Visit Cimarron, New Mexico!--Outdoor Recreation

OUTDOOR RECREATION

CAMPING

Camping is available at sites right here in Cimarron, including the Cimarron Inn and RV Park. If you would like to camp in Cimarron Canyon State Park it is only 15 miles west of Cimarron. Many campsites are available. If you would like to "rough it," try the Valle Vidal Unit of the Kit Carson National Forest, northeastern New Mexico's premier national forest area. Valle Vidal maps are available at the Cimarron Visitor Center for $7.00 and Kit Carson National Forest maps for $9.00. Camping is also available at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge for up to 3 days on a seasonal basis.

See Hiking for pdf downloads with more information.

FISHING

Fishing abounds around Cimarron. One hotspot is along the Cimarron River in Cimarron Canyon State Park. Enjoy both stream and pond fishing. Also try the Valle Vidal Unit of the Kit Carson National Forest, one of New Mexico's best kept secrets, nestled back in the mountains northeast of Cimarron--truly a place to enjoy fishing. Special permits are required for some waters. Fishing licenses available at The Cimarron Art Gallery or Russell's Sundries. Other nearby areas that allow fishing according to state regulations are Eagle Nest Lake and Lake 13 and 14 at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and Springer Lake. For more information and regulations, see the New Mexico Game and Fish. Private fishing along the Cimarron River is also available through Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat and guided fishing and lodging through The Solitary Angler.

HIKING

Enjoy hiking in 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.

The 100,000 acre Valle Vidal Unit of the Kit Carson National Forest access is located 5 miles Northeast of 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.)

Other recreation areas are within about an hour's drive. Some of these include: Elliott Barker Wildlife Area (pdf file), 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. Capulin Volcano National Monument. Hiking is also available through Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat.

AREA HIKING AND CAMPING INFO (DOWNLOAD PDF FILES)

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HORSES

Roadrunner Tours LTD is offering horse rides at the Express UU Bar Ranch seasonally. Rides are at 8am or 4pm, but folks can call for other times. Reservations can be made at the Express St. James 575-376-2664 or the Express UU Bar 575-376- 2035 or by calling Roadrunner Tours 575-377-6416. Roadrunner Tours LTD also offers Carriage Rides in Old Town on Saturday evenings: $10 for adults, $5 for children. Reservations can be made at the Express St. James front desk and walks-ups are welcome.

There are also various locations for horseback riding with your own horses around Cimarron, including the national forest. Please visit the Valle Vidal Unit of the Kit Carson National Forest for more details or contact the Chamber office (cimarronnm@gmail.com).

HOT SPRINGS

Black Rock Hot Springs, located north of Taos, west of the town of Arroyo Hondo. It is about a 5-10 minute walk off a dirt road. Ask locals for directions. Two mud-bottomed rock pools on the west bank of the Rio Grande. Pool temperatures are usually about 97 F depending on how high the river is. Clothing optional.

Stagecoach (Manby) Hot Springs, located north of Taos, west of the town of Arroyo Hondo. It is about a 15-20 minute walk off a dirt road. Ask locals for directions. Three shallow sand-bottomed rock pools on the east bank of the Rio Grande. Pool temperatures are usually about 97 F depending on how high the river is. Clothing optional.

HUNTING

Hunting is available throughout the area in private, state, and federal properties. Licenses are available at the Cimarron Art Gallery and Russell's Sundries. Hunting is also available through Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat.

ROCK CLIMBING

Cimarron Canyon State Park and Sugarite Canyon State Park both offer Rock Climbing opportunities. Our downloads offer more specific information.

Downloads:

WILDLIFE

The Cimarron area offers great wildlife viewing. Mule deer roam right through town. Elk roam nearby Philmont Scout Ranch land and all lands surrounding Cimarron. 5,415 acres of wildlife area straddle Ponil Creek, just north of Cimarron. A few miles further north, more than 100,000 acres of prime elk habitat are managed at the Valle Vidal Unit of the Kit Carson National Forest. The area is generally closed from January 1 through March 31 to protect elk winter range. The western portion of this unit of the Carson National Forest is also closed May 1 - June 30 for elk calving. Cimarron Canyon State Park, part of the Colin Neblett Wildlife area, lies in along Highway 64 about 15 miles west of Cimarron. It is a favorite destination of campers, hikers, and those hoping to catch a glimpse of deer, raccoons, black bear, or the work of beavers in the Cimarron River. Another popular location for viewing wildlife is Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, just over 20 miles east of Cimarron. It was established in 1966 on 2,800 acres of grassland and agricultural land. It is managed primarily for migratory waterfowl and is used extensively by ducks and geese during fall and winter. Questions? Call (575)375-2331