Carson National Forest
Elephant Rock Trail

Questa Ranger District

Elevations:

• Trail Beginning: 8,400 ft
• Trail End: 8,380 ft

From Red River go 3 miles west on State Road 38. The trail begins at the parking area west of Fawn Lakes Campground and climbs north to Elephant Rock, a formidable rock formation. From Elephant Rock, there are 3 loop trails to choose from to get back to State Road 38. A fourth route travels west along the ridge for about 4 miles before descending a steep, difficult portion of trail to the north and dropping down onto Forest Road 134 in Cabresto Canyon. From there, you can go east on Forest Road 134 to Forest Road 597 and return to Red River.

As this is specifically a motorcycle trail system, there are specific rules in effect:

• Use stock mufflers so you don't disturb the wildlife.
• Riding season is May 25 to October 15, so as not to disturb the wildlife.
• Observe gate closures: they are closed for particular reasons.
• Open trails are signed with directional arrows. A Dead End sign means the trail is closed. All other trails are closed and to use them is to risk having all these trails shut down.
• Stick to the open trails and do not try to take shortcuts.
• Each bike must be equipped with a spark arrester.
• Summer storms can cause flash floods: be careful, the rushing water and/or mud flows can kill.
• Lots of roads in here are dead ends. Staying on the signed loops can easily give you a full day's ride.

Rating: Expert