Ricardo León Jr. is as outdoors as it gets. The son of Diane and Ricardo León Sr. of Cerro grew up with the wilderness in his backyard, and today the 17-year-old is an avid fisherman and hunter who says he is in his “happy place” whenever he is outside.

Currently a senior at Questa High School, León is preparing for the next chapter of his life at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, this fall. While he admits to feeling a little nervous about the transition to college, he is ready for the adventure.

“My mom has always pushed me to do well in school,” León said. “Now I have to push myself.”

León plans to eventually return to the Questa area to open his own outfitting business. His goal is to guide others and share his passion for the northern New Mexico landscape. “My hope is to become a guide and teach them to fish and hunt,” he said.

The outdoors has always been a family affair for León. His father introduced him to fishing, and the two spend much of their time together on the Rio Grande. That experience paid off on Jan. 31, when León won first place in the perch category at the Eagle Nest Fishing Tournament with a fish measuring 12.625 inches in length and 8.25 inches in girth.

His commitment to the wilderness extends to his school life, where he participates in Future Farmers of America (FFA) as a member of the wildlife team. In competition, he identifies animal tracks, hides, and species, and participates in technical writing.

Beyond the woods and rivers, León is a familiar face on the slopes. He has been a snowboard instructor at Red River Ski Area for three years, teaching students of all ages but focusing primarily on children. He took up the sport when he was 9 years old and has been hooked ever since.

León also carries on a deep family legacy in the arts. His grandmother, musician and singer Rachel León, served as his mariachi teacher for years. Today, Ricardo plays the guitar for the high school mariachi group.

In athletics, León has played soccer and baseball, though baseball remains his favorite. “There’s a lot more to baseball than meets the eye,” he said. “So many things are happening that the crowd can’t see. It’s a really strategic game and I love it.”
Faith and family remain the cornerstones of León’s life. With his mother serving as a high school Spanish teacher and his father working for the Carson National Forest recreation staff, León says his household makes faith a priority. He describes himself as an outgoing and respectful individual who takes after his mother’s personality, while finding inspiration in his father’s work ethic.

“We share a lot of the same passions and he has taught me the value of hard work,” León said of his father. He added that he looks up to his parents’ marriage, noting it is built on a foundation of trust and respect.

Despite a busy schedule of hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and music, León makes it a point to visit both sets of his local grandparents at least twice a week. Whether he is in the classroom or on the river, León remains focused on his values and the community he eventually hopes to serve as a professional guide.