Characterized by towering peaks, nature trails, and stunning scenery, the mountain town of Red River in New Mexico is an excellent destination if you want to take a break from the hustle of city life. Here are some of the places you can visit and things you can do in Red River, according to travel enthusiasts across the country.
1. Wheeler Park
If you enjoy hiking, this is definitely the park for you. It features a challenging eight-mile hike with gorgeous sights all along the way. The Wheeler Mountain peak is accessible through several different trails, so you can vary your hiking adventure as you see fit.
— Larry Snider, VP of Operations, Casago Vacation Rentals
2. The Old West Gun Fight
It takes place three Thursdays in July over the summer and is risk-free because genuine guns are used to fire blanks. The community puts on a play with good and bad guys like Silly, Doc, saloon girls, Corabelle, and Annabelle with excellent comic fun as has been a tradition since 1959.
— Matthew Bowley, Marketing Manager, Solmar Villas
3. Red River Ski & Summer Area
Located at 400 Pioneer Rd in Red River, this institution is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Here you may enjoy different things to do and wide range of winter sports such as snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and more! In the summer, you can still go ziplining above Red River and enjoy the amazing sights!
— Leslie Radka, Founder of GreatPeopleSearch
Red River, New Mexico is a lovely, quaint town in a beautiful part of the country, with an incredible ski area for beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. I visited there with my family of four – myself, my husband, and our two teenage boys. We stayed in a 2-bedroom ski in ski out condominium with a well-equipped kitchen that was within walking distance of the downtown area. We visited in March, and the weather was fantastic. This was spring skiing at its best! The snow was a bit soft from melting, the sun was out, and the sky was brilliant blue.
— Jennifer Do, Jennifer’s Path
4. The Goose Lake Trail
Many hills and mountains surround Red River, NM, making it an excellent location for hiking. Along with offering fantastic trekking, the Goose Lake Trail also affords stunning views of the surrounding countryside, which is abundant with greenery and trees. Goose Lake Trails is a wonderful option if you’re searching for a demanding trek since it’s one of the most strenuous and long in the region.
— Leslie Radka, Founder, GreatPeopleSearch
5. Enjoy the Scenery
Red River is known for its beautiful scenery, which can be found all throughout the town. Head to the Hilltop overlooking the town for a panoramic view of the river below.. Or take a hike up Pleasant Valley to soak up the natural beauty of the area.
— Tom Cooper, CEO, Holiday Parrots
6. Discover a wide variety of outdoor activities
Surrounded by towering peaks and pristine forests, Red River is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, the town is transformed into a skier’s paradise, with several world-class resorts within a short drive. In the summer, hikers and mountain bikers can explore hundreds of miles of trails, while rafters and kayakers can enjoy the challenges of the Rio Grande. Red River is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes or on the trail. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Red River has something to offer everyone.
— Oberon Copeland, Owner and CEO, Very Informed
If you’d rather spend your time outdoors, Red River has plenty to offer as well. Hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting are just a few of the activities available in this picturesque town. The surrounding nature is abundant with wildlife, making it an ideal place to take a stroll or enjoy a picnic lunch.
— Tom Cooper, CEO, Holiday Parrots
Go on horse riding adventures. You get to experience what it feels like to be a cowboy. The mountain range you pass through is a sight to behold. A tour through the Lush Carson National park gives you a view of what the area was like a century ago as a mining town.
— Ellie Walters, CEO, FindPeopleFaster
Biking. The Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area has elaborate trails for bikers. A range of challenging courses to explore depending on your skills for all bikers to enjoy.
— Ellie Walters, CEO, FindPeopleFaster
Hunting. The area has a wide range of wildlife for hunters. Trophy elks, bears, mountain lions and deers roam the area.
— Ellie Walters, CEO, FindPeopleFaster
Cross country skiing. The area has about 15 miles of maintained trails for skiing in winter. Guided tours and lessons are usually available.
— Ellie Walters, CEO, FindPeopleFaster
Hiking. Red River is located in the middle of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so there are plenty of great hiking trails nearby. We recommend the Wheeler Peak Trail, which takes you to the highest point in New Mexico at an elevation of 13,167 feet!
— Joshua Haley, Founder, Moving Astute
Camping. There are plenty of great camping spots in and around Red River. One of our favorites is the Palisades Campground, which offers beautiful views of the Rio Grande Gorge.
— Joshua Haley, Founder, Moving Astute
7. Red River
In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico’s Taos County, Red River is a popular tourist destination. In the year of the last census, there were 477 residents. Red River is located 36 miles from Taos on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
— Leslie Radka, Founder and Hiring Manager, GreatPeopleSearch
The Red River is a great place to fish for trout, and there are also several lakes in the area that offer good fishing opportunities.
— Joshua Haley, Founder, Moving Astute
8. Ghost Ranch
Ghost Ranch is a 21,000-acre ranch that was once home to famed artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination, and you can take tours of the ranch, go horseback riding, or just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
— Joshua Haley, Founder, Moving Astute
9. Red River Wildlife Refuge
The refuge is home to a variety of animals, including bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer. You can take a self-guided tour or go on a guided tour led by a wildlife biologist.
— Joshua Haley, Founder, Moving Astute
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a lot of activities to choose from if you’re thinking of visiting Red River, New Mexico. It’s a great place for the outdoor enthusiasts, but even if you’re not a fan of hiking or skiing, it’s still an excellent destination to unwind and enjoy nature.