To celebrate the upcoming Run To Raton (R2R) Motorcycle Rally, we’ve taken the time to ask Motorcycle Mike and discover exciting routes, highways and byways to explore Raton, New Mexico and our surrounding areas via motorcycle or car!
See vast vistas, drive through winding, mountainous canyons, or simply enjoy the breeze along the plains on the Santa Fe Trail. On top of the view, we have listed itineraries you can follow for the full experience of our area.
Bishop Castle
Located in Rye, Colorado, Bishop Castle is a unique and fascinating structure as it was hand built by Jim Bishop. The castle is known for its intricate ironwork, towering spires, and whimsical design.
Start your journey by heading north on I-25 from Raton. You'll see the most beautiful and picturesque areas with views of the Rocky Mountains and open plains.
Continue on I-25 North until you reach Exit 74 for Colorado City. Take this exit and follow the signs for CO-165 West.
As you drive west on CO-165, you'll pass through the small town of Rye. Continue following CO-165 as it winds through the beautiful San Isabel National Forest.
After driving through the forest, you’ll reach Bishop Castle. The castle is located just off CO-165 and is hard to miss with its striking architecture. Since the castle is open to the public and free to view, it makes for the perfect break after a long day of riding!
Round Trip Dive Time: 3.5 Hours (not including stops)
Highlights: View of Fishers Peak, Spanish Peaks, and Sangre De Cristo Mountains.
Capulin + Folsom
Starting from Raton, head down US-64 E/US-87 S while enjoying the open road and views of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field.
Continue on US-87 S for about 27 miles until you reach NM-325 S. Then, turn left and this road will take you directly to Capulin Volcano. You can then explore the mesa and magma landscape, hike up the volcano, or simply gaze upon the monster of a volcano.
Capulin Volcano has paved roads and hiking trails going all the way to the top of the rim which allows easy access and views of 4 different states–New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas!
After volcano viewing, get back on NM-325 S and head towards Folsom while enjoying the scenic drive of the countryside.
After about 12 miles, you arrive in Folsom, NM, a small town rich in history. Folsom Museum is a recommended stop for its engaging historical exhibits about the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century (think Bison, ancient Folsom peoples, and arrow heads) and for its knowledgeable employees that can take you into a deep dive of the small town's history!
Round Trip Drive Time: 1.5 Hours (Not including stops for viewing and Folsom Museum visit)
Highlights: View of Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, winding roads, and wildlife viewing.
Dennis Hopper's Grave + Mabel Dodge House
Beginning in Raton, get on I-25 S from NM-72 E. After about 7 miles, merge onto US-64.
Driving along US-64, you'll come across Cimarron Canyon State Park filled with winding roads and beautiful forests. Located in Cimarron Canyon is the Palisades Sill, a natural formation of rocks that tower over the river below. The Palisades definitely make for the perfect photo backdrop!
Once you are done with photo fun, hop back on US-64 and continue driving for another 55 miles until you reach Taos. Take a right on Morada Lane and drive for half a mile.
At 240 Morada Lane. is the Mable Dodge Luhan House, a Native American style Pueblo which is now deemed a historical landmark. Known as a gathering place for artists, writers, and intellectuals during the 20th century, this makes for the perfect stop for those who are interested in history!
Mabel Dodge Luhan, a prominent figure in the cultural scene at the time, was said to have had influential figures at her home, including Georgia O’Keefe and D.H. Lawrence.
This house now operates as a historical inn and a conference center, still offering a unique glimpse into the artistic and literary history of Taos!
Also located in Taos is the grave of Dennis Hopper, known for his role in “Easy Riders.”
From the Mabel Dodge Luhan house, make your way to Paseo Del Pueblo Sur and continue for three miles. In just two right turns, you will find Jesus Nazareno Cemetery, where Dennis Hopper is buried.
Dennis Hopper is one of Hollywood's most versatile and outspoken actors. He wanted to be buried “Native American Style” in Taos since it was so unique. Many people visit the grave to pay tribute to the “Easy Rider” actor by placing bandanas on the grave cross.
Round Trip Driving Time: 4 Hours (not including stops)
Highlights: Views of Cimarron Canyon State Park, Moreno Valley/Enchanted Circle, Eagle Nest, Angel Fire, Taos Pueblos, and mountains.
Clayton and Kenton Dinosaur Tracks
How awesome would it be to see real dinosaur tracks? Some are lingering not too far from Raton!
Head east on US-87 S, continue on US-64 E, then take US-87 S toward Clayton. Follow the road signs until you reach your destination.
You will then find Clayton Lake State Park and a 170-acre recreational reservoir and a fossil trackway of dinosaur footprints. Over 500 individual tracks from at least four different types of both plant-eating and meat-eating dinosaurs were revealed after an overflow on the spillway in 1982.
Not far from Clayton Lake is another set of dinosaur tracks, located near the border of Oklahoma. From Clayton, head west on US-87 N, then take US-56 W towards Kenton, Oklahoma. From there you will follow the road signs guiding you to the Black Mesa Nature Preserve.
Located near Black Mesa are famous dinosaur tracks that have been preserved in a sandstone strata next to Carrizo Creek. This dinosaur trackway was originally discovered in the 1980s and contained 47 footprints. Due to erosion, only a third of those tracks can be seen.
Nonetheless, a trip to Oklahoma to see dinosaur tracks sounds like a day's worth of fun and exciting adventure!
You can also take a short drive on a portion of the original TransAmerica Trail, a 5,000 mile route created in 1984 for motorcycles) to either Clayton Lake or the Black Mesa Nature Preserve. Beware that much of this road is not paved and mostly off-road. While this is not a conventional route, riders will get an opportunity to enjoy the transforming landscape from lush green volcanic fields, mesas, and mountains, to red rock and dry arid vistas.
From Raton, take US-87 heading towards Capulin Volcano and making a left at NM-325 S. Follow the highway to Folsom and make a left at HWY-456, otherwise known as the Dry Cimarron Highway. Follow the highway through mountains and mesas heading east. About 31 miles down the road, drivers can either take a right at HWY-370 to go to Clayton Lake or continue east to Kenton Oklahoma.
Round Trip Driving Time: 4 Hours (not including dinosaur track stops)
Highlights: Raton-Clayon Volcanic Field, Prairie Punk Gallery (Des Moines, NM), Dinosaur Tracks at Clayton Lake or Kenton, OK
Comments