Red River Summer Adventures & Outdoor Fun in Taos Ski Valley - Taos

Red River Summer Adventures & Outdoor Fun in Taos Ski Valley

Taosmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–6 hours depending on chosen activities

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness to enjoy hiking, biking, or skiing with some tailored for beginners and families.

Overview

Experience year-round outdoor fun at Red River Ski & Summer Area in Taos Ski Valley. From aerial ropes courses to scenic chairlift rides, discover why this mountain getaway is perfect for families and adventurers alike.

Details

Red River Ski & Summer Area, located in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, offers an outdoor adventure experience that combines mountain thrills with family-friendly activities throughout the year. This unique destination is more than just a ski resort; it's an all-season mountain playground with something for everyone, including aerial ropes courses, scenic chairlift rides, tubing, and mountain biking. Situated in the Carson National Forest, visitors enjoy stunning views of Gold Hill and surrounding peaks from vantage points accessible by the resort’s lifts.

The resort’s aerial ropes course challenges guests with high wire walks and zip lines, providing a scenic thrill above the forest canopy. The seated zip line soaring over a tranquil pond adds a distinctive flavor to this summer playground, blending adrenaline with scenic calm. Mountain bikers and hikers can start from the top of the lift accessing many trails winding through the Carson National Forest, offering a variety of difficulty levels and immersive wilderness experiences. After a day of adventure, guests enjoy relaxing on a spacious deck of the onsite restaurant, soaking in panoramic views of the forested landscape that stretches for miles.

During the winter months, Red River Ski & Summer Area transforms into a family-friendly ski resort with accessible lifts, diverse terrain levels, and a welcoming atmosphere. The platinum and copper lifts provide quick access to green and more advanced ski trails, catering to beginners and seasoned skiers alike. The ski resort atmosphere is enhanced by friendly guest services and easy online systems for ski lessons and rentals, making it convenient for families to plan and enjoy their stay.

What distinguishes Red River Ski & Summer Area is its versatility and the seamless blend of summer and winter outdoor activities. It is a place where nature lovers, families, and thrill-seekers come together to enjoy the mountain landscape regardless of season. The town nearby, with its warm community vibe and local charm, makes the whole trip feel like a unique getaway straight from a storybook. Whether tubing, skiing, hiking, or just taking in breathtaking vistas, this resort serves as a standout destination in Northern New Mexico’s outdoor recreation scene.

Trail Tips

Reserve tubing slots early

Book your tubing time in advance to ensure availability and avoid wait times due to limited tubes.

Use lift access for hiking and biking

Take advantage of the chairlift at the top of the mountain as a starting point for numerous hiking and mountain biking trails.

Watch trail widths with kids

Some ski trails have narrow widths; supervise children closely especially on intermediate paths.

Check weather before your visit

Mountain weather can change quickly; always prepare for sudden temperature shifts and possible rain or snow depending on season.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Quiet backcountry hiking trails accessible from the lift top
  • Secluded pond over which the seated zip line glides

Wildlife

  • Mule deer
  • Various forest songbirds

History

Red River Ski & Summer Area has evolved from a traditional ski resort into a comprehensive year-round adventure destination, capitalizing on its prime location within the Carson National Forest.

Conservation

The resort promotes sustainable tourism by maintaining low-impact trail systems and encouraging guests to respect forest wildlife and habitats.

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
early morning
late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Chairlift summit for panoramic mountain views
  • Deck overlooking Gold Hill and Carson National Forest
  • Seated zip line over the pond

What to Photograph

Mountain landscapes
Aerial ropes course action shots
Wildlife in the surrounding forest

Recommended Gear

Layered clothing

Essential

Multiple layers help adapt to fluctuating mountain temperatures, keeping you warm and dry.

winter specific

Helmet

Essential

Necessary for skiing, tubing, and zip lining to protect against impacts.

winter specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin from high-elevation sun exposure during outdoor activities.

summer specific

Sturdy hiking shoes

Essential

Offer support and grip for mountain trails and aerial course footing.

spring|summer|fall specific

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews