Red River, New Mexico Hiking Trails and Mountain Lakes

Red River is surrounded by 138 miles of marked trails.  We have trail maps at Resort Realty and can help you plan your hike.  if you just want a short little nature walk, try the Red River nature trail or for more serious hikers, we have the miles of trails within the beautiful Carson National Forest as well as Wheeler Peak and the entire Wheeler Peak Wilderness area!

Easy Red River Hikes and Nature Trails

RED RIVER NATURE TRAIL

Easy (Two miles one way)

There are several entrances to this trail:

• Brandenburg Park-at the Red River Conference Center, across the covered bridge.
• The base of the new silver chair lift behind the Best Western.
• Across the street from Resort Realty
• Goose Lake Road-on the East end of town, just past Road Runner RV Resort

This is a great trail for children and the leisurely hiker.  It features a nice level trail at the base of the mountains and along the Red River.  There are many signs along the trail detailing Red River history, animals, plants and geology.

EAST FORK

Moderate (Two miles one way)

To reach the trail head, you head east through town and go right at the “Y” towards the Red River Upper Valley.  When you get to end of the pavement (6.5 miles) you will turn right on Middle Fork Road.  You will then drive up the bumpy dirt road  one mile to a parking area on your right.  The trailhead begins to the left of the parking area.  This hike begins at an elevation of 9,600 feet.

PIONEER TRAIL

Easy (Three miles one way)

This trail begins at the end of Pioneer Road next to the ski area.  The trail follows a road built by miners in the 19th century.  Numerous mines and ruins can be found in the canyon.

MALETTE PARK NATURE TRAIL

Very Easy (1/4 mile loop)

The trailhead is located in Mallette Park on the West side of town.  Turn at Malette Road, at Sitzmark Sports, and the road dead ends in the park.  The trailhead is on the left of the tennis courts.  

Long Hikes and Mountain Lakes

GOOSE CREEK TRAIL

Moderate ( 6 miles one way)

Be prepared for a fairly difficult hike.  At the East end of town, veer right at the “Y” onto Highway 578 towards the Red River upper valley.  Drive approximately two miles until you see Aspen Park on your right.  There is a clearing off the highway for parking.  The trailhead is across the bridge on your left. 

COLUMBINE 

Moderate (4-6 miles depending on trail taken)

Columbine Trail is located 7 miles west of Red River, towards Questa.  It is on the left side of Highway 38 at Columbine Campground.  You will pass through the Campground until you reach a small parking area.  Signs mark the trailhead. 

LOST LAKE - Elevation 11,495 feet

Moderate to Difficult (5 miles one way)

At the East end of town, veer right at the “Y” onto Highway 578 towards the Red River upper valley.  When you get to end of the pavement (6.5 miles) you will turn right on Middle Fork Road.  You will then drive up the bumpy dirt road  one mile to a parking area on your right.  The trailhead begins to the left of the parking area and at an elevation of 9,600 feet.  To reach the trailhead to Lost Lake you will hike about one mile to the river crossing.  You will see the trailhead and sign on your left.  From this point it is a 4 mile hike to Lost Lake.  Camping and campfires are permitted 30 feet from lake shores or streams and fishing is permitted with a state license and Habitat Stamp.

HORSESHOE LAKE - Elevation 11,950 feet

Difficult (8 miles one way)

Follow the directions for Lost Lake except one mile south of Lost Lake you will reach the Lost Lake Junction.  At that point head south for one mile to Horseshoe Lake.  The trail will become steeper and rockier.

HORSESHOE LAKE/EAST FORK TRAIL

Moderate (6 miles one way)

At the East end of town, veer right at the “Y” onto Highway 578 towards the Red River upper valley.  When you get to end of the pavement (6.5 miles) you will turn left across the bridge and then make an immediate right on Wheeler Peak Road.  Follow the East Fork signs until you reach the parking area.  Follow the trail three miles in a westerly direction. to Lost Lake Junction. (#91)The wilderness boundary is within a half mile from this point.    From the junction head south to one mile to Horseshoe Lake.  This is a gradual ascending hike. 

WHEELER PEAK - Elevation 13,161

Difficult (8-10 miles depending on choice of trails)

Follow the Horseshoe Lake/East Fork directions.  After you reach Horseshoe Lake you will cross the dam and climb above the southeastern corner of the lake.  At the to of the ridge, follow the trail that drops down into the canyon.  Wheeler Peak is the first peak north along the ridge-line.  Wheeler Peak is the highest point in New Mexico and the view in all directions is incredible.