"This hike begins up in Red River. Extremely populated Trail Head Area , that goes to Lost Lake and Horseshoe Lake. But most people seem to take an off shoot to a short trail up to Middle Lake. Anyways , I did not find a trail to Relica Peak and bush wacked the whole way. It was fun with the only bummer after sweating my way up the mountain and turning to look down and seeing the subdivision. There had to be any easier way up and I would suggest taking the saddle as a start point, not merely going straight up. " — UP • Aug 22, 2019

"We planned a family outing to Red River, New Mexico over Labor Day weekend. It was my hope to pick up several peaks at the same time. My wife and I drove to Red River, getting in 8:30 Friday evening. We rented a 2 bedroom condo on the river. No dogs allowed, so I could not bring my hiking dog Daisy. We had a late dinner out, then and a nice evening by the fire. I got up early Saturday morning, August 30, 2014, leaving at 6:00 AM in hopes of hiking Van Diest Peak. From High Street in Red River I turned north on Bitter Creek Street and went about 4 or 5 miles to the north. I encountered a “No Trespassing” sign. I saw some people and they said it would be okay to go further, but a little later encountered a very extensive second set of “No Trespassing” signs and a locked gate. I decided to hike a different peak, Relica Peak, elevation 11,760. (See September 1, 2014, Van Diest Peak for what finally happened) I traveled east of Red River then south on highway 578. While driving I saw a large heard of elk and some deer. I proceeded to dirt Forest Road 58 and went down that road about a mile or so to a locked gate and Trail Head 58D. You do not need a 4WD to get to this point. I parked th..." — Phil-Robinson • Aug 30, 2014