There's no shortage of exciting things to do in our charming little town. Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or someone who is simply wanting to soak up some Wild West and New Mexican culture, Raton is your pass to summer fun!
Raton is an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts looking to venture through time and around the mountains. Here are our top picks for outdoor activities:
Hiking in Sugarite Canyon State Park
Sugarite Canyon offers 9 different trailheads totaling to 15 miles of exploration that is right out our backdoor. Most trails are suitable for horseback riding, biking, and are dog friendly as long as fido stays on a leash. With so many trails to choose from, check out our top picks below!
Lake Alice Trail - 1.32 miles one way
A short and easy trail that circles Lake Alice at the bottom of Sugarite Canyon to take at your leisure offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding pines.
Coal Camp Trail - 4.8 miles
Feeling nostalgic? This trail takes you through the historic coal mining camp area. Hikers can see the remnants of the old mining operations along a moderate trail. With a mix of history and nature, this is a unique experience for both history buffs and nature lovers.
Opportunity Trail - 3.7 miles
This trail is more for the experienced hiker or rider as it leads through diverse terrain and mountains with beautiful scenery of the vistas, canyons, and caprocked mesa cliffs along the New Mexico and Colorado Border.
Vista Grande Trail - .5 miles
A moderately challenging trail that branches off of the main loop and reveals a panoramic view of the canyon country and mesas. The trail then runs through wetlands filled with seasonal yellow coneflowers.
Camping at Soda Pocket
Camping at Soda Pocket is an enchanting experience as you stay at a beautiful campground coupled with crisp mountain air, chirping birds, and a beautiful backdrop of cliffs and lush forests. The area offers numerous hiking trails and with Lake Maloya just a few miles down the road, as well as a star-filled sky perfect for roasting marshmallows under.
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Raton is your pass to the hot spot! Located in the Raton-Clayton volcanic field is a popular attraction worth visiting–Capulin Volcano National Monument. Paved roads and hiking trails head to the top of the rim allowing for easy access. At the top, visitors are able to see four different states–New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas–on a clear day.
Capulin Volcano is a welcoming space and a National Dark Sky Park as it offers events suitable for families. Anyone up to earning their Junior Ranger Badge at Capulin? Some events include the Ladybug Festival, moonlight and sunset hikes, and night sky viewings from a telescope! Make memories that last a lifetime and learn valuable geological information and history from the Park’s knowledgeable rangers!
Photo By Sean Fitzgerald
Vermejo Park Ranch Tours
Vermejo Park Ranch offers a variety of tours and activities for visitors to explore. You can enjoy guided turkey, elk, and mule deer tours during hunting season. Vermejo also offers fishing guides and nature tourism guides for those who wish to explore the ranch and its natural beauty.
Even more so to stay longer, get on the schedule for a greenhouse tour, UTV, wildlife safari tour, or bison expeditions. On almost all tours, you will get a glimpse of the wildlife that is within the ranch, and you may even see a wild horse!
Water Fun at Lake Maloya
Lake Maloya is a hidden gem for those looking to have fun on the water while still indulging in relaxation. Nestled at the top of Sugarite Canyon State Park, this lake offers a variety of activities to do such as fishing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, or simply lounging by the waters edge.
Fishermen can try their luck with catching trout or even bass. Breaded and deep fried, Raton’s trout make the perfect dinner after a long day of casting your net. Lake Maloya is equipped with a boat dock and ramp, making the water accessible to those who prefer boat fishing.
Kayakers and paddle boarders can explore the serene waters surrounded by the beautiful mountains, landscapes, and lush greens. Local businesses like Raton Adventure Centre offer kayak and paddle board rentals if you don't have your own equipment.
For those that prefer a more laid back experience, Maloya has picnic tables perfect for eating lunch, winding down, and enjoying the beauty of northeastern New Mexico.
While outdoor activities are ideal for Raton, there is still a wide selection of indoor activities that are equally as fun! Here are our favorite spots.
Raton Regional Aquatic Center
Raton Regional Aquatic Center is the perfect indoor spot for family fun and relaxation. It features a large swimming pool, a thrilling water slide, splash pad for the little ones, and so much more. Whether you're looking to swim a few laps, enjoy a leisurely dip, and simply relax poolside, Raton Aquatic Center has something for everyone. The facility is well maintained and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors of all ages.
Raton Museum
The Raton Museum is a true icon in Raton, offering a deep dive into the history of our region. The museum houses an impressive collection of photographs, artifacts, and exhibits that display Raton’s storied past. From the days of the Historic Santa Fe Trail to our coal mining era, each display captures the historical events that shaped Raton as it is today. It's the perfect spot for anyone looking to step back in time and immerse themselves in the history of our beloved little town.
The Old Pass Gallery
The Old Pass Gallery is located in the heart of Raton’s Historic Arts and Cultural District on First Street. The gallery is housed in an old Wells Fargo station next to the old train depot. The gallery has regular art shows showcasing paintings, sculptures, photography, and so much more made by Raton locals and those of the surrounding area. They also host plenty of art shows throughout the year featuring art made from local youth, depictions of Raton and the surrounding areas, or our favorite, Day of the Dead ofrendas.
Summer in Raton cannot be complete without attending the vibrant festivities and events. Here are some of the local events waiting for you:
4th of July Weekend
The Fourth of July has always been a big deal here in Raton! We start the Fourth of July with a parade, food, music, and games on Historic First Street. We then end the evening off with a spectacular firework show and a finale that is unforgettable! Following the Fourth of July festivities is the International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally. With colorful hot air balloons, yummy pancakes, and friendly locals and pilots, La Mesa Airfield is the perfect place to end your Fourth of July weekend.
Run to Raton + Pin-Up Contest
At the end of July is the Run to Raton motorcycle rally with rides in wide open spaces, live music, and yummy food and drinks. Run to Raton is a family-friendly space and welcoming to anyone who wants to enjoy it! The Miss Run to Raton Pin-Up contest keeps the good vibes going as we crown the pin-up girl with the most class, sass, and true to the era costume!
Gate City Music Festival
The Gate City Music Festival is an annual event held Labor Day Weekend that attracts musical headliners and local talent to Historic Downtown and the Shuler Theater. Every year, Will and Crystal Yates headline the show along with another contracted headliner. Gate City Music Festival also includes food, vendors, and family-friendly activities. It is definitely a fantastic event that showcases the culture and richness of the region and is a must attend!
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