Moreno Valley (New Mexico)
| Moreno Valley | |
|---|---|
  Location within New Mexico | |
Floor elevation | 8,252 ft (2,515 m)[1] |
| Length | 43 km (27 mi) N-S [2] |
| Width | 8 km (5.0 mi) W-E [2] |
| Area | 344 km2 (133 mi2) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| District | Colfax County |
| Coordinates | 36°32′1.11″N 105°16′20.03″W / 36.5336417°N 105.2722306°W [1] |
| Traversed by | U.S. Highway 64 State Road 38 State Road 434 |
| River | Cimarron River (Canadian River tributary) |
| Location | |
Interactive map of Moreno Valley | |
Moreno Valley, elevation 8,252 feet (2,515 meters), is a high mountain valley in Colfax County, New Mexico, U.S. The valley lies between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the Cimarron Range to the east.[3] The valley stretches 27 miles (43 kilometers) north to south and is about 5.0 miles (8 kilometers) wide.[2] The area is popular with tourists and offers skiing in the winter and outdoor activities in the summer. Part of the valley lies adjacent to the Carson National Forest, and a state park in the valley features a large lake that offers fishing and water activities.
Geography
The valley trends north to south and is surrounded on all sides by peaks of the Southern Rocky Mountains. The Cimarron River, a tributary of the Canadian River, is dammed on the valley's east side, impounding Eagle Nest Lake.[4]
Populated places
The valley has two incorporated villages, Eagle Nest[5] and Angel Fire.[6] Elizabethtown, an unincorporated community, a 19th century mining town and a former ghost town, sits north of Eagle Nest.[7][8]
Recreation
A ski resort, the Angel Fire Resort, elevation 8,600 feet (2,600 meters), offers summer activities such as golf and lift rides in addition to winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.[9]
The area around the town of Angel Fire offers diverse summer activities, including bicycle riding, horseback riding, bird watching, fly fishing, hiking, hunting, and off-roading.[10]
Protected areas
Carson National Forest borders the valley on the north and west. Eagle Nest Lake State Park is popular with anglers, including ice fishers, and boaters.[11]
Transportation
Highways
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway passes through the Moreno Valley. In doing so, it uses the valley's main highways, including U.S. Highway 64, New Mexico State Road 522, New Mexico State Road 38 and New Mexico State Road 434. The byway makes a grand circle around Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest mountain, which is visible from parts of the valley.[12]
Airport
The Angel Fire Airport chiefly serves private and charter planes, but starting in 2024, Advanced Air offers seasonal service (in winter) to and from Albuquerque International Sunport.[13]
References
- 1 2 "Moreno Valley". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. November 13, 1980. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Colpitts, Robert M.; Smith, Clay T. (1990). "Geology of the Moreno Valley, Colfax County, New Mexico". In Bauer, P. W.; Lucas, S. G.; Mawer, C. K.; McIntosh, W. C. (eds.). Tectonic Development of the Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico (PDF). New Mexico Geological Society Annual Fall Field Conference Guidebook; 41st. Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society. pp. 219–228. doi:10.56577/FFC-41.219.
- ↑ Miller-Goins, Ellen (2026). "1.8 billion years ago — Red River's Geologic Past". Red River, New Mexico: Red River Historical Society. Archived from the original on March 15, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ↑ McLemore, Virginia (April 9, 2025). "Cimarron Canyon State Park". Socorro, New Mexico: New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Village of Eagle Nest". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. January 1, 2002. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Village of Angel Fire". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. January 1, 2002. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Elizabethtown". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. January 1, 2002. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Elizabethtown". New Mexico True. Santa Fe, New Mexico: New Mexico Tourism Department. 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Angel Fire Resort". New Mexico True. Santa Fe, New Mexico: New Mexico Tourism Department. 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Recreational activities". Angel Fire, New Mexico: Village of Angel Fire, New Mexico. n.d. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Eagle Nest Lake State Park". Santa Fe, New Mexico: New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Enchanted Circle driving tour". Visit Taos, New Mexico. Town of Taos. 2026. Archived from the original on April 10, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026..
- ↑ "Colfax County Airport KAXX in Angel Fire welcomes New Air Service with Advanced Air Flights from Albuquerque Sunport". Colfax County, New Mexico. 2024. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.