Why Colfax County is New Mexico's Best-Kept Secret

Cimarron Canyon State Park: Palisades Sill

If you’re coming from southern Colorado, Texas, or Arizona, you already know the trade-off, either it’s too crowded, or it’s too hot.

Colfax County kind of sits right in the middle of that. It’s not overrun, and in the summer, it’s actually comfortable enough to be outside all day.

And there’s a lot to do once you get here.

One of the biggest things people don’t realize is how much room there is. Take Eagle Nest for example. The lake isn’t lined with people shoulder-to-shoulder. There’s space to spread out, walk the shoreline, and find your own spot to fish without feeling like you’re competing for it. You can take your time, stay a while, and not feel rushed off.

Angel Fire Resort

If you’re looking for something a little more built out, visit  Angel Fire Resort. They’ve got mountain biking trails, scenic chairlift rides, hiking, and a full golf course. It’s one of those places where you can plan a full day or two around it and still not do everything.

Then you’ve got places like Cimarron Canyon State Park, where you can drive through, stop along the river, fish, or just pull over and take a break without a crowd around you. Same goes for Sugarite Canyon State Park,it’s easy to get to, but still feels quiet once you’re in it.

If you want something a little different, Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge is worth the stop. Depending on the time of year, you can see bison, elk, and a ton of birds. It’s not flashy, but it’s one of those places you remember.

That’s kind of what makes Colfax County different. It’s not one big attraction. It’s a mix of places that you can move between without dealing with traffic, long waits, or packed parking lots.

You can fish in the morning, spend the afternoon up in Angel Fire, drive through a canyon, and still have time to slow down at the end of the day.

It’s simple, but that’s why it works.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go this summer that doesn’t feel like everyone else already beat you to it, Colfax County is worth the trip.