Carson National Forest
Horseshoe Lake

In the summer months this trail is used for hiking and horseback riding. In the winter months this trail is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Access:

Travel south from Red River approximately six miles on State Highway 578 (old Hwy 150) to where the pavement ends at the Middle Fork and East Fork junction. Then take the road to the left across the bridge (Forest Road 58A) and travel approximately 1.25 miles to the wilderness users parking area. From here, it's about 3/4 mile to the trailhead at the Ditch Cabin Site. You will be crossing private land here so please be courteous. The road from the end of the pavement to the parking area is not maintained. During wet, rainy seasons, sections of this road are soft and muddy. No vehicles are permitted beyond the parking area.

Attractions and Considerations:

The trail starts at the parking area, 3/4 of a mile before the Ditch Cabin Site and is easy hiking because of its gradual ascent. It follows the East Fork of the Red River for approximately three miles before taking a westerly direction. The wilderness boundary is within 1/2 mile of this point. During the next mile, portions of the trail will be wet and the ground soft before arriving at a rock slide and a spectacular vista point. Continue up through several scenic openings until you reach the junction of Lost Lake Trail (#91). There are many camping areas along the trail. The campsite at the trail junction is the most popular one because of its close proximity to both Lost Lake (about one mile) and Horseshoe Lake. From here, the trail becomes steeper and somewhat rockier.

Reaching Horseshoe Lake (elevation 11,950 feet) you can experience the beauty of the lake and the views from another spectacular vista point. This is about six miles into this beautiful countryside. Horseshoe Lake is at timberline and is often windswept. Please do not damage the ancient Bristlecone Pine shrubs around the shoreline. Camping and campfires are not permitted along the lake shore to prevent soil and water damage, so please pick a campsite at least 300 feet back from the lake. The New Mexico Department of Fish and Game stocks Horseshoe Lake by helicopter with native cutthroat fry. A fishing license and trout stamp are required.

• Location: Questa Ranger District - Wheeler Peak Wilderness
• Length: 6 miles
• Use: Moderate to Heavy
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
• Beginning Elevation: 9,600 feet
• Ending Elevation: 11,950 feet
• Elevation Gain: 2,350 feet
• USGS QUADS: Wheeler Peak, Eagle Nest