WILDLIFE VIEWING

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

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