Red River: Ski Lifts, Hiking Trails and History
Accommodation in Red River
Red River combines mountain sports, outdoor experiences and local history. For planning, the different seasons, schedules and event dates are useful reference points: some offerings are seasonal, while others run throughout the year.
Ski Lift, Runs and Mountain Biking
The Red River Ski & Summer Area has more than 67 runs for all ability levels and seven lifts. Operator information about these figures may be updated. The Scenic Summer Chairlift takes passengers 1,600 vertical feet to the summit of the Red River Ski Area. From there, the views extend across the Carson National Forest, Red River and the surrounding mountains of New Mexico. Seasonal operations and weather can affect lift availability.
For experienced mountain bikers, the chairlift offers another option: you can ride it and descend 4,000 vertical feet on maintained trails. Trail access and lift operations are seasonal. If you’re considering combining the ski lift and biking on your trip, check operating hours for your visit dates.
Hiking, Horseback Riding and Fishing
Red River has mapped hiking trails for all ability levels. Community House staff also lead weekly hikes in and around Red River. All hikes start at the Community House; dates may change. Guided horseback rides range from short beginner rides starting right in town to full-day tours through high-elevation mountain terrain. Individual operators and dates may vary.
For fly fishing, the Red River and the surrounding lakes and streams offer opportunities year-round. Fishing regulations and conditions can change; check them before fishing. Several forest roads for jeeps, OHVs and motorcycles are accessible in either direction from Main Street. Permits and land management requirements apply to motorized travel.
Scenery and Local History
Near Red River, the lower four miles of the Red River within the RĂo Grande del Norte National Monument are designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Also nearby, you can reach the confluence of the Red River and the RĂo Grande via the Little Arsenic Trail or the Big Arsenic Trail. The two sites offer different points of interest for a visit: a designated river stretch and a confluence accessible via named hiking trails.
The Copper King copper mine in Red River was first worked in 1867 and was the first known mine developed in Taos County. At the Little Red Schoolhouse Museum, you’ll find school desks, old photographs and numerous artifacts from Red River’s past. The Little Red School House was built in 1915 and used as a schoolhouse until 1942. The mine and schoolhouse offer insight into different chapters of local history.
Events and Getting Around
The annual Oktoberfest is a three-day celebration featuring craft beer, wine, spirits, artisans, food vendors, live entertainment and competitions. Dates and the program change from year to year. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and program for that year.
The free Route 310 Red River provides scheduled service between Questa and Red River. Check the schedule before planning to use this connection. Within town, the Red River Miners Transit runs free, wheelchair-accessible service year-round, seven days a week. Operating hours may vary in summer, on holidays and during special events; check them against your visit dates. The Red River Visitor & Conference Center is located at 101 W River St.
Discover more destinations: Valdez, Arroyo Hondo, Questa, Taos, Costilla, Taos Ski Valley, Ranchos De Taos, El Prado
Return to the main travel overview: Taos.
