Preserve the Magic of Angel Fire
How to Explore Angel Fire Responsibly
Angel Fire’s stunning mountains, pristine trails, and breathtaking landscapes make it a truly special destination. To keep our backyard beautiful for future visitors, we ask for your help in practicing “Leave No Trace” principles. Pack out what you pack in, stick to designated trails, and respect wildlife and nature. Together, we can protect the beauty of Angel Fire for generations to come!
Small Actions. Big Impact.
Do the World Right
- Let’s work together today for a better tomorrow.
- Let’s waste less and enjoy more.
- Let’s not be trashy and instead reuse and recycle.
- Let’s get a java jolt with a reusable mug.
- Let’s sip beverages with a metal straw.
- Let’s offset our travel emissions.
- Let’s conserve resources by turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronics and chargers when not in use and reusing towels and linens.
Do You Right
- Let’s always be prepared with sunscreen, layers and water.
- Let’s stay hydrated with our pure Rocky Mountain water from a reusable water bottle.
- Let’s care more about ourselves than the selfie.
Do Our Towns Right
- Let’s be aware of local single-use plastics bans and remember to bring reusable bags to avoid fees for disposable ones.
- Let’s come to see and not be seen.
- We are a small town with a big heart. Let’s treat local workers with kindness and respect.
Do Our Backyard Right
- Let’s take a deep breath, slow down and be respectful of others and the environment.
- Let’s keep the mountains pristine by bringing out everything we brought in.
- Let’s enjoy wildlife and nature without disrupting.
- Let’s always be careful with fire.
- Let’s tag responsibly or, even better, not at all.
Spot Wings on the Trail
Turn your next hike into a birdwatching adventure! Keep your eyes (and ears) open for vibrant warblers, soaring eagles, and playful hummingbirds along Angel Fire’s scenic trails.
Trail Etiquette 101
Leave No Trace
- Pack out what you pack in.
- Dispose of trash and waste properly (that includes pet waste).
- Toilet paper is trash too. Pack it out.
Share the Trail
- Slow down, communicate and be courteous to other trail users.
- Make yourself known.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not disturb wildlife.
Yield to Others
- Let fellow trail users know you are coming.
- Strive to make each pass safe and courteous.
- Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. If you’re descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.
- Bicyclists yield to hikers and horses or other pack stock, while hikers yield to horses and other pack stock.
Stay on the Trail
- Keep singletrack single and respect the surrounding environment and landscape.
- If a trail is too wet and muddy, turn back and save the hike for another day.
- Walking around a muddy trail can damage the ecosystems that surround the trail. Stay on the trail.
Be a Good Trail Steward
- Only use open, legal trails.
- Encourage your friends and family to be good trail stewards.
Be Prepared
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- Plan ahead and be self-sufficient.
- Bring water, food, layers, and first aid-care.
- Start early and always have a Plan B.
Know Before You Go
Even the best adventures start with a little preparation. Cell service can be limited in remote areas, so always let someone know where you’re going, carry a map or GPS, and pack the essentials. In an emergency, call 911 if service is available.
Help Keep Angel Fire's Bears Wild
Black bears are a natural part of life in Angel Fire, and most encounters can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Bears are intelligent and quickly learn where food is available, so keeping them from becoming food-conditioned protects both you and the wildlife.
Bear Safety Tips
- Lock your vehicle and keep windows closed, especially if food is inside.
- Close cabin windows and doors while cooking or when food is unattended.
- Store food securely and never leave coolers, pet food, dirty dishes, or bird feeders outside overnight.
- Keep grills clean and remove food residue after every use.
- Dispose of trash properly using bear-resistant containers whenever available.
- Carry bear spray or a bear horn when hiking in remote areas, and know how to use them.
- Never feed bears—intentionally or unintentionally.
- If you see a mother bear with cubs, give them plenty of space. Never approach the cubs or place yourself between a mother and her young. If cubs are nearby, their mother is almost certainly close, and she may become defensive if she feels they are threatened.
Remember: Help keep bears wild. Never feed wildlife, always secure food and garbage, and give every bear—especially mothers with cubs—plenty of space. A few simple precautions can prevent dangerous encounters and help ensure Angel Fire’s black bears remain healthy, wild, and part of our mountain landscape for generations to come.
High Altitude & Mountain Safety
Angel Fire sits at nearly 8,400 feet above sea level, with many trails and mountain adventures reaching elevations above 10,000 feet. If you’re visiting from a lower elevation, give your body time to adjust. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, pace yourself, and take frequent breaks—especially during your first day in the mountains.
Mountain weather can also change quickly, particularly during the summer when afternoon thunderstorms are common. Dress in layers, start outdoor adventures early, and always check the forecast before heading out. If you hear thunder or see lightning, move to lower ground and seek shelter immediately.