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A great trail through sub-alpine terrain in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains


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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.1

KM

87%

Runnable

11,497' 3,504 m

High

9,685' 2,952 m

Low

1,867' 569 m

Up

55' 17 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Much of this trail is snowpacked from mid-October until mid-June.

Description

From the intersection with SR 38 in Red River, drive 6 miles up 578 to the junction with the Middle Fork Road. Turn left and cross the bridge, then continue to the right up 58A about a mile to the East Fork trailhead. High clearance vehicles are recommended for the last section, passenger cars can park before the bridge at the junction with the Middle Fork road.

The trail is either all climbing or all descending depending on the direction you travel. From the northern point (as mapped) the trail starts off climbing on easy to moderate grades, winding up the mountainside until it passes the Sawmill Park Trail after a mile and reaches the Big Ditch, a 41-mile mining feature constructed in the 1800s to transport water to mines in the Moreno Valley. There is a sign here describing the history of the area

Bypass the tempting singletrack leading into the forest on the right side of the ditch and continue on the more worn trail to the left. The next 2.5 miles are a combination of smooth Sangre de Cristo mountain dirt and rocky and rooty climbs as the trail contours upwards through several drainage gullies and new-growth forests. Along this ascent the environment gradually but noticeably transitions to a more high alpine clime, and once you reach the wooden bridge across the Red River you'll be surrounded by older spruce and fir trees. After crossing the river, the trail climbs moderately with more rocky and rooty sections.

There are a few stream crossings leading to an exposed outcrop with some amazing views of Wheeler Peak's eastern slopes and the valleys to the northeast. Continue along the trail as it skirts the Wheeler Peak Wilderness boundary and crosses Horseshoe Creek, then comes to the junction with Trail 91. Here there are three options; turn right and continue towards Lost Lake, return on trail 56 back to the parking area or go left to Horseshoe Lake and some epic views.

Contacts

Shared By:

J. Bella

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#6

in Red River

#23678

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in Red River

#347

in New Mexico

#23,678

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,705 Since Sep 6, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
67%
33%
0%
0%

Photos

The last half-mile to Lost Lake coming from the south.
Aug 17, 2017 near Taos Sk…, NM
This feels like a milestone once you get here, but as you look to the right, you realize the climbing isn't over yet.
Sep 6, 2017 near Taos Sk…, NM
Scree field looking back to the north.
Sep 6, 2017 near Taos Sk…, NM
Getting close to the top!
Sep 6, 2017 near Taos Sk…, NM

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