Red River, New Mexico, is a hiker’s paradise tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering everything from gentle riverside strolls to high-alpine summit treks. Here’s a curated list of top hiking opportunities in and around the area:
Last updated: Friday, October 16, 2026
🌲 In and Around Red River
- Red River Nature Trail: A scenic, easy 2-mile trail that follows the river from the Platinum Lift, with interpretive signs along the way—perfect for families, beginners, or a relaxing walk. Location: Pioneer Road at the Platinum Lift, Red River, NM.
- Goose Lake Trail: A moderate-to-challenging hike with rewarding alpine lake views. Also accessible by 4x4 vehicles. Location: 1500 Jess Ave, Red River, NM.
- East Fork Trailhead: The East Fork Trail climbs the East Fork valley through forest toward Lost Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Wheeler Peak, with plenty of wildlife along the way. Location: East Fork Road (NM-578), Red River, NM.
- Mallette Park: A family-friendly park with a very easy nature trail and a small cave—great for kids and casual hikers. Location: Mallette Rd, Red River, NM.
- Goose Creek Trail-Head: A flexible trail that can be a short stroll or a full 5.5-mile climb to Goose Lake. Location: 2149 NM-578, Red River, NM.
- Middle Fork Lake Trailhead: A beautiful alpine hike with lake views, wildflowers, and peaceful forest surroundings. Location: Forest Road 58, Upper Red River Valley, NM.
- Wheeler Peak Wilderness: Home to New Mexico’s highest point (13,161 ft). A strenuous but iconic summit hike with panoramic views. Location: Taos Ski Valley, NM.
- Greenie Peak: A popular off-roading destination with hiking options and sweeping views from the summit. Location: Red River, NM.
- Columbine Trail: An easy start over footbridges along Columbine Creek to an aspen-grove picnic spot — then the trail climbs into the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness toward Lobo Peak, Gold Hill, and Taos Ski Valley. Location: Columbine Campground, NM-38 between Red River and Questa.
- Sawmill Park Trail: A day hike through spruce, fir, and aspen to a high meadow with thousand-year-old bristlecone pines and views of Wheeler Peak. Location: East Fork, off Forest Road 58A.
- Lost Lake Trail: A difficult 5-mile climb (one way) to a glacial lake at 11,495 feet, splitting off the Middle Fork Lake Trail — one of the prettiest alpine lakes in the Sangre de Cristos. Location: East Fork trailhead, end of NM-578.
- Horseshoe Lake Trail: Two miles past Lost Lake, a steep final climb tops out at Horseshoe Lake (11,950 feet) — a difficult, rewarding hike and a stepping stone toward Wheeler Peak. Location: Via the Lost Lake Trail, Upper Red River Valley.
- Wild Rivers Recreation Area Trails: Desert-canyon hiking in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: the Big Arsenic Trail drops 680 feet to the Rio Grande past petroglyphs, the easy Rinconada Loop follows the gorge rim, and the Pescado Trail links the Visitor Center to the Red River Fish Hatchery. Location: Wild Rivers Visitor Center, near Questa.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk or a high-altitude challenge, Red River delivers.