Lakes & Rivers in Red River, NM

The Red River is your most immediate water feature—perfect for easy “walk-and-watch” moments from town, plus classic mountain-river recreation like fishing, light riverside exploring, and scenic picnics that don’t require a drive.

Because it flows right through downtown, it’s the most convenient option for quick nature breaks between Main Street stops, and it’s also part of the bigger story nearby—this same river eventually meets the Rio Grande at Wild Rivers Recreation Area.

For “big-water, big-landscape” vibes, head to the Rio Grande Gorge at Wild Rivers Recreation Area, where you’ll get dramatic canyon scenery and the famous La Junta Point area near the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red River. It’s a strong pick for rim-side hiking, overlooks, picnicking, camping, and viewing the gorge without committing to a long trek, and the BLM also highlights a range of recreation here including hiking, biking (on certain roads/trails), fishing/boating (with rules), and even whitewater activities depending on season and conditions.

The Cimarron River is the waterway that feeds the Moreno Valley side of the Enchanted Circle region, and it’s a great “pair it with a drive” river—especially if you’re combining your day with Eagle Nest Lake or the scenic canyon corridor toward Cimarron. It’s best known for fishing and wildlife viewing in a classic Northern New Mexico canyon setting, and it’s the river associated with the state-park corridor east of Eagle Nest where travelers come for canyon scenery, day-use pullouts, and river access.

Eagle Nest Lake is the easiest “big water” escape near Red River—ideal for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing, with a reputation for cold, quiet morning water (great for paddlers) and a stocked fishery that supports trout/salmon plus species like northern pike and yellow perch. It’s also a solid year-round recreation anchor with camping and even ice fishing in winter when conditions allow—making it a natural add-on for a Red River vacation day when you want wide-open views and lake time without a long drive.

Cabresto Lake is a quieter, more tucked-away mountain-lake outing—great for people who want a more “locals know” feel than the busier lake scene. Recreation here tends to center on fishing, hiking, shoreline time, and scenic high-country picnics, with the Cabresto corridor also serving as the gateway for longer hikes deeper into the basin (including Heart Lake). It’s a natural choice when you want a lake day that still feels wild, and it pairs perfectly with a stop through Questa on your way back to Red River.

Heart Lake is the “level up” option for hikers who want a longer, more rewarding lake objective in the same general Cabresto zone. Think alpine terrain, fewer people, bigger payoff—the kind of place you go for a full day outside rather than a quick stop. It’s ideal for hiking-focused recreation (and often fishing), and it’s a strong pick when you want a lake experience that feels more remote while still being achievable as a day trip from Red River.

Goose Lake is one of the most iconic “earned views” near Red River—high elevation, dramatic scenery, and a real sense of being up in the mountains. Depending on the route, it can be reached as a challenging hike or via a rough 4x4-style track that climbs thousands of feet. Some routes note a river crossing that can vary with seasonal flow. It’s a favorite for hiking, high-country sightseeing, and photography, and it’s close enough to Red River that it feels like a signature half-day or full-day adventure rather than a road-trip commitment.

Middle Fork Lake is a classic “quick-ish alpine lake payoff” from Red River—popular because you can get into a true mountain-lake setting without committing to an all-day trek. The hike is known for steady climbing in forested terrain with a satisfying lake finish, and the access logistics are straightforward: a short scenic drive from town, then a trail that delivers a real backcountry feel. It’s ideal for hiking, nature photography, and a peaceful lakeside break—especially if you want a lake day that’s closer to Red River than the Cabresto side.