The best way to experience the mountains up close and personal is hiking on one of the many beautiful trails around the Red River. There are lots of choices depending on your fitness level and hiking companions.
Be sure and go prepared with water, sunscreen, rain gear, snack/lunch, hat, jacket, shelter and layers of clothing in case it turns chilly – hypothermia can be a risk at this altitude where temperatures can plummet quickly with mountain storms. Be sure and tell someone where you’re going just in case you get lost or injured and need help. Cell phones don’t always work up here.
Try some of the local favorite easy-to-moderate hikes:
There are two nature trails in town with interpretive signs: The Red River Nature Trail starts in town by the Platinum Lift at the Ski Area on Pioneer Rd and travels about 2 miles along the Red River to Goose Lake Rd.
The Mallette Park Nature Trail, on Mallette Road. by Sitzmark, is an easy 1/4 mile loop running along the creek behind the tennis court and ending at the dirt road.
Middle Fork Trail, up the West Fork of the Red River off Forest Road 58, is a pleasant moderate hike up to a beautiful mountain lake.
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, about 3.5 miles from Red River off NM38, offers rolling hills and options from a short stroll to a 5-mile loop. It offers views of Moreno Valley, surrounding high peaks, Red River Ski Area and the Town of Red River.
Goose Creek Trail is an easy hike if you just hike until you feel like turning around. Located 2½ miles from Red River up State Road 578 on the right side of the road, the trail climbs 5½ miles to Goose Lake. The trail is mostly shady and laden with wildflowers in summer.