The Upper Red River begins in the Carson National Forest below the highest point in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, at an elevation of 13,160 feet. The headwaters converge, to the north, below Wheeler Peak and east of Taos Sky Valley above the town of Red River. This stream holds four species of trout: rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and brookies. Hybrid cutbows also occur in the stream. A portion of the Red is stocked with rainbows. 

Red River converges with other streams in the high meadows below Wheeler Peak: West Fork, Middle Fork Red River, East Fork Red River and Sawmill Creek. Red River flows northwest to the town of Red River, through riffles and deep pools along NM 578. Beaver ponds in the meadows below Middle Fork Lake hold some nice fish. 

Red River parallels NM 38 for about 15 miles, all the way to Questa. Along the way, the Red picks up Goose, Pioneer, and Columbine creeks. There are several campgrounds along the way with plenty of small stockers to catch. 

Go to the "Red River - Rio Grande Box" watershed description for information about Red River below Questa.

Take I-25 north from Albuquerque exit at St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe, travel north on US 84/285 to Espanola and travel north on NM 68 to Taos then Take NM 522 to Questa.