HIKING AND BACKPACKING

The Cimarron area offers a plethora of outdoor recreation

opportunities for the casual or hardy hiker.

DOWNLOAD HIKING TRAILS and PUBLIC LAND Info.

Enjoy hiking in the Cimarron Canyon State Park, a forested area located between the communities of Ute Park and Eagle Nest. It is part of the 33,000 acre Colin Neblett Wildlife Area. It offers easy access to campgrounds and the Cimarron River. As you hike, follow streams, see waterfalls, and visit the Gravel Pit Lakes. Many trails follow old logging roads and are appropriate for horseback rides and excellent wildlife viewing. Call 1-888-NM-PARKS for detailed information.

The 100,000 acre Valle Vidal Unit of the Kit Carson National Forest access is located 5 miles Northeast from Cimarron on Highway 64. The 21 miles of scenic access road to the Valle Vidal is somewhat rugged and passes through Vermejo Park Ranch which is currently under the ownership of Ted Turner. (Make sure and start with a full tank of gas!) Along the road one is often rewarded with wildlife viewing, usually elk, turkey, mule deer, black bear, and an occasional bobcat. Once in the forest, overnight camping is permitted in designated areas for a fee and in the backcountry according to forest guidelines. The Valle Vidal is a good place to practice your orienteering. There are few established trails and the vast open spaces are easy to explore. It is also home to Little Costilla peak, over 12,000 feet high. Many people enjoy horseback riding, camping, hunting, and backpacking in the area. (Note: The Valle Vidal is generally closed on the east side from January 1 through March 31 to protect elk winter range and on the west side from May 1 - June 30 for elk calving. Through traffic is permitted at this time, but you are not to leave the vehicle.) 575-586-0520.

Other recreation areas are within about an hour's drive. Some of these include: E.S. Barker Wildlife Area, Sugarite Canyon State Park in Raton, the Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area accessed from Red River or Taos, the Red River Nature Trail, Columbine Canyon in Red River, the Taos Pass near Angel Fire, and Bureau of Land Management land around the Rio Grande Gorge in Taos.

Also Try: Recreation Links to State and Federal Agencie s