🏔️ OHV & UTV Trails in & Around Red River
Red River offers incredible high-elevation off-road adventures ranging from scenic canyon drives to challenging alpine climbs. Below is a guide to some of the most popular OHV and UTV routes in the area.
Goose Lake – Forest Road 486Very Difficult | 8 Miles One Way
Elevation: 8,750' – 11,500'+
Access the trailhead by traveling ½ mile on Hwy 578 and turning right onto FR 486. The trail crosses the river and climbs to beautiful Goose Lake.
At the lake, you can fish for trout and may spot Rocky Mountain wildlife like bighorn sheep and marmots.
Trailer parking is available along Hwy 578 near the trailhead.Old Red River Pass – Forest Road 488
Difficult
Elevation: 8,750' – 9,852'
Travel 1 mile on Hwy 578 and turn left onto FR 488. Built between 1915–1916, this steep and narrow switchback road was one of the original routes into town.
At the top, enjoy sweeping views of the Upper Valley, Wheeler Peak, and Gold Hill.
Trailer parking available along Hwy 578.Fourth of July Canyon – Forest Road 490
Very Difficult | 3.4 Miles
Elevation: 8,750' – 10,200'
Located approximately 4 miles up Hwy 578 on the left.
⚠️ This narrow and rugged trail is open only to OHVs and motorcycles with a 50" or smaller wheelbase. Jeeps and larger vehicles are not permitted.
Recommended for experienced riders only. Trailer parking available along Hwy 578.Greenie Peak Trail System – FR 597 to Trail #54
Moderate to Difficult
Elevation: 8,750' – 11,221'
Travel 1 mile up Mallette Canyon Road past Mallette Park. Continue about 2 miles on FR 597, then connect to Trail #54 and follow it approximately 5 miles to Greenie Peak.
Greenie Peak (11,221') is the highest peak in New Mexico accessible by motorized vehicle.
Large staging area located ¼ mile up Mallette Canyon Road.
⛔ Closed annually May 1 – June 15 for elk calving.Pioneer Canyon – Forest Road 485
Moderate | 6 Miles Round Trip
Elevation: 8,665' – 10,200'
Access via Pioneer Road next to Arrowhead Lodge. This historic mining road follows Pioneer Creek and features remnants of gold and silver mines dating back to the late 1800s.Cabresto Canyon – Forest Road 134
Easy | 16 Miles
Access from NM 38 in Questa via SR 563 (Kiowa Road), which becomes FR 134.
This scenic drive follows Cabresto Creek and provides access to Greenie Peak and Midnight Meadows. Highlights include:
Trout fishing
An old Spanish mine (approx. 12 miles in)
Remains of the historic Midnight mining campCabresto Lake – Forest Road 134A
Easy | 2 Miles to Lake
Elevation: 8,400' – 9,500'
Turn north from Cabresto Canyon Road about 5 miles in. The road climbs to a 15-acre alpine lake known for brook trout fishing.
This is also the trailhead for a 4-mile hike to Heart Lake.
🏍️ Motorcycle-Only Trails
Pioneer Motorcycle Loop – Trail 171
Very Difficult | 2 Miles
Access near the top of Pioneer Canyon (FR 485) or from Bunker Hill off Goose Lake Road (FR 486).
Elephant Rock Motorcycle Loop – Trail 195Very Difficult | 12 Miles
Access from Cabresto Canyon (FR 134) across from Cabresto Lake Road (FR 134A) or near the Red River Wastewater Treatment Plant.
📋 New Mexico OHV Permit Requirements
New Mexico recognizes valid OHV registration or permits from most other states.
However, riders from states without OHV registration or user fee programs must purchase a New Mexico permit.
These states include:
Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Required permits from those states:
2-Year Non-Resident Permit: $48
90-Day Permit: $18
Pavement Permit (if applicable): $7
Failure to carry proper documentation may result in fines starting at $60.
For official permit information, visit:
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
🧒 Rider Safety Requirements (Under 18)
Riders under 18 must:
Wear a DOT-approved helmet
Wear protective eyewear
Not carry passengers
Be visually supervised (unless properly licensed and certified)
Complete a certified OHV safety course and obtain a safety permit
Children under 6 may not operate an ATV on public land.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal for all riders.
🚫 Prohibited Uses
It is illegal to:
Operate on private land without permission
Damage vegetation, wildlife, signs, or property
Harass wildlife or livestock
Create excessive noise
Ride in restricted areas
🅿️ Trailer Parking
Trailer parking is available in the municipal lot next to Brandenburg Park.
🚫 Trailer parking is not permitted at Mallette Park.
