The Great American West

It's no secret that the history of New Mexico and the heritage of The Old West are intertwined. Who has not heard of the infamous Billy "The Kid" Bonney, hero or villain of the Lincoln County Wars, and the stoic lawman Pat Garrett who supposedly ended the Kid's wicked ways with a well-aimed bullet?

Only 46 miles from Red River in the legendary frontier town of Cimarron stands the St. James Hotel, where such lurid figures of the past as Confederate pistoleer Clay Allison, Dave Crowden (also known as Jesse James) and Tom "Black Jack" Ketchem dined, drank and shot holes in ceiling of the bar.

The St. James still offers weary travelers a comfortable bed, fine dining, a full saloon and occasional live entertainment, as well as the opportunity to step back in time and absorb a genuine piece of a fabled time in American history.

It started on the farms and ranches among working men whose daily tasks required skills in roping and riding. From those simple grass roots of hard working people came the modern sport of Rodeo, a celebration of Americana that can be witnessed at its best at the Red River Rodeo Grounds on the East Moreno Ranch, only 15 minutes from downtown Red River.

Held in July, The Cowboy New Year Rodeo attracts athletes from all corners of the Great Southwest and the Southern Rocky Mountains to compete for cash prizes in Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Roping, Barrel Racing, Bull Dogging and other traditional rodeo events.

This spectacular event is sponsored by the Red River Chamber of Commerce and the Red River Riding Club, an organization dedicated to keeping the culture of the horse and the spirit of the West alive and well in Red River and the high country of Northern New Mexico.

Located at the top of Bobcat Pass (alt. 9,800 feet), 3 miles from town, is the site of an unforgettable experience known as Bobcat Pass Cowboy Evening. Take a scenic ride on mountain trails in a covered wagon or on horseback. Eat delicious cowboy "grub" (steak, chicken, cowboy beans and dutch oven biscuits) and join in a campfire singalong under a trillion bright stars in the pitch black sky. Take a deep breath of cool, clean air and make memories to last a lifetime. For information or reservations, call 754-2769. Do it.