The Mystery of Eagle Nest Lodge, New Mexico

Nestled just outside the quaint village of Eagle Nest, New Mexico, in the heart of the Moreno Valley, sits a silent sentinel of a bygone era: the Eagle Nest Lodge. This once-grand resort, overlooking the shimmering expanse of Eagle Nest Lake, now stands as a weathered testament to time, shrouded in local lore and whispers of a forgotten past. For decades, its boarded-up windows and fire-scarred walls have piqued the curiosity of travelers and locals alike, its story obscured by unanswered questions and the reluctance of those who remember its heyday.

The Eagle Nest Lodge, a structure that in its prime was a beacon of luxury and recreation, today presents a stark contrast. Its decaying facade speaks of abandonment, its grandeur dimmed by the relentless passage of years. The surrounding landscape, once meticulously manicured with gardens and recreational facilities, has slowly succumbed to the forces of nature, adding to the air of melancholy that permeates the site.

The mystery surrounding the Eagle Nest Lodge isn’t just about its physical decline; it’s about the stories it holds, the secrets it keeps. Locals often offer vague explanations – a fire, perhaps multiple fires, and a slow descent into disuse. But probe deeper, and you’re met with averted gazes and a palpable sense of unease. It’s as if the lodge’s history is a forbidden topic, a chapter best left unopened.

The initial impression upon viewing the remains of the Eagle Nest Lodge is one of faded elegance. Despite the obvious damage from fire and neglect, hints of its former glory remain. Architectural details, such as the intricate stonework around the fireplaces and the sturdy construction of the outbuildings, suggest a time when quality and craftsmanship were paramount.

Imagine, if you will, the lodge in its prime. Guests arriving after a long journey, eager to experience the pristine beauty of the Moreno Valley. The inviting warmth of the large lounge, centered around a unique three-sided fireplace, where travelers could relax with a drink and share stories of their adventures. The aroma of home-cooked meals wafting from the restaurant, promising a satisfying culinary experience.

Beyond the main building, the Eagle Nest Lodge offered a variety of amenities designed to cater to its guests’ every need. Private cabins provided secluded retreats, while a caretaker’s home ensured that the property was meticulously maintained. A man-made pool offered a refreshing escape on warm summer days, and stables housed horses for those eager to explore the surrounding trails.

The shimmering lake, visible just beyond the lodge’s front door, beckoned guests with the promise of fishing and boating. The surrounding mountains provided opportunities for hiking and hunting, making the Eagle Nest Lodge a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It was a place where memories were made, where friendships were forged, and where the beauty of nature was celebrated.

However, the vibrant life of the Eagle Nest Lodge was not destined to last forever. The exact circumstances surrounding its closure remained shrouded in mystery for many years, fueled by local rumors and a general reluctance to discuss the past. Was it the fires that ultimately sealed its fate? Or were there other factors at play, hidden beneath the surface of the Moreno Valley’s collective memory?

The answer, as it often does, lies in the details. The lodge was built by Walter Gant, an oilman from Oklahoma, who hired William B. "Bill" Tyer to oversee its construction and operation. Tyer arrived in Eagle Nest in 1927 and poured his heart and soul into creating a luxury resort that would attract visitors from far and wide.

When completed, the lodge was an impressive complex. The main building housed twelve guest rooms, a spacious lounge, a restaurant, and a coffee shop. Adjacent to the main building stood the "Casa Loma," another structure with additional guest rooms. A large ornamental fish pond graced the front of the lodge, while stables and a corral stood nearby.

As the lodge grew in popularity, additional amenities were added, including a guest annex with five studio units, each with its own bathroom and kitchenette. A walkway, known as the Loafer’s Lounge, connected the main building to the Casa Loma, providing a comfortable space for guests to relax and socialize.

Bill Tyer’s nephew, Shelton Tyer, Jr., spent his summers working at the lodge, performing a variety of tasks from bell hopping to washing dishes to wrangling horses. He recalled his uncle as a demanding but fair employer, who taught him the value of hard work and instilled in him a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Moreno Valley.

In the early 1930s, Bill Tyer met Hazel Kay, a woman from Texas who was visiting her sister in Ute Park. Hazel took a job as a waitress at the lodge and soon fell in love with Bill. The couple married in 1934 and operated the resort together for many years, entertaining guests and hosting Walter Gant and his wife Evah on their frequent fishing and hunting expeditions.

The lodge’s guest registry included notable figures, such as Dr. Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, the editor of National Geographic Magazine, and his wife, Elsie Bell Grosvenor, the daughter of Alexander Graham Bell. The Tyers became friends with the Grosvenors and even stayed with them in their home in Maryland during World War II.

However, the Tyers’ time at the Eagle Nest Lodge was not to last forever. In 1942, they had their only child, Ann. Two years later, they decided to return to Bill’s home in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to be closer to his family. Hazel felt that the remote location and harsh winters were not conducive to raising a young child.

With the Tyers’ departure, the Eagle Nest Lodge closed its doors as a commercial resort. The nation was immersed in World War II, and travel was restricted due to rationing and the war effort. The lodge was then used by Walter Gant, his wife Eva, and their four children as a vacation retreat.

The Gant family continued to enjoy the lodge for many years. Walter’s grandson, Dale, spent his summers there from 1951 to 1961. After Eva’s death in 1953, Walter remarried, and he and his new wife Mamie continued to use the lodge as a vacation home, along with other family members.

After Walter Gant’s death in the late 1970s, the lodge gradually fell into disrepair. The property was put up for sale, but its deteriorating condition and the high cost of renovation or demolition made it difficult to find a buyer.

As the buildings sat idle, they became targets for vandals and vagrants, further accelerating their decline. The once-grand resort slowly succumbed to the ravages of time and neglect.

In 2005, the lodge was scheduled for demolition, but a new buyer stepped in at the last minute, saving it from destruction. A man from Hawaii purchased the land and buildings, but little was done to restore the property. The stables were demolished, and the acreage was subdivided into three parcels and put up for sale again.

Today, the Eagle Nest Lodge still stands, a silent reminder of its former glory. Its deteriorated condition makes restoration unlikely, and it is doubtful that it will ever be returned to its former splendor. However, its story continues to fascinate and intrigue, a testament to the enduring power of history and the allure of forgotten places. The Eagle Nest Lodge, though weathered and worn, remains a significant landmark in the Moreno Valley, a place where the past and present intertwine, inviting reflection on the passage of time and the enduring beauty of the New Mexico landscape.