RED RIVER NATURE TRAIL - 2 MILES ONE WAY / EASY

There are 3 entrances / exits to this trail:

1. At Brandenburg Park (middle of town), cross the river at the Covered Bridges.

2. At the base of the Red Chair Lift.

3. Goose Lake Road, east of downtown, past Roadrunner RV Resort.

This is nice for a short leisurely hike. Great for kids! There are signs posted along the trail explaining history, animals, plants and geology of our area. The trail runs alongside the base of the mountain, following the Red River.

MIDDLE FORK – 2 MILES ONE WAY / MODERATE

Drive towards the Red River Upper Valley on Hwy 578 until you reach the end of the pavement (about 6.5 miles). Once you reach the end of the pavement, you will notice a brown recreation sign. Follow the arrow to the right. If you cross a bridge on the left, you are going the wrong direction! Drive about 1 mile to a parking area. The road is very rough so drive slowly so as not to damage your vehicle. The trailhead begins to the left of the parking area. This hike begins at an elevation of 9,600 ft. and climbs to 10,845 ft. at the lake.

PIONEER TRAIL – 3 MILES ONE WAY / FAIRLY EASY / MAP AVAILABLE

This trail begins at the end of Pioneer Rd. to the left of Arrowhead Lodge, near the Ski Area. The trail follows a road built by miners at the end of the 19^th Century. There are many points of interest along the trail, such as mines, and historic buildings. Most of the mines along the trail were driven into altered and unaltered tertiary monzonite; also present, are disseminated pyrites and sedimentary rock such as limestone.

MALLETTE PARK NATURE TRAIL – ¼ MILE LOOP / VERY EASY

To get to this trail, turn onto Mallette Rd. at Sitzmark Sports, and continue until you reach Mallette Park on the left. The Trail begins just to the left of the tennis courts. Follow the stream until you reach the dirt road. From there, you can walk back to the park on the unpaved road. Nice, easy hike! You will have to cross the stream a few times.

LONG HIKES

GOOSE CREEK CANYON (TRAIL 65 TO GOOSE LAKE) – 6 MILES ONE WAY / MODERATE TO DIFFICULT (12,700 FT.)

Be prepared for a fairly difficult hike. At the east end of town, take Hwy 578 towards the Upper Valley two miles until you reach Aspen Park Cabins on your right. You may park here. Cross the bridge and begin your hike to the left along the river. This is a beautiful hike!

COLUMBINE – 4 TO 6 MILES DEPENDIN ON THE COURSE TAKEN / MODERATE

Columbine Trails are located about 7 miles west of Red River and five miles east of Questa.

From Red River, it will be on the left side of Hwy 38 at Columbine Campground, across from Fagerquist’s Cottonwood Park. Pass through Columbine Campground until you reach a small parking area at the back. Signage will mark the trailhead and provide distances.

LOST LAKE – 5 MILES ONE WAY / MODERATE TO DIFFICULT

Head to the Upper Valley on Hwy 578 until the end of the pavement. Turn right following the brown, recreational sign “Middle Fork”. Follow this road until the road ends at a parking area. Begin your hike here. After a bit of hiking, you will soon reach the trailhead to Lost Lake at the river crossing (1 mile). The trailhead and sign will be on your left. From this point to Lost Lake the hike is 4 miles long, which comes to an elevation of 11,495 ft. Camping an campfires are not permitted along lake shores or streams, please pick a site 30ft away. Fishing is permitted with a state license and Habitat Stamp.

HORSESHOE LAKE – 8 MILES ONE WAY / DIFFICULT

Follow the directions for Lost Lake. There are many camping areas along this trail. From Lost Lake Junction

(1 mile south of Lost Lake) continue south to Horseshoe Lake (1 mile). The trail becomes steeper and somewhat rockier. Lake elevation is 11,950 ft.

HORSHOE LAKE / EAST FORK TRAIL – 6 MILES ONE WAY / MODERATE

Travel up Hwy 578 to the end of the pavement (6.5 miles). Follow the brown recreational sign to the left

(“East Fork”). Follow this road to the parking area at the end. Begin your hike here. Follow the East Fork for

3 miles where it takes you in a westerly direction. The wilderness Boundary is within ½ mile from this point. Continue to Lost Lake Junction (#91). From the junction, go south to Horseshoe Lake (1 mile). This is a nice gradual ascending hike!

WHEELER PEAK – 8-10 MILES DEPENDING ON ROUTE / VERY DIFFICULT

Follow Horseshoe Lake directions (East Fork recommended). Once you reach Horseshoe Lake, cross the dam and climb above the southeastern corner of the lake. At the top of the ridge, follow the trail that drops down into the canyon. Wheeler is the first peak north along the ridgeline. Wheeler Peak is the highest point in New Mexico with and elevation of 13,161 ft. On a clear day, the view in all directions is incredible!

RED RIVER AREA MAPS ARE FOR SALE INSIDE THE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE