Raton: Nature, Trails, and Theater History

Raton offers a range of ways to shape a trip: nature at the canyon, historic trails and roads, and a history of theater and art. There are also golf, swimming, and an Amtrak connection. This mix can help you decide what to focus on during your stay—whether you’re looking for landscapes, cultural sites, or recreational activities.

Hiking in the Canyon and Views of Raton

The Climax Canyon Nature Trail is a 3-mile, figure-eight loop in Raton’s Climax Canyon Park. It is rated an easy to moderate hiking trail. From the trail, you can see downtown Raton as well as the surrounding mountains, mesas, and high plateaus of New Mexico. Wildlife may also be spotted; walkers and hikers regularly use the trail. Its length, layout, and difficulty describe different aspects of the route, while the views take in both the city and the landscape.

The Santa Fe Trail and Raton Pass

Goat Hill pairs views over Raton with the history of the Santa Fe Trail. The Santa Fe Trail (Goat Hill) Overlook is a certified historic site and a landmark along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Goat Hill is an elevated viewpoint overlooking Raton and includes a 10-mile section of the Mountain Route of the Santa Fe Trail through Raton. Along with the views, it highlights the historic route and its course through the city.

Another historic connection is the Raton Pass Scenic Highway. It was built in 1908 as a scenic and cultural gateway to New Mexico. A 1.5-mile section of the original road, together with associated structures, forms a state historic district. While the Santa Fe Trail is connected with the Mountain Route through Raton, the highway points to the history of access to New Mexico and a specifically defined stretch of road.

Theater and Art in Raton

The Historic Shuler Theater is a state landmark and remains a performing arts center in northeastern New Mexico. Its lobby permanently houses eight WPA murals from 1934. The artist Manville Chapman depicted the history of Raton and the surrounding area in them. The El Raton Theatre offers another perspective on architectural history: it was built in 1929 in the atmospheric style of a medieval Spanish castle.

The Old Pass Gallery also brings art together with a historic building. It is housed in a former Wells Fargo building dating from around 1910 and presents works by well over 200 local and regional artists throughout the year. Together, the theater and gallery showcase different cultural focuses: performing arts, murals, and works by regional artists.

Golf, Swimming, and Getting There

The Raton Golf Course offers an 18-hole course. The Raton Regional Aquatic Center has an indoor pool for year-round swimming, with a lap pool, a leisure pool, a waterslide, and a diving board. Raton offers a choice of recreational activities—golf on an 18-hole course or swimming in an indoor pool with multiple pools and additional water features.

Raton is served by Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route, with trains to Chicago or Los Angeles every day. Check the timetable before traveling. The rail connection adds a way to get to Raton to the range of activities; check the current timetable for specific times when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Eagle Nest, Springer, Angel Fire.

Go to the regional travel overview: Colfax.