Some hikes earn their lake. The Middle Fork Lake Trail, Trail 487 in the Carson National Forest above Red River, is one of them — a difficult two miles one way that climbs from 9,650 feet to a quiet alpine lake sitting at 10,845 feet. Mid-October is close to the last comfortable window to make the climb before winter takes the high country back, and for hikers who like their trails steep, wooded and uncrowded, it is one of the finest short backpacks-or-day-hikes left on the fall calendar.
Getting there is part of the adventure. From Red River, drive NM Highway 578 about six miles to the end of the pavement, then take the road to the right, Forest Road 58, for about a mile to the parking area. Low-clearance cars should take that last stretch slowly. From the parking area, walk the road about a quarter mile to a small bridge crossing on the left — that is the actual trailhead. The route crosses the Middle Fork on a wooden bridge and climbs through forest to waterfalls where the creek must be crossed, then follows a series of switchbacks up to the lake.
About a mile and a half in, watch for the signed junction. Keep right for Middle Fork Lake, passing a waterfall as the trail climbs into Douglas fir for the final half mile. The other branch is the start of the longer haul toward Lost Lake. Along the way, hikers cross sections where a massive wind event in December 2021 toppled stretches of forest, opening sunny gaps now filled with wildflowers in summer and golden light in fall. AllTrails clocks the full out-and-back at about 4.8 miles with roughly 1,220 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take two and a half to three hours.
The payoff is more than a pretty lake. This basin is where the Red River begins — snowmelt gathers here, spills out of the lake and drops down the valley through town before eventually joining the Rio Grande. In October the shoreline grass goes gold, the crowds of summer are gone, and the only company is likely to be the wind in the spruce and fir around the shore.
Late-season sense applies. At 10,845 feet, mornings are cold, daylight is shrinking, and early snow or ice on the switchbacks is always possible this time of year. Start early, carry layers, water and a headlamp, expect a chilly creek crossing, and check the Carson National Forest alerts and current conditions pages before driving up Highway 578. Do that, and Middle Fork Lake makes a fitting last high-country hike of the season.