The sign for Raton Pass greeted me as I made my way over the 7,835-foot mountain pass that connects southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. This marks the highest point along the historic Santa Fe Trail and the beginning of my visit to the small town of Raton, New Mexico.
A town that was once a haven for weary travelers making their way over Raton Pass, by way of the Santa Fe Trail, Raton has long charmed explorers who sought adventure and relaxation. But today, travelers might describe Raton more as a common stopover for gas and food, rather than a travel destination.
I live roughly 220 miles north of Raton, in Denver, and often drive over Raton Pass on my way to explore Santa Fe and Ghost Ranch. So, yes, I have used Raton as a stopover during my Denver to New Mexico road trip, but this summer I decided to spend some time in this quaint mountain town.
Raton, New Mexico, may be small, but it’s fully packed with experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. From outdoor adventures to historical exploration and cultural events; this charming hamlet has something for every traveler. So, the next time you’re driving south from Denver (or wherever you’re coming from), don’t just pass by – make Raton your next small town stop and discover the hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Pick up your pass to big adventures with these things to do in Raton, New Mexico.
Where is Raton, New Mexico?
Resting at 6,680 feet above sea level, Raton feels perfectly placed in between the foothills of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and the flattop mesas that break up the Great Plains to the east. Raton’s unique location at the base of Raton Pass provides the perfect backdrop for exploring the outdoors and the lure of the Wild West.
Located six miles from the Colorado/New Mexico border, Raton’s location makes for a great base camp to explore northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. In the winter, you’re only 75 miles from skiing in Angle Fire, or epic summer fishing at Eagle Nest Lake State Park. One of Colorado’s newest state parks, Fishers Peak State Park, is a short drive away, as well as epic hikes to the top of a volcano, and some of the nation’s most important historical sites.
Things to do in Raton New Mexico
Exploring Raton’s history and culture
What was once a significant stop along the Santa Fe Trail, Raton’s history is deeply rooted in the famous wagon-rutted route that played a pivotal role in westward expansion and the town’s development.
The Santa Fe Trail, operational from 1821 to 1880, was more than just a path; it was America’s first international commercial and military thoroughfare. Connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico, it traversed many towns and territories, including Raton. Originally known as Willow Springs, Raton evolved into a crucial rest stop for travelers recuperating after the challenging journey over Raton Pass.
Raton Pass and surrounding mountains were referenced as the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail, acting as both a gateway and barrier to entry for most traveling along the trail—making their way from the mid-west to the southwest.
Stroll the streets of historic downtown
Your first stop in Raton should be a walking tour through the historic streets of downtown. The five blocks of well-preserved early 20th-century architecture tell the story of a once-booming railroad and mining town. I admired the colorful brick facades, Victorian buildings, and its still-present Wild West appearance that gives downtown Raton its charm.
Stop by the Shuler Theater, a beautifully restored 1915 landmark venue that still hosts shows today. I was lucky enough to get a tour of the inside of the historic theatre to see the beautiful restoration and some of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) murals in the foyer.
Another notable historic building to see is the Santa Fe Depot. Constructed in the Spanish Mission Revival Style in 1903, it still operates today as an active stop along Amtrak’s Southwest Chief train.
If you really want to dive in deep and learn about the history of Raton, stop in at the Raton Museum. Housed in a beautiful 1906 building, this museum features a collection of Native American artifacts, exhibits about local coal mines, and the Santa Fe Trail.
Spend some time browsing the unique shops, antique stores, and art galleries such as the Old Pass Gallery and the Carl Swanson Gallery along Historic First Street, where you might find the perfect souvenir to remember your visit.
Take in the views from Goat Hill and see the Iridium Layer
Raton’s very own Hollywood sign rests atop Goat Hill. Seen from almost every vantage point in town, the Raton sign is a signature landmark for locals and a must-see for any visitor. A quick drive up the winding dirt road led me to the top of Goat Hill, where views of Raton and a sea of mesas rising from the valley floor spread out before you—a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
While you’re there, take a quick hike along the Old Raton Pass (part of the old Santa Fe Trail) to see the exposed Iridium layer. What is the Iridium layer you ask? The K-T Boundary, something I am sure I heard about in school, but soon forgot over the years, is a thin band of rock that marks the transition between the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods of geologic time.
The layer is usually rich in iridium, an element common in comets and asteroids and very rare on Earth — leading scientists and geologists to believe that this marks the time when a meteor or asteroid hit Earth over 65 million years ago — causing the mass extinction of the dinosaurs.
To see the Iridium layer, leave your car at the Goat Hill sign and take the right fork in the road to the historic Old Raton Pass. There is a metal gate that says you need a permit to access the road, but this only applies to motor vehicles. Visitors can walk past the gate for a short half mile or so up the gravel road.
