Our Story

I am about as close to a Red River native as you can get. My parents had lived and worked in Red River during their teenage years and both graduated from Questa High School. I was born in Albuquerque, and a few short days later made my Red River appearance. My mom began working for her aunt, Allie Booker, at the Rio Colorado Lodge and shortly after that my parents became the first full-time, year round managers for Rio Colorado Lodge.

Growing up as a child in Red River was pretty wonderful. During the summer I enjoyed hiking, fishing, playing baseball, riding my bike, and playing with my friends as well as the children who were visiting our lodge. There weren’t a lot of other kids my age in town back then, so it was great being able to make new friends and play with them during their vacations. During the winter I enjoyed sledding, playing in the snow, making snowmen and having snowball fights. I was also on the Red River Ski Racing Team for several years and would travel around the state and in Colorado racing in slalom and giant slalom competitions. I also enjoyed helping my parents around the lodge, helping my dad mow the grass and deliver firewood. I also helped my mom plant and water flowers.

In the summertime, we rented fishing poles and sold worms for fishing. In the winter, we rented sleds and tubes. In 1985 my family moved to Colorado, and we lived around the front range of Colorado for the next 20 years. During that time, Tawnya and I met at our church in Fort Collins and married there in 2001. Our sons, Joshua and Zachary, were also born while we were there. We were looking at relocating and heard through my family that the Rio Colorado Lodge was looking for new managers, so we accepted the position and moved back to Red River, New Mexico in November of 2003.

Our boys have enjoyed growing up in Red River and being able to experience a similar childhood as I had. They both enjoy hiking and fishing and skiing. The whole family enjoys the quiet and the small town life. Sure, sometimes you get a little cabin fever, but in the end, Red River has been a great place to raise our family.

We still make time to enjoy all the great things that Red River has to offer. We love hiking and fishing and exploring the area with our family and friends. During the winter we still enjoy sledding and ski often.

As I tell our guests sometimes, Red River is a place where, as an adult, you still have to work hard to make a living, but the advantages of being close to the things we enjoy often outweighs the hard work.

One of the highlights of the year here is the 4th of July parade. We always hang out with friends and family during the day, and end the festivities at the fireworks over at Eagle Nest Lake. Autumn is one of the best times of year here. Watching the leaves change and knowing that winter (and SKIING!) is just around the corner.

Of course, it snows frequently here and taking time off to simply watch the snowflakes come down while sitting by the fire is something to be savored. The best part? When everything is plowed around the lodge and we hit the slopes for a day of powder skiing. We really appreciate our return guests who visit us year after year, and can’t wait for them to see the new improvements we have made since their last stay. And, more than they will ever know, I appreciate their comments, encouragement, and the opportunity to help them create lasting memories with their friends and family.

The Rio Colorado Lodge is truly a one-of-a-kind location in Red River, New Mexico. We know we may not be the perfect fit for every vacationer, but we believe we are the best at what we do, providing a memorable experience that a 5 star resort simply can’t offer. We also offer the opportunity to connect the things that matter most–with friends and family instead of the high-end amenities that lack the character and rustic charm our cabins bring. After all, how many places can say they give children (and adults as well) the chance to catch their very first rainbow trout?

We are the perfect fit for the do-it-yourself, adventurous vacationers!  If this sounds like the experience you and your family have been searching for, and if you don’t mind Roughin’ it in Red River in Comfort, then we will look forward to seeing you very soon.