Guided Trail Rides
One of the best ways to see the back country and views of the area is from the saddle on a horse. Rio Grand Stables is just 10.5 miles south of Questa located on NM-522 and offers guided trail rides for all abilities. Ask about their lunch rides and “saddle & paddle” adventures.
Rio Grande Stables
Offering guided rides for all abilities, Memorial Day through Labor Day
75 NM-522
San Cristobal, NM 87564
(888) 508-7667
Riding Trails In The Carson National Forest
The Carson National Forest offers a variety of horseback trail rides near Questa, many follow streams or take you to spectacular mountain lakes. Although these are non-motorized, some trails are shared by hikers and mountain bikers.
Be aware that rides in remote areas may have limited cell-phone reception and without readily available emergency services. Always respect private property. Be aware of changing weather conditions, take plenty of water, plan ahead, and be safe.
Columbine Canyon Trail is a moderate trail used for hiking and horseback riding. The trailhead is well-marked at the south end of the campground. The trail follows Columbine Creek with several creek crossing, it traverses through several wildflower meadows and meets the Lobo Peak Trail #57 at the top. Parking is available outside the campground gate, there are vault toilets, water, picnic tables.
Directions to the Columbine Campground/Canyon Trail from the Questa traffic light:
Drive east on NM-38 for 5 miles (toward Red River) looking for the wooden USFS Campground sign marking the entrance on the right/south side.
Cabresto Lake/Lake Fork Trail is northeast of Questa. Start at the serene 15-acre mountain lake; the route is just under 5 miles; continue to Heart Lake for spectacular views of from the top of Latir Lakes. The Cabresto area offers picnic sites, excellent fishing, vault toilet, and nine first-come-first-serve no-fee tent-camping sites (no water).
Directions to Cabresto Lake/Lake Fork Trail from the Questa traffic light:
Drive east on NM-38 for 50 feet (toward Red River) and immediately turn left onto Cabresto Road behind the Visitor Center (if you miss it, just turn into and drive through the Visitor Center parking lot to reconnect with the road). Drive for 6 miles; along the way Cabresto Road changes names to NM 563 and then again to Forest Access Road 134. Turn left/north onto Forest Access Road 134A and continue on the winding road for 2 miles to the lake. 4WD or a high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Resources
Questa Visitor Center
1 NM-38 (at the traffic light in Questa)
Questa, NM 87556
(575) 586-2258
USFS Questa Ranger District Office
184 NM-38
Questa, NM 87556
(575) 586-0520
Horse Supplies available in Taos:
Taos Tack & Pet Supply
(575) 737-9798
Tractor Supply Co.
(575) 758-4685
Blue Sky Pet & Feed Supply
(575) 758-1841
