4th of July Canyon

5/5 (17 reviews)
Red River, New Mexico (Taos County)
Last Updated: 01/01/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

There is a discrepancy between the Motor Vehicle Use Map and the signage along this trail. The MVUM is the legal binding document showing the first half as a 50" and under trail and not legal for full size vehicles, as where the on trail signage states otherwise. Due to the nature of the MVUM being the legal document, we advise that this trail is 50" and under. We are working with the Forest Service to determine if the signage is correct, or if the map is correct. Old Red River Pass Trail is closed for repair. Forest Road 488 is the only Entrance and Exit for Full Size Vehicles at this time. Remember to Stay on Forest Road 488 as it borders Enchanted Circle Cross Country Skiing Area which are not trails open to motorized use! 4th of July Canyon is a "choose your own adventure style of trail." You can make it as challenging or easy as you want. Photo opportunities abound of the Sangre de Christo mountains and spacious meadows.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (17)
Official Crew
7100
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 01/01/2023

4th of July Canyon is Seasonally Closed until 5/1/2023
Official Crew
7100
Partially Open
Visited: 06/28/2022

The Trails have been reopened to vehicle travel. Travel is limited by downed trees from Dec 2021. These trails are being cleared by volunteers so conditions will change daily.
Official Crew
7100
Temporary Closure
Visited: 05/17/2022

Stage 3 Restrictions are implemented at 8 am on May 19, 2022. This is a closure to all activities until Dec 31, 2022 or until rescinded for enough moisture.
Official Crew
7100
Partially Open
Visited: 05/14/2022

Correction to the Stage 2 Closures: The Motorized off highway vehicle trails are some of the off shoot trails that are specifically Dirt Bike, Side By Side trails. At this time the main trails are still open, albeit most still have trees down from the December storm. At Stage 3 closure, all trails become closed to all access.
Official Crew
7100
Temporary Closure
Visited: 05/07/2022

Carson National Forest has entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit campfires, smoking in certain instances, welding or other torch uses and driving off the roadway, including for hunting and fuelwood gathering activities. Motorized off-highway vehicle trails will be closed and operating a chainsaw or other internal-combustion device will not be allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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