Update Spring 2025: The Carson National Forest is starting the public scoping period for the Environmental Assessment. Find details and provide your comments here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/carson/recreation/?cid=FSEPRD1221825
About the Trail
This multi-use, sustainable recreation trail will connect the communities of Questa and Red River to the land, the water, and the people. The trail will enhance the quality of life for locals and visitors, attract and bolster tourism, and spur economic development in both communities.
The idea for the trail along the Red River stems from the removal of mining infrastructure associated with the original MolyCorps Mine, now named Chevron Mine. The thought was that as pipes from the mine site coming towards Questa are removed, that leaves a corridor that can be re-purposed as a recreational trail. While that initial idea, planning teams quickly figured out that tailings pipelines have different priorities and needs than trail users, and while the planned alignment of the trail tries to use as much existing disturbance as possible, it follows a more natural and compelling path through the canyon.
Public Planning
The initial planning for trail development (Phase I) occurred over a two-year period ending in 2018. This was a collaborative effort between the Carson National Forest, National Forest Foundation, Chevron Mine, Enchanted Circle Trails Association, Questa Economic Development Fund, Village of Questa, Town of Red River, New Mexico Off-highway Vehicle Association, Amigos Bravos Friends of the Wild River, and multiple community members.
Multiple working group sessions were held to consider all aspects of the development and potential impact of this trail. These meetings were open to the public and working group members included elected officials, public land managers, user-group organizations, and the community at large. The results of Phase I efforts can be found here.
The Carson National Forest is currently working on an Environmental Assessment of the project, which will incorporate additional public comment as well as feedback by stakeholders and land managers. See the Forest Service project page for updates and comment opportunities.
Public Funding
After the initial planning period, the Town of Red River listed the project as a priority in its Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) and secured funding from New Mexico to complete an engineering study to complement ECTA’s design. Specifically, the trail will incorporate 10 river crossings, and a section along NM 38 beneath unstable slopes may need to be a raised deck trail to avoid being washed out. This funding was secured as part of a state Capitol Outlay expenditure.
Additional funding for the NEPA environmental study on the trail’s potential impact has also been secured through the Department of Transportation Rec Trail Program (RTP) which will allow the project to go through a full Environmental Assessment to ensure it has a minimal impact on the land and water that is so important to our region.
The project is listed as part of the New Mexico Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) (https://estip.dot.state.nm.us/project_info?project_id=1272780&version=1) which prioritizes transportation projects of regional significance.
Additional funding for the planning and permitting phase has been secured by the Questa Economic Development Fund through a New Mexico Trails+ grant to cover additional surveys required by the Carson National Forest to ensure the trail does not critically impact endangered species.
Public Benefits
The Q2RRT will actively support and engage the local business community by driving increased visitation to the region. By enhancing and expanding trails with improved access, the project will attract more trail users, including out-of-town visitors who will stay overnight in local accommodations, dine at local restaurants, purchase groceries, and shop in retail stores. This influx of visitors will stimulate business growth, encourage the creation of new jobs, and provide opportunities for local community members to find employment.
This will have a positive impact on the traditionally underserved region of northern New Mexico. Especially the Village of Questa which has struggled to find alternative income to support the community after the main economic driver of the region (Molycorps Mine) closed.
The Q2RRT will not only provide a safe and scenic space for recreation, but will also offer alternative transportation between the communities of Questa and Red River. This connectivity is a significant benefit, as many residents commute between these towns for work or recreation. Enhanced access will facilitate more economic exchange and engagement between the two communities.
Furthermore, the project creates opportunities for innovative businesses to emerge. For instance, entrepreneurs could establish shuttle services to transport visitors to trailheads or bike rental shops catering to tourists. These services would complement existing businesses, expanding the range of offerings available to visitors and residents alike.