The Iridium layer is adequately marked, otherwise, you might miss the barely-there layer of exposed white/clay rock. It’s not exactly Instagram-worthy, but it’s mind-blowing to witness a geological bookmark that tells the before-and-after story of reptiles and mammals.
In-town hike at Climax Canyon
Another spot in town to soak up incredible views is Climax Canyon. Located just a few blocks from Raton’s downtown district, you can catch the trail from town. The moderate three-mile hike guides you through desert cacti and plenty of greenery, sprinkled with vista views of Raton, Johnson Mesa, and the sprawling valley floor. I would suggest planning a morning or evening hike to enjoy the colorful sunrise or sunset.
Visit the NRA Whittington Center
Whether you’re a firearms enthusiast or simply curious, the NRA Whittington Center is worth a visit. I wouldn’t say I am a lover of guns, nor do I pretend to know anything about them. So, I really didn’t have any plans to visit. But at breakfast my first morning in town, I got talking with a young man and his grandmother who were in town for a shooting contest at the NRA Whitting Center. After chatting with them, they told me it’s the best in the world in terms of shooting ranges. The 33,000-acre facility is the largest shooting complex in the United States. So even though I’m not a gun person…I had to go check it out.
While I did not shoot any guns, I used my to explore the far corners of this massive property to see a historic ghost town. After grabbing a map from the front gate (the facility is free and open to the public), I drove to the abandoned mining town of Van Houten.
A gravel road winds you through a shell of what was once there — a coal mining camp that operated between 1902 and 1954. As I drove through I could see remnants of the camp where during its heyday it had 1,200 people living in this canyon. As I reached the end, I got out and walked around to get an up-close look at a few of the houses remaining, the old mule barn, and the entrance to the mine itself. Even if you aren’t a history buff, I still suggest a drive to this unique spot for the views alone.
Tip: To get to the Whitting Center, you’ll take HWY 64, which follows the footsteps of the traders and settlers who traveled the Santa Fe Trail. Keep your eye out for old wagon ruts that are still visible today. One of the best stops is the Santa Fe Trail marker near the entrance to the Whitting Center.
Outdoor Adventures near Raton
Take a Drive Through Cimarron Canyon State Park
As you continue your exploration of the old Santa Fe Trail, you’ll soon enter the towering cliff walls of Cimarron Canyon State Park.
The park encompasses a 12-mile stretch along HWY 64 between the nearby towns of Eagle Nest and Cimarron. A relaxing drive through the dramatic canyon is plenty to get a sense of its beauty, but you’ll want to stop and see more.
Resting at around 8,000 feet in elevation and shaded by the canyon walls, I found it to be a cool retreat from the summer heat. Known for its stunning beauty, the park features the towering Palisades Sill, the Cimarron River known for world-class fly fishing, and lush forests perfect for a quick hike.
Tip: If you have time, visit the small town of Cimarron and grab lunch at the historic St. James Hotel — once known as a gathering place for outlaws to hang their hats. Eat in the dining room where you’ll still see bullet holes in the ceiling, a chilling reminder of how wild the West truly was. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to take some time to shop the local antique stores in town.
Hike to the top of a Volcano
Out of all the unique things to do in Raton, New Mexico, hiking to the top of a volcano was a highlight of my visit. Just 32 miles southeast of Raton lies the Capulin Volcano. The designated National Monument preserves a volcano that erupted into existence around 60,000 years ago. Yes, that’s right, Raton and the surrounding area rest within the 8,000-square-mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. Evidence of volcanic activity is all around with volcanic rock spread throughout the valley floor and giant lava-capped mesas shaping the unique landscape.
The cinder cone volcano rises 1,300 feet above the plains to 8,182 feet above sea level. To reach the top, I drove along Crater Road to access the Crater Rim Trail. The one-mile loop follows the rim of the volcano, offering stunning 360-degree views. Trust me the views are worth it, but if you aren’t a fan of heights, this hike might not be for you.
After circling the volcano’s rim, I also dipped down into its vent via a 0.2-mile (one-way) paved trail. The short hike takes you to the bottom of the crater, giving you a much different vantage point and understanding of this other-worldly landmark.
Note: only a certain number of cars are allowed in the top parking lot. So when you arrive expect to wait at least 30 minutes (especially on a crowded day) to access the top parking lot.
Tip: Driving from Raton to Capulin Volcano National Monument, take the scenic route along NM-72 W. This drive brings you over Johnson Mesa (one of the lava-capped mesas in the area) where you’ll enjoy plenty of solitude, stunning views, and a quick stop at the historic Johnson Mesa church.
Be sure to also plan for a quick stop in the small, small town of Folsom. Made famous by the Folsom Man Site, Folsom was the “first location that revealed evidence of humans being positively associated with extinct mega fauns in the New World,” according to the Folsom Museum. This discovery would allow archaeologists to revise their estimated time of arrival of Native Americans on the North American continent.
