Goose Lake

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4.9/5 (26 reviews)
Red River, New Mexico (Taos County)
Last Updated: 05/14/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Forest Category Icon Forest
Mine Category Icon Mine
Snow Wheeling Category Icon Snow Wheeling
Water Category Icon Water
Goose Lake is the best known trail in the Red River, NM area. The trail can be full of surprises that can take a seemingly easy trail and offer you challenges. Seasonal changes create fun adventures ranging from easy family favorite water crossings to adrenaline junkie snow wheeling. Immediately you are faced with a drive through the river with depths that have ended more than one adventure before it could start. From the river the trail climbs the mountain which leads to a shelf road with plenty of room for one vehicle, but will make for creative parking when you pass opposing traffic. A "cave" and remnants of mining cabins from the late 1800s and smaller water crossings further the adventure. Reaching the crystal clear lake provides photo opportunities as well as fishing, hiking, or primitive camping. Wildlife like Marmots and Rams can often be seen on the ridge surrounding the lake.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

At the trail head you will have to cross the water which is 12" to 30" depending on season and route through the water. The trail gains altitude through the forest before turning into a single vehicle width shelf road for another 2 miles. The narrow trail can create a challenge as Goose Lake is an Out and Back trail so you may come across opposing traffic and will have to find the nearest spot to pullout for passing. Forest returns for approximately the next 3 miles. The last few miles to the lake becomes more rocky, there are no major obstacles but the rocky road can be bouncy. The trail is easiest from middle of summer until early fall. Snowfall creates challenges at the higher altitude. It is common to have snow pack remaining in the middle of June, this can create a fun challenge for those experienced with snow wheeling, but the unstable snow packs will often create stuck situations, so go prepared and bring multiple vehicles for assistance. At the lower altitude, spring can be challenging because of downed trees which will require a saw to progress.

Trail Reviews

4.9/5 (26)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

This is a really nice trail. I unfortunately was not in my truck. I had a rental, yep a rental. Flew out to Santa Fe for a conference and was able to get a Jeep Grand Cherokee but with street tires. At least it was a Jeep so I figured what the hell. Took 2 hrs to get to Red River from Santa Fe. Using the app I knew my only concern would be the creek crossing at the beginning. The water level was low, so the deepest point was only up to the rocker panel of the Jeep. Once on the trail it was dusty and very dry. Had no issues with the different rock outcroppings and never had to put the Jeep into 4 low. Loved seeing the old mining structures and tunnels along the way. We stopped often to look at the buildings and panoramic views. My background is in wildland fire and seeing the amount of fuel load on the forest floor was very concerning for when the next wildfire runs through the area. It took us just over an hour to reach the lake. We had the place to our selves, didn't pass a single person or vehicle on our way up. I added a couple of pics of the lake and we even saw several big horn sheep up on the ridge above the lake. If you are in the area, this is a must do trail to see the beautiful lake.
Trail Review: Goose Lake - Steve Spangler
Trail Review: Goose Lake - Steve Spangler
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900
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/12/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

First time on this trail and it was beautiful. Took the Jeep since we were passing through Red River. Lots of side by side traffic. Almost wish I had mine as well since passing was a challenge. Other than the tight spots,and narrow shelf road trail almost seemed a bit easier to us. Saw a bunch of big horn sheep at the lake.
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Official Crew
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7800
Partially Open
Visited: 05/14/2023

Goose Lake trail is seasonally open, but still has snow preventing the full trail being run. This winter was a heavy snow year so snow will probably be around for awhile on the upper half of the trail.
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Official Crew
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7800
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 01/01/2023

Goose Lake Seasonal Closure is in effect until 05/01/2023
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300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/15/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This was a pretty nice trail! It was pretty easy to manage with a 4" lift and 35" tires. However, as noted by some others, it's a there and back trail with few areas to turn around or negotiate around others on the trail. I wouldn't want to be on this trail during peak season with a vehicle larger than a UTV/ATV as it could be a mess trying to navigate with traffic.

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