Transportation in the high country is a special experience, coming in many forms and offering excitement and fun, depending on your philosophy of life and how your past experiences have affected your current view of the future.
Jeep roads: they can make you crazy or they can be the most fun you’ve ever had in a motorized vehicle.
Many of the roads that lead to the surrounding mountains were built as work trails to the forest. Some are remnants of old wagon trails from Raton and the boomtown of LaBelle which brought early miners, settlers and supplies to the valley, while others were created more recently to accommodate trucks for logging operations. They are, to put it mildly, rocky and “bumpy.”
That is the very thing, though, that makes them a treat – plus the ultimate, breathtaking destination of, say, Greenie Peak, Goose Lake or the top of the Old Pass Road which can provide a lifetime of memories.
These roads require high ground clearance and are best traveled in vehicles build for the purpose of such exploration. ATVs, 4x4s, and UTVs (like Kawasaki Mules) are the best way to navigate. Bring your own or rent one in town.
If you aren’t comfortable driving on such roads, book a trip with a local tour company and leave the driving in the hands of experienced guides who will not only give you a good safe experience, but will also entertain you with stories of Red River’s colorful past, told in the finest tradition of Jeep driver lore.
Another great way to see the high country is on horseback or by mule. Led by veteran trail guides, you can saddle up and get a taste of the way many people came to town BEFORE autos became the way of life. Dress accordingly because mountain showers can move in fast and with little warning.
Since mountain biking was introduced to Red River, this great outdoor activity has grown and grown. It seems to get more popular every year. If you don’t have a bike, rent one in town and enjoy the ride. Take the bike on the chairlift and ride down the Red River Ski Area. It’s a genuine challenge.