Weekend
July 13 – 14
Two days of lift-access, guided runs down some the most fun trails anywhere, with professional instruction and coaching along the way. All riders should be “strong-beginner/ intermediate” with some exposure to technical, downhill trails. A full-suspension bike with a dropper seat post is required. Full-face helmets and protective gear are also
recommended. Angel Fire Resort has downhill and trail bikes available at 15% off for clinic attendees.
AUGUST
Music From Angel Fire
Aug. 15 – 29
The premier summer music festival of the Rockies with world-class musicians, settings and programming.
Habla Tamale Festival
Aug. 31
Fill your bellies with some of the best-tasting tamales in New Mexico! The competition offers the opportunity for you to sample each entry in the Tamale contest, participate in the Tamale-eating contest, sample local wines and brews, and walk around enjoying the arts and crafts displays. The festival even offers a Kids Zone to entertain the littles! 575-377-6353. angelfirechamber.org
cool summer nights concerts
CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
Fish Fest & Pike Roundup, Eagle Nest
Sept. 26 – 29
Angel Fire
Studio Art Tour
Sept. 28 – 29
Featuring artists in Angel Fire, Black Lake, and Taos Canyon, plus workshops and music.
OCTOBER
Homegrown Family Weekend & Kids Shred
Oct. 5 – 6
This event is open to all riders, men and women who are “strong-beginner/ intermediate” with some exposure to technical, downhill trails. A full-suspension bike with a dropper seat post is required. Fullface helmets and protective gear are also recommended.
The “Kids Shred” event is for ages 7 – 15 and includes an introduction to bike park, riding the chair lift, trail etiquette and safety; downhill riding and braking; handling corners, berms, drops and jumps; and flow. All riders should be confident on a bicycle and able to use hand brakes and change gears competently. Preferably, riders should have had some exposure to technical, downhill trails. A full-suspension bike with a dropper seat post is recommended. Full-face helmets and protective gear are also recommended.