Explore day or night at Sugarite Canyon State Park
On your way to the Capulin Volcano (if you choose the scenic route) you’ll want to add Sugarite Canyon State Park to the day’s itinerary. Just a short drive from Raton, Sugarite Canyon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, whether exploring by day or night.
During the day, hit the scenic trails inside the park. With over 13 miles of trails winding through pine forests and alongside picturesque lakes, it’s perfect for all skill levels. Hike around either Lake Alice or Lake Maloya, or explore the park’s coal mining history with the Coal Camp Interpretive Trail.
I chose to hike to the top of Little Horse Mesa Trail (recommended by a local as the best trail in the park). To get there, drive the gravel road up to Soda Pocket Campground, where you’ll find the spur trail to Little Horse Mesa. It’s a short .25-mile climb to the top but be prepared to huff and puff as you quickly ascend 300 feet. A short and steep climb is soon rewarded with beautiful views of the canyon and beyond.
Anglers will want to cast a line at Lake Maloya which is well-stocked with rainbow and brown trout. The crown jewel of fishing in Raton, Lake Maloya is a peaceful spot for fishing or simply enjoying the serene mountain scenery.
At night, take advantage of Raton’s dark skies by spending an evening stargazing. Sugarite Canyon is miles away from city lights and offers excellent conditions for observing the night sky. Bring a blanket, lie back, and marvel at the countless stars and the Milky Way stretching across the heavens.
Annual Events
International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally
Sure, you’ve most likely heard of the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, but did you know that every Fourth of July Raton puts on its own balloon rally? The International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally is truly the best way to celebrate the 4th of July in small-town, U.S.A.
Set your alarms for an early rise to enjoy a pancake breakfast and catch the colorful balloons as they ascend above the southwest landscape. Open to the public, it’s a celebration locals and visitors alike enjoy together. Fewer crowds, welcoming locals, and friendly balloon pilots provide an up-close, unique experience that I think would be hard to find at other larger balloon festivals.
The 4th of July festivities continue with a hometown parade along historic First Street, plus a full day of local vendors and artists, music, entertainment, and an impressive firework show to cap off the event.
You can find the full schedule of events for each year, here.
Other events in Raton
Mark your calendars for these other popular events in Raton:
- Gate City Music Festival – Labor Day weekend
- Run to Raton – motorcycle rally with live music and entertainment
- Get Your Ass Over the Pass – pack burro race in June
Where to eat
To start, make sure you grab some good Mexican food at Los Chanquis. Check out Bruno’s Pizza and Wings for pizza, wings, and a good beer. I enjoyed a few drinks on the outdoor patio at Gate City Craft Bar (a great place to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July). I had one of the best quesadillas at Colfax Ale Cellar along with one of their brewed-on-site beers for the perfect afternoon lunch.
For coffee on the go, stop in at 111 Espresso Bar and Sage Coffee. And for that classic small-town breakfast diner, definitely check out the Oasis Restaurant. And whether you are just passing through or planning to stay a while, be sure to grab a burrito from JRs Burrito Grill. Located inside a liquor store off of S 2nd St., burritos are freshly made in front of you and are delicious.
Where to stay
Hearts Desire Bed and Breakfast
Make yourself at home with a stay at the Hearts Desire Bed and Breakfast. Just one block up from the main street, the quaint Victorian bed and breakfast expresses itself with its unique antiques, lace curtains, baby grand piano, fanciful parlor, and a classic morning breakfast where you’ll meet your local housemates.
I enjoyed its unpretentious vibe, outdoor porch, cozy rooms, and walking distance to downtown. There are only six rooms in the house and I stayed in the Victorian room, which had a sink and in-room shower, with the communal bathroom just outside in the hall.
Raton Motor Pass Inn
When it comes to fun and funky roadside motels, the Raton Motor Pass Inn is it! The vintage vibe is everywhere, from the retro sign welcoming visitors and kitschy-themed rooms to the check-in office where you’ll find a well-curated assortment of vintage finds from a 1950s Westinghouse fridge to a 1940s Smith-Corona typewriter.
Luxuriate at Vermejo Reserve
If your pockets are padded, book a luxurious retreat to Vermejo. Located one hour outside of Raton, along HWY 555, Vermejo is a hidden ranch getaway set amongst the backdrop of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The sprawling 550,000-acre ranch provides guests the chance to enjoy the best of both worlds with luxury accommodations and epic mountain adventures. Hop on a history tour, take a secluded hike, view herds of bison, fly fish in mountain streams, saddle up with horseback riding, bask in beautiful sunsets, and so much more with your stay at Vermejo.
Remember, the joy of small-town travel often lies in the unexpected discoveries and warm hospitality you encounter along the way. Take your time, chat with locals, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere that makes Raton special.
For more about things to do in Raton New Mexico, be sure to visit Exploreraton.com and start planning your getaway today!
*This is a paid partnership between Small Town Stops and Explore Raton. All opinions and photos are mine. I planned and visited each point of interest in this itinerary.
