I recently went on a hiking trip to Red River, New Mexico. I love Red River. It’s a beautiful mountain town with amazing scenery. New Mexico has been experiencing a severe drought. Many of our forests are being closed to safeguard them from forest fires. I think my trip was timed just before the Carson National Forest is closed.
I drove through Taos and was happy to see Black-Billed Magpies busily hunting for food. I usually get terrible photos of these birds. But on this occasion, I had a very cooperative bird and was able to get some nice photos.

Black-Billed Magpie
While in Taos I came across several Rock Pigeons enjoying a puddle together. I thought they looked adorable.

Birds of a feather….

Flock together….and enjoy a refreshing bath
I spent 3 days there and thankfully it rained each evening. Hopefully they don’t experience any closures. On Day 1 I drove to Red River and met up with the hiking group at the Columbine State Park trail. This was a nice, easy trail. I climbed about 500 feet in elevation over 2 miles. The trail is along Columbine Creek, which is a lovely little creek.
Scarlett was happy to be on a hike and water to play in! She needed a good hiking trip. She ran and ran and splashed and splashed. But occasionally she used one of the bridges (after she ran through the creek!).

Scarlett
I loved how the trail crisscrossed the creek. It always fun to walk along water – especially in New Mexico.

Only rocks here to cross the water.
There were a few flowers trying to bloom even though we are experiencing a drought. Even a few strawberries were determined to bloom.

Shooting Stars

Strawberry plant
I loved the scenery as I climbed. The aspen trees were beautiful in their new leaves.

Quakies as they are called in New Mexico
I came across one area that begged me to take some creative photos. I love how the log crossed the small waterfall. I couldn’t decide which one I liked best….
I liked this area so much, I had someone take a pic of me and Scarlett.

Kelly and Scarlett
There were several small waterfalls along this trail. I’m glad I was wearing my waterproof hiking sandals so I could get in the water for fun photos.
I eventually climbed higher and left the creek below.
Scarlett ran ahead of me most of the time. At one point I didn’t see her so I called her name. The silly girl peeked at me from around a tree. LOL!

Scarlett hiding behind a tree.
I had wanted to hike further up the trail, but a storm cloud had been brewing while I hiked. At one point it started rumbling, so I figured I’d better turn around and head to the condo. Scarlett was happy to run back downhill!

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I passed a small lake on the way to the condo. It must have interesting minerals in the water to give it a beautiful turquoise blue color.

Eagle Rock Lake
Along the road I saw a beautiful little waterfall. I just had to park and climb down the steep incline to photograph it. Totally worth it don’t you think?

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Tune in next time for Day 2. I hiked to a beautiful waterfall and a lake!
Beautiful shots!
Thank you Belinda!
What a beautiful place Kelly. I love the little back pack on Scarlett, what a great idea. Nice flowing water captures. I love the pick of your magpie, it reminds me a little of the British one, with the lovely blue back. Ours are just black and white, but their beautiful song makes up for the colour. I guess the drought is bad there also as we are experiencing el nino around the pacific region. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Ashley! Scarlett loves her backpack. And Iike it cause she carries all of our water 😉
What a great idea, that’s what every birder needs a ‘packdog’🐶
Beautiful shots of the falls…and Scarlet, of course!
Thank you Kathy!
Wonderful captures and first day of your hike! I fell in love with the tall Aspen trees photo and then I saw the log across the creek ones. Spectacular compositions, Kelly! What an eye you have, I love each image!
Thank you so much for the kind words Donna!
What a beautiful area! So many waterfalls and streams. The Rock Pigeons were adorable! And so was Scarlet 🙂
Thank you so much Tiny! I loved those little pigeons too 😊
Beautiful!
I love the silky effect of the water,
Thank you Ileana!