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location-pin Colfax County, NM
Outdoor Recreation
Colfax County is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with scenic hiking trails, great fishing spots, and campgrounds perfect for nights under the stars. Explore mountain terrain by bike or horseback, and in winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding nearby. With stunning landscapes in every season, it’s the perfect place for your next adventure.
LONG RANGE
SNOW
SPORTS
CAMPING
BIKING
Cimarron Canyon State Park
GOLFING
HIKING
FISHING
HUNTING
....and so much more!
Climax Canyon Trail
Hiking & Trails
If you love fresh air and big scenery, you’ll feel right at home on Colfax County’s trails. Hike through landscapes that change with the seasons like wildflowers in spring, cool mountain escapes in summer, and crisp autumn views in fall. Every trail offers something new to discover.
Little Horse Mesa
Location
Raton
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
1.5 Miles
Opportunity Trail
Location
Raton
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
5.8 Miles
Coal Camp Trails
Location
Raton
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
1.8 Miles
Climax Canyon Nature Trail
Location
Raton
Difficulty
Easy
Length
2.7 Miles
Lakes, Parks & Nature
Looking for the perfect outdoor reset? Colfax County’s lakes, parks, and natural spaces offer the best way to unplug, explore, and enjoy the beauty of northern New Mexico
Lake 13
Vermejo Park Ranch
A private reserve near Raton offering world-class fishing across lakes and streams, known for trout and stunning high-country scenery.
Lake Maloya
Part of Sugarite Canyon State Park, Lake Maloya is a mountain lake known for peaceful scenery and excellent fishing. It’s periodically stocked with rainbow trout, and in past years it’s even been stocked with trophy-sized trout, making it a favorite for anglers.
More outdoor fun!
Raton Golf Course
& Country Club
Play a laid-back round at the Raton Golf Course & Country Club, a scenic 9-hole course designed for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick game or spending the afternoon on the greens, it’s a fun and easy way to enjoy the outdoors.
NRA Whittington Center
NRA Whittington Center is a world-class outdoor destination just outside Raton, offering 33,300 acres of wide-open scenery and 25 shooting ranges for every discipline. Visitors can also enjoy training programs, guided hunts, lodging, cabins, and camping.
Goat Hill
& Iridium Layer
Goat Hill & the Iridium Layer offers panoramic views of town near the iconic “RATON” sign, plus a fascinating piece of Earth’s history. Nearby, you can see an exposed iridium-rich rock layer that is linked to the asteroid impact that contributed to the dinosaurs’ extinction about 66 million years ago.
Enchanted Circle Drive
The Enchanted Circle Drive is one of northern New Mexico’s most iconic scenic routes—an 84–85 mile loop that winds through mountain valleys and charming towns like Taos, Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire. You’ll circle the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (with views near Wheeler Peak), pass lakes and forested landscapes, and find plenty of easy stops for photos, short hikes, fishing, and local shops along the way. It’s gorgeous year-round, but especially stunning in fall when the aspens turn bright gold.
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano National Monument is a must-see stop near Raton, offering one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the region. Visitors can drive a winding road all the way to the summit, then hike the Crater Rim Trail for sweeping 360° views across the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Angel Fire Resort
Angel Fire Resort is a year-round mountain destination in Colfax County that offers adventure in every season. In winter, visitors hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding, and when the snow melts, the resort turns into a summer playground with downhill mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, golf, zipline tours, hiking, and lake activities at Monte Verde Lake. With its high-elevation views and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s an easy add-on to any Colfax County itinerary.
