Cimarron is surrounded by National Monuments, State Parks and other fun places to explore!
WITHIN 20 MINUTES
The Palisades in Cimarron Canyon State Park
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CIMARRON CANYON STATE PARK
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MAXWELL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Highway 64 to Highway 505 east of Cimarron. Excellent birdwatching. The Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge presents visitors with a unique wildlife viewing experience. Visitors are treated to year-round views of hawks, owls, eagles, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and black-tailed prairie dogs. |
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SANTA FE TRAIL WALKING TRAIL
Along Highway 21 between Cimarron and Philmont is a walking/running trail. There is some elevation change. Approximately 4 miles one way. Bring water, sunscreen, etc. Philmont staff constructed the trail along New Mexico Highway 21 for community use by ranch staff, visitors, and area residents. The trail follows the original route of the Santa Fe Trail. |
ABOUT 30-45 MINUTES
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CLIMAX CANYON NATURE TRAIL
Located at the west end of Apache Avenue in Raton, the entrance to the City of Bethlehem is also the entrance to Climax Canyon Park. Parking is currently on the street. Hike through gate and up road to trail-head on southwest end of road. Enjoy several miles of maintained hiking trails. |
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EAGLE NEST LAKE STATE PARK
Highway 64 to Eagle Nest, NM. At 8,300 feet in elevation, the park offers a cool retreat from the summer heat for fisherman, boaters, campers and wildlife enthusiasts. Camping, visitor center with exhibits, a classroom, and expansive patio overlooking the lake. An abundance of animals—elk, bear, mule deer, eagles, turkeys and other birds. |
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ELLIOTT BARKER WILDLIFE AREA
Near Cimarron, NM. The Elliott Barker Wildlife Area is located about 15 miles northeast of Cimarron (see map in link). Access from Road 204 through Philmont off Highway 64. It is 5,416 acres and was purchased in 1966 to protect prime habitat for deer and elk. Click the photo for a map with more information, and the title above for the link to the Game & Fish website. |
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SUGARITE CANYON STATE PARK
Highway 64 east to 1-25 north to highway 72 east. Near Raton, New Mexico. The nature enthusiast will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, birds, butterflies, and wildflowers among the lakes, creeks, forests, and meadows. Nearly all outdoor recreation activities are possible: Fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and camping. Also coal camp ruins and history. |
WITHIN 1-2 HOURS
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CAPULIN VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT
Highway 64/87 east of Cimarron. Although long extinct, Capulin Volcano offers visitors excellent opportunities for observing and understanding volcanic formation and 10 million years of geologic history in Northern New Mexico. |
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FORT UNION NATIONAL MONUMENT
Fort Union was established in 1851 as the guardian of the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Union functioned as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest. The largest visible network of Santa Fe Trail ruts can be seen here. |
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VALLE VIDAL UNIT OF THE KIT CARSON NATIONAL FOREST
Near Cimarron, NM. Highway 64 east (about 15 minutes) to forest road 1950 (dirt road, difficult travel). The Valle Vidal (The Valley of Life) unit of the Carson National Forest is a lush mountain basin, located in the heart of New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and home to a magnificent elk herd and other abundant wildlife. The vistas of high peaks, forests, and alpine meadows are breathtaking. With elevations of 7,700-12,584 feet, the plant life is abundant and varied. More information can be found by clicking here. |
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VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Highway 62 west near Angel Fire, NM. The Memorial was established in 1968 by Victor and Jeanne Westphall to honor their son, Lt. David Westphall, who was killed in Vietnam in May 1968. When it opened in 1971, it was one of the first Memorials of its kind in the United States dedicated to Vietnam Veterans. |
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WHEELER PEAK WILDERNESS AREA (CARSON NATIONAL FOREST)
The Wheeler Peak Wilderness includes almost 20,000 acres. Lying along the top of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range Wheeler Peak Wilderness is characterized by high rugged terrain. Elevations range from a low of 7,650 feet to a high of 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the State of New Mexico. |
