Hunting Trips in New Mexico

The Rainbow Lodge is located in New Mexico's Unit 2 Mule Deer hunting area. The Unit 2B deer permit is one of the most sought after mule deer hunting permits in the country. Monster B&C record book mule deer are common in this area with 150-170 inch as an average and with a little bit of luck, 200+ mulies are a possibility!

This area of New Mexico is world-renowned for producing record-book Boone and Crockett Mule Deer and offers the chance to harvest the trophy mule deer of a lifetime!

Year-Round Hunting Paradise

Although the area is known by hunters around the country for the record Mule Deer, the hunting adventures available from the Rainbow Lodge are not limited to deer. Whether you choose archery, muzzle-loader or rifle, some of the best Elk hunting in the United States is available right outside your door from the Rainbow Lodge. World-class elk are harvested every year and elk permits in this area are highly sought after. The coveted Marriam's Turkey is a highly sought-after and abundant game species in the spring and offers one of most exciting and rewarding turkey hunts in the country. Other popular big game species in the area include Pronghorn Antelope, Black Bear, Cougar and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Small game such as various waterfowl, Blue Grouse, Banned-tailed Pigeon, Morning Dove and Squirrels are abundant in the area and offer an excellent opportunity to introduce a young hunter to the sport.

Because this area is a coveted hunting paradise, many of the New Mexico hunting licenses are issued by a draw, so we reccommend you apply as early as possible for your desired species and season. You can learn more on regulations and obtain licenses by visiting the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website.
 New Mexico Hunting License Information

A deer sitting quietly in natural hunting habitat.
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Planning Your Hunting Trip in New Mexico

A little planning goes a long way when you're getting ready for hunting trips in New Mexico. Weather can change quickly, especially if you're covering different elevations, so it's smart to pack clothing you can layer throughout the day. Good boots and a comfortable daypack can make long hours in the field much more enjoyable. Before your trip, take time to review current regulations, inspect your hunting equipment, confirm your licenses and tags, and double-check season dates for the game you're pursuing.

Moreover, no matter the adventure—mule deer hunting or elk hunting—arriving a day early lets you settle in, prepare your equipment, enjoy a more relaxed start to your trip, and become familiar with the surrounding area.

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Wildlife and Scenery Around Rainbow Lodge

One of the best parts of spending time around Rainbow Lodge is that every day outdoors offers something different. Along with big game, it's common to spot bald eagles soaring overhead, wild turkeys crossing open meadows, mule deer feeding at first light, and plenty of smaller wildlife throughout the forests and high desert. Bring a camera because the sunrises and sunsets here often paint the mesas and mountains with incredible colors.

Many visitors are surprised by how much public land surrounds this part of New Mexico, giving outdoor enthusiasts room to explore while appreciating the region's natural beauty. If your tag is filled early, there's no reason for the adventure to end. The nearby San Juan River is famous for world-class fly fishing, making it easy to trade your rifle or bow for a fly rod and enjoy another unforgettable day outside. It's a combination of outdoor recreation that keeps many guests coming back year after year.

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Staying at Rainbow Lodge During Hunting Season

After a full day of hunting, there's nothing better than returning to a comfortable place to relax and share stories with fellow outdoorsmen and women. That's exactly the atmosphere we work to create at Rainbow Lodge. Instead of worrying about cooking after long days in the field, you can enjoy hearty meals while swapping stories about sightings, close encounters, missed opportunities, and successful harvests. Our goal is to provide the kind of hospitality that makes guests feel like old friends from the moment they arrive until it's time to head home.

Ready to start planning your next outdoor adventure? Contact us today to learn more about accommodations and make your hunting trips to New Mexico as comfortable and memorable as the time you spend in the field.

Homemade Breakfast Served Daily

Eggs and bacon dining at the Rainbow Lodge campfire.

Breakfast is always freshly baked at the Rainbow Lodge. Buttermilk Biscuits, Cranberry Scones, fresh Blueberry Muffins or Corn Cakes with fresh berries and REAL maple syrup are just a start. We also serve fresh eggs, coffee and orange juice along with thick cut bacon, sausage patties or ham. For those who start the day a little lighter we always have cereal and milk or yogurt and granola available.

Lunch on the San Juan River

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You never know what kind of goodies you’ll find in your lunch from the Rainbow Lodge! We pack a fantastic lunch. Sandwiches with homemade rolls, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato,homemade rib eye meatloaf sandwiches, turkey breast with smoked provolone, ham and cheddar, roasted pork tenderloin and Swiss, with tapenade on the side. Expect amazing sides like pasta salad, rice salad, quinoa and berry salad and potato salad. Of course that’s just an example, we get pretty creative. Lunch also includes all your non-alcoholic beverages and is served by your guide.

Gourmet Dinners Included With Your Stay

Gourmet steak and asparagus plates for dining at the Rainbow Lodge.

Every night you will enjoy a four course dinner professionally made by our onsite staff. We begin with hors d’oeuvres and follow with a vegetable course including salad, soup or grilled veggies. We then proceed to the main course. This could be juicy 14-oz Ribeye steaks, Herb Roasted Chicken Breast, Blue Marlin, Smoked Pork Loin or possibly your own San Juan River trout. The final course, is our desert menu. We serve our signature apple dump cake with homemade vanilla vodka whip cream, grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream and pomegranate/balsamic syrup, mom's old recipe for fresh fruit cobbler, cheese cake with fresh berries and homemade sauces.Our dinner menu is custom tailored by season and all entrees are served with unique accompaniments and sauces. You never know what to expect, but you can be assuered you will enjoy a 5 star meal every night at the Rainbow Lodge! We also have a good selection of fine cigars and offer a service whereby we will stock a private humidor in guests' suites with a selection of cigars of your choice.

The Heart of the Lodge: Culinary Excellence

Dining at the Rainbow lodge is more than just a meal; it is a central part of the camaraderie and tradition that defines our corner of New Mexico. Each evening, guests gather to recount the day's triumphs over a four-course gourmet dinner professionally prepared by our onsite staff. Our menu is custom-tailored by the season, featuring local flavors and hearty portions. From juicy 14-oz Ribeye steaks and Herb Roasted Chicken Breast to fresh, creative vegetable courses and signature desserts like our apple dump cake with homemade vanilla vodka whip cream, every bite is crafted to satisfy the appetite of a dedicated angler.

We believe the transition from a peaceful breakfast to the first cast of the day should be seamless. Before you head out to fly fish the world-famous "Quality Waters," we provide a freshly baked, homemade breakfast to get you started. Whether you are looking for a hearty sit-down meal or a lighter start with yogurt and granola, we ensure you are ready for the elements.

To keep your energy high throughout the day, our guides serve a deli-style "lunch-to-go" right on the riverbank. Imagine enjoying a homemade ribeye meatloaf sandwich or roasted turkey with smoked provolone while overlooking the very water you were just fishing. It is this attention to detail that makes our all-inclusive packages the premier choice for those seeking a complete San Juan River experience.

Personalized Service for Every Palate

Whether you have specific dietary needs or are celebrating a special occasion, our resident chef is happy to accommodate your group. We take pride in offering a 5-star experience that remains down-to-earth and welcoming. After dinner, many of our guests choose to relax on the back patio to witness the epic sunsets over the river or enjoy a selection from our fine cigar humidor.

Ready to taste the best of the San Juan? Contact us today to book your stay and experience the perfect blend of trophy trout and gourmet dining.

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