By Jo Mixon
On Site Managers: Ricky & Kimberly Talbert With Jo
The Retreat at Angel Fire is a cluster of eight fully equipped cabins, both one and two bedroom, nestled up to the Carson National Forest, within hiking distance to Monte Verde Lake. Owned by one family, the Shivers, Dions and Prices, this little bit of heaven, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Retreat at Angel Fire is operated by fulltime onsite managers, Ricky and Kimberly Talbert. The first thing Kimberly said to me was, “We have been here now for three years and we want you to know that our owners are wonderful to work with. Anything we need, they provide. The ultimate guest experience is first and foremost.” With that she explained there are so many upgrades happening at the cabins, they are excited. New water heaters have been installed, new linens and bedding, and new coffee pots are available in all of the cabins. Plus they are in the process of switching to flat screen t.v.’s, and new larger rustic futons with extra cozy cushions! (I sat on one and literally sunk into the comfort!)
There are ten cabins at the Retreat at Angel Fire. Five one bedroom and five two bedroom. The one bedroom cabins will sleep 4 to 6 people and the two bedroom cabins will sleep 6 to 8 people. All are stocked with the basic amenities. Each has free Wi-Fi access and Direct T.V. with 150 channels. There is a laundry facility on-site, a playground area, a covered outdoor grill in the back country and an indoor heated pavilion. Directly outside of the pavilion, on the patio, is a larger than life chiminaya. This area is great for family reunions, weddings, or other group events.
Kimberly stressed the Retreat at Angel Fire is family, family, family oriented! She and Ricky want you to feel like you are visiting family when you stay with them. You may bring bikes and ATV’s. (ATV access: please call beforehand for instructions.) They have direct access from the property onto trails in the Carson National Forest. And two hiking/biking trails. One that takes you to Monte Verde Lake and one that will take you to the upper meadows. Bring your camera because the views are to die for and wildlife is plentiful on the property. Elk and deer can be seen grazing or roaming throughout the trees. Rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks scurry around the cabins. Even bears may sometimes wonder through. The Retreat at Angel Fire gives you the feeling of being totally in the wilderness. Four of the cabins are only accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicles in the winter. But it is hard to explain how this retreat is situated close enough to the road that you won’t get lost in miles of travel from Hwy 434, yet you are completely secluded in the forest. All I can say is, you need to make a reservation and experience it for yourselves. And don’t forget your fishing poles!
Originally from California, then Roswell, NM, the Talberts have made Angel Fire their home. After raising three boys and a girl, Ricky and Kimberly decided to do what they had always wanted and move to the mountains. Their children and 6 grandchildren love to visit. I asked how they met. Kimberly said they grew up together. Both of their father’s worked on the same dairy farm. So even though they have been married just 35 years, they have been together all of their lives. Wow! Ricky is a bit mischievous and Kimberly adds that special touch. They are personable and fun to be around, like the side of the family you want to visit. Their guests quickly become friends who come back year after year. There is no minimum night stay, but you will want to plan to stay as long as you possibly can for the ultimate period of rest and relaxation!
To make a reservation call 1-877-777-4740 or 575-377-6741. Visit them online at www.retreatatangelfire.com.
The Retreat at Angel Fire
3080 Mountain View Boulevard
Angel Fire, NM, 87710
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