Places for Supernatural Adventures In and Near Cimarron
If you’re a supernatural enthusiast, New Mexico is an excellent place to go looking for ghosts. The desert can offer a unique brand of creepiness because it’s so vast and open; there are fewer places for spirits to hide, so they can’t help but be in your sight.
For those of you visiting in and around the Cimarron area, you’re in luck—there are several areas close to you that are reported as haunted. You can check them out for yourself.
St. James Hotel
Henry Lambert built this hotel in Cimarron in the late 1800s. It was originally intended to be a saloon, and it was a popular place to stop for anyone who was moving west. At the time, law and order were not well-enforced, resulting in dozens of violent deaths among men who couldn’t get along and had no one to stop them from taking out their frustrations with guns. It’s said that objects move and ghosts have been sighted here.
Urraca Mesa
Legend has it that cat totems were put in place in this area to keep the gates of Hell sealed shut. Slowly, they’ve been disappearing, and once they’re all gone, nothing can stop the gates from opening. Many locals consider it a sacred place. You can take a haunted hike in this area and see for yourself if you agree.
Dawson Cemetery
Once a thriving mining town, two different mining accidents in the early 1900s left 400 men dead. Their graves fill the cemetery, each marked by a cross. With so many victims of violent deaths in this New Mexico location, there are bound to be at least a few restless spirits wandering around here. Let us know if you see any. Visitors can find the road to Dawson on US Hwy 64, right near Cold Beer, NM, about 12 miles east of Cimarron.
Laguna Vista Lodge
Part of this hotel used to be a brothel, so it should come as no surprise that there have been reports of female ghosts there. One, in particular, is believed to haunt the dining room. Another supposedly makes herself at home in the honeymoon suite, where she waits for her husband, who disappeared when he went hunting. Try spotting either of these ladies in Eagle Nest, the city in which you can find the hotel.
Kit Carson Home and Museum
Located in Taos, it’s said that the spirit of the museum’s founder, Christopher Houston “Kit” Carson, still hangs around. Maybe he’s trying to make sure that things continue to run smoothly, but you can solve that mystery yourself by visiting.
For those of you visiting in and around the Cimarron area, you’re in luck—there are several areas close to you that are reported as haunted. You can check them out for yourself.
St. James Hotel
Henry Lambert built this hotel in Cimarron in the late 1800s. It was originally intended to be a saloon, and it was a popular place to stop for anyone who was moving west. At the time, law and order were not well-enforced, resulting in dozens of violent deaths among men who couldn’t get along and had no one to stop them from taking out their frustrations with guns. It’s said that objects move and ghosts have been sighted here.
Urraca Mesa
Legend has it that cat totems were put in place in this area to keep the gates of Hell sealed shut. Slowly, they’ve been disappearing, and once they’re all gone, nothing can stop the gates from opening. Many locals consider it a sacred place. You can take a haunted hike in this area and see for yourself if you agree.
Dawson Cemetery
Once a thriving mining town, two different mining accidents in the early 1900s left 400 men dead. Their graves fill the cemetery, each marked by a cross. With so many victims of violent deaths in this New Mexico location, there are bound to be at least a few restless spirits wandering around here. Let us know if you see any. Visitors can find the road to Dawson on US Hwy 64, right near Cold Beer, NM, about 12 miles east of Cimarron.
Laguna Vista Lodge
Part of this hotel used to be a brothel, so it should come as no surprise that there have been reports of female ghosts there. One, in particular, is believed to haunt the dining room. Another supposedly makes herself at home in the honeymoon suite, where she waits for her husband, who disappeared when he went hunting. Try spotting either of these ladies in Eagle Nest, the city in which you can find the hotel.
Kit Carson Home and Museum
Located in Taos, it’s said that the spirit of the museum’s founder, Christopher Houston “Kit” Carson, still hangs around. Maybe he’s trying to make sure that things continue to run smoothly, but you can solve that mystery yourself by visiting.
GHOST HUNTING
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EXPRESS ST. JAMES HOTEL
First built in 1872, many famous people have stayed at the St. James over the years, including Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Buffalo Bill Cody, Clay Allison, Black Jack Ketchum, Billy the Kid and Thomas James Wright. It is said that some of these spirits still haunt these halls today. The St. James hotel has retained its haunted appearance, with the creaking staircase and tilted chandeliers. The rooms remain named for those who stayed here during the late 1800's. Room 18 which is said to be haunted by T.J. Wright will remain intact and un-booked as if he were still rooming there today. 617 S Collison Ave, Cimarron, NM 87714 (575) 376-2664 |
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GHOST SITINGS IN CIMARRON
The Village of Cimarron, NM has a population of about 1,000 people. A small village with over a dozen haunted sites and still counting. Situated on the Santa Fe Trail (New Mexico Hwy 21), according to paranormal investigators, the Santa Fe Trail is traveled by the spirits moving from place to place. Many nearby places are noted for their paranormal activity. Click the button below for a list of reported hauntings in Cimarron. |
GHOST TOWNS
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COLFAX
The village of Colfax existed from 1908 to 1933. It was situated in the heart of rich farming land, near two railroads, with mountains full of wild game. The Great Depression of 1929 caused gasoline prices to soar and many people gave up driving. Many relocated to one of the nearby larger towns such as Dawson, Raton, Springer, and Cimarron. Today this ghost town is privately owned land, and being so, there is no trespassing, but you can still see the footings of the old buildings from the highway. Located right on Hwy 64, just south of Colfax Tavern next to the railroad tracks, on the west side of the highway. |
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DAWSON
The town of Dawson came about when the Dawson coal mine opened in 1901. In 1950 the mine closed down and the owner sold the town, buildings and all. Today the ghost town is privately owned by the Dawson family, who still own a working ranch in the area. The cemetery is a must-see and the only thing available to the public. Drive 17 miles east of Cimarron on Hwy 64, turn left on A38, the dirt road between the railroad tracks and Colfax Tavern. |
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ELIZABETHTOWN
Established in 1866 with the opening of area gold mines, Elizabethtown was the first incorporated town in New Mexico and once held the county seat. It died out by 1917 with the decline in the mines. While there is very little left of the original buildings, there is a museum on site which is a must-see. Five miles north of Eagle Nest on State Road 38. Elizabethtown is located just off New Mexico State Road 38, between the communities of Eagle Nest and Red River, just east of the Carson National Forest. |
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