Thursday opened clear and cold in Red River, with a morning low near 28 degrees that felt closer to 23 in a light west-northwest wind. The forecast for today is mostly sunny with a high near 52, northerly winds around 12 miles per hour and gusts picking up this afternoon, and no precipitation expected. Sunset comes at 6:24 p.m., a reminder that mid-October evenings now arrive early in the high country, so plan hikes and scenic drives with that shorter daylight in mind.
Tonight turns colder still, with a low near 23 under mostly clear skies, followed by a sunny Friday with a high near 53 and a low near 24. Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque expect ideal overnight cooling conditions Friday night into Saturday morning, bringing an even colder night and a hard freeze across much of the area. If you are in town this weekend, protect exposed pipes, bring tender plants in where you can, and expect frosty windshields and icy patches on shaded steps and decks each morning.
On the mountain, Red River Ski and Summer Area remains closed between seasons. Its snow report lists no lifts or trails open, no base depth, and no new snow, which is normal for mid-October. Industry listings project Opening Day for Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26, conditions permitting, and season pass pricing moved into its second tier on October 14, running through December 10. There is no skiing yet, and no off-season operations to plan around, but the countdown is now measured in weeks rather than months.
For time outdoors this week, dress in layers and start with the valley trails. The Red River Nature Trail runs about two miles along the river from the Platinum Lift area toward Goose Lake Road, with a shorter creekside stretch beginning at Mallette Park. The Columbine Trail, between Red River and Questa, crosses footbridges over Columbine Creek and passes an aspen grove that makes a fine picnic stop before the route climbs more steeply. Expect cold mornings, firm and possibly frosty ground early, and much more comfortable walking by late morning under the sun.
The weekend outlook is the reward for the cold nights. Saturday looks sunny with a high near 59 and a low near 31, while Sunday turns mostly cloudy with a high near 57 and only a small chance of rain. Looking further ahead, forecasters see moisture and clouds returning early next week, with the next real chance of showers arriving around Wednesday and Thursday, when rain could mix with snow at higher elevations. For now, though, Red River offers crisp air, quiet trails, golden light, and a mountain town settling in before winter, so come prepared for freezing nights and enjoy the sunny days.