On Jan. 22, 2025, a public meeting was held at the Questa Village chamber office to offer information and a chance for public comment on the proposed Questa to Red River Trail. The proposed trail has been in conversations for nearly a decade and land managers and partners are now taking the plan to the next level. The proposed 11-mile multi-use trail would roughly follow Highway 38 and the Red River between Questa and the Town of Red River. A diverse group of stakeholders initially brought this project forward and through established working groups found that the public expressed the need for better access to the Carson National Forest.
The proposed trail would offer many recreation opportunities for enthusiasts near and far, such as walking, hiking, fishing, equestrian, wildlife viewing, picnicking, fee site camping, and biking—including Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Currently, e-bikes are only allowed on motorized routes on the Carson National Forest, therefore this would be a unique opportunity for bicyclists. According to recreation and lands staff for the Questa Ranger District, Ricardo León, there is not an opportunity like this (use of e-bikes) offered anywhere in NM national forests. The trail would be accessible from six existing campsites: Goat Hill, Columbine, La Bobita, Fawn Lakes, Elephant Rock, and Junebug. Several bridges (~10) that cross the Red River would need to be constructed for users.
The meeting was well attended, with nearly 50 people interested in the hearing and asking questions about the proposed trail. Questa District Ranger Amy Simms, who has extensive experience in the field of recreation management, provided a background of how the project came to be and expressed how the project is a true collaborative effort with a diverse group of partners. Some of those partners include the Village of Questa, the Town of Red River, the Enchanted Circle Trails Association, and New Mexico Department of Transportation. Mayor John Ortega and Mayor Linda Calhoun were both present. “This will be a trail that’s different from anything we have on the Forest,” says Simms.
León provided an in-depth presentation using stellar Google Earth mapping skills to show the public the route of the just over 11–mile trail. Approximately 10 miles of developed trail would be constructed and begin at Eagle Rock Lake in Questa and end at the Red River Town limits east of the Junebug campground. The additional 1.25–mile primitive trail would connect the developed trail to downtown Red River without the need to walk along the highway. Mile by mile, León discussed in detail the alignment of the proposed trail and potential obstacles and solutions that the Carson NF has discovered thus far.
One of those obstacles are the hydrothermal scars that are known to create landslides across Highway 38. León mentioned that land managers have considered this issue and would be working with the Department of Transportation to assure the trail is kept clear in the event of a slide. Questa local Bobby Ortega asked how the trail would impact access to the acequia diversion just east of Eagle Rock Lake.
León mentioned that there would likely be no impact, and the trail could provide an opportunity to highlight acequia culture with an interpretive sign. A question on whether new bathroom facilities would be built along the trail was asked and León suggested that the existing infrastructure at Eagle Rock Lake and within campgrounds could be sufficient for use.
Questions on how the project would be funded were asked. Director of the Enchanted Circle Trails Association Loren Bell was in attendance and was optimistic about the success of the project and future potential funding for the construction of the trail. Mayor Calhoun mentioned that already half a million has been awarded to the project’s planning phase.
An overview of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and planning timeline was given by Tami Torres, recreation program manager for the Carson NF. Torres explained that the project is currently in the Scoping period which means that the public has 30 days, starting on Jan. 15, to comment on the project. After comments are received, the NEPA team will evaluate those comments and based on them, offer different alternatives to the proposed action. Once the draft analysis is complete, the public will have another opportunity to comment on the draft report. The timeline for NEPA completion could be early 2026. Torres mentioned the many ways the public can comment. Those interested are welcome to comment in person at the Questa Ranger District, online on the project website, send an email, send a letter via postal service.
The larger group eventually broke into small groups and the Carson National Forest service staff were eager to answer any questions and visit with the public. “We are here until 7:30 p.m. or longer if you need us,” said District Ranger Simms.
