🥾 Hiking Trails in & Around Red River
From peaceful nature walks to high-alpine lake adventures, Red River offers trails for every skill level. Here's your guide to some of the best hikes in the area.
🌲 Short & Moderate Trails
Malette Park Nature Trail
Easy | ¼ Mile
Turn onto Mallette Road near the shop and head to Malette Park. The trail begins to the left of the tennis courts and skate park. Follow it to the stream and continue until you reach the dirt road. Perfect for a quick scenic stroll.
Red River Caves & Mountain Trail
Easy | 2.8 Miles
Start at the gravel ATV road behind Arrowhead Lodge. Go around the gate, cross the stream, and continue to the trailhead. When you see a yellow shed on the right, look across the road to spot the old mine entrance.
Red River Nature Trail
Easy to Moderate | 2.5 Miles
Access points include:
Behind the Conference Center (across the bridge)
Near the Platinum Chair lift
Across the bridge from the library
A convenient in-town trail with beautiful river and forest views.
East Fork / Sawmill Park Trail 55
Easy to Intermediate | 7.2 Miles
Drive 6 miles up Hwy 578 to the end of the pavement. Cross the bridge to the left and continue 1–1.5 miles to the trailhead parking. This trail follows an old wagon road through the woods and connects to Sawmill Canyon.
Pioneer Creek Trail (FR 485)
Intermediate | 6.8 Miles
Trailhead is next to Arrowhead Lodge. This historic mining road passes remnants of gold, silver, and copper mines from the 1920s.
Middle Fork Lake Trail (FR 487)
Difficult | 4 Miles
Drive Hwy 578 to the end of the pavement and take Forest Road 58 for about 1 mile. Hike up to reach beautiful Middle Fork Lake.
Foster Park Trail
Difficult | 2.8 Miles
Begin across from "The Valley of the Pines." Hike to the meadow where you'll see a Foster Park sign. A jeep trail will eventually lead you to Upper Valley Road.
🏔️ Long & Advanced Trails
Lost Lake Trail 91
Difficult | 10 Miles
Follow Hwy 578 to the end of the pavement. Take Forest Road 58 for 1 mile to park. Walk ¼ mile to the small bridge that connects to Middle Fork Lake Trail. After one mile, turn left at the Lost Lake split. The trail climbs through forest, crosses alpine meadows and rocky ridges, and ends at stunning Lost Lake, a high glacier lake at 11,495 feet.Columbine Trail 71
Moderate to Difficult | 10.6 Miles
Located at Columbine Campground, 8 miles west of town. This historic mining trail follows Columbine Creek and crosses four footbridges before reaching a ridge that connects to multiple high-country trails, part of the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail system.Goose Creek Trail 65
Difficult | 11 Miles
Park at Aspen Park along Hwy 578. The trail crosses Goose Creek multiple times and climbs through meadows and forest before reaching a high alpine lake below Gold Hill.Horseshoe Lake Trail 56
Difficult | 14 Miles
Follow the Lost Lake Trail directions. Horseshoe Lake is about 2 miles past Lost Lake. Expect steep switchbacks and breathtaking alpine scenery above timberline.Wheeler Peak TrailVery Difficult | 14-20 Miles
Wheeler Peak is the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet.
The shortest route begins from Middle Fork Lake. Hikers can either:
Follow Middle Fork Creek (rugged and unmarked for about 1 mile), or
Climb toward the saddle above the lake and continue along the ridge.
A longer 10-mile route begins via Lost Lake and Horseshoe Lake. The climb is steep but incredibly rewarding with unmatched views at the summit.
🌄 Before You Go
Bring plenty of water and snacks
Afternoon storms are common in summer, so start early
Higher elevations mean cooler temps and thinner air
Always check trail and weather conditions before heading out
