Colfax County
Photo by John Robertson
Located along New Mexico's border with southeast Colorado, Colfax County is diverse in geography and industry. Plains and ranch land cover expanses of land near Springer and Miami. In the northernmost portion of the county, Raton is the gateway to Colorado. Along the Colorado border lies Valle Vidal, a national forest unit with summer fishing and recreation activities. Traveling west along Hwy 64, visitors pass through the old western town of Cimarron, home to Philmont Scout Ranch. Further west is the Cimarron Canyon with breathtaking scenery, opening at the pass to a spectacular view of Eagle Nest Lake and the Moreno Valley. In the southwestern corner of the county, Angel Fire boasts a growing ski resort only 30 minutes east of Taos.
Fast Facts
County Seat
Communities
Climate
The climate of the area varies due to changes in geography and elevation. Cimarron, at 6,400 feet, averages 55 - 83 degrees in summer and 18 - 47 degrees in winter. Average annual snowfall at Angel Fire Ski Resort is 210 inches.
County population
- 2004: 13,831
- 2000: 13,475
Industry and Economy
- Ranching, farming, Philmont Scout Ranch, NRA Whittington Center, tourism, art, camping, fishing, skiing.
- Average per capita income, 2002: $21,961
- Median household income, 2000: $30,744
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
For centuries explorers cut through the rugged Rocky Mountains through Raton Pass to enter the rolling prairies, rimrock mesas and alpine meadows of Colfax County. The National Rifle Association's Whittington Center encompasses 33,000 acres of pinon-juniper wildlife and fair-safe shooting ranges, with developed and primitive camping facilities available. In summer, the beautiful historic Sugarite Canyon State Park offers trout fishing, picnicking, hiking and overnight camping. Cross-country skiing and ice fishing are also available in the winter months. Vermejo Park offers unsurpassed opportunities for fishermen, hikers, photographers and all other nature enthusiasts. See elk, deer, turkey and other game, as well as enjoy camping and mountain lake fishing at the Valle Vidal, a portion of the Carson National Forest. Enjoy camping and stream fishing in Cimarron Canyon State Park. More than 18,000 scouts come from all over the world each year to enjoy treks and a variety of programs at Philmont Scout Ranch, the world's largest camping facility southwest of Cimarron. The high alpine Moreno Valley has 13,161' Wheeler Peak, the highest in the state, forming its west boundary. Excellent trout fishing is available on Eagle Nest Lake. Angel Fire Resort offers a wide variety of year-round recreational opportunities, especially skiing, snowboarding and golfing. The Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is the place to be for wildlife viewing and fishing. Lake Number 13 has some of the best trout fishing in the area. Enjoy trout fishing at Charette lake, 18 miles southwest of Springer and record setting Pike fishing at Springer Lake.
Driving Tours around Colfax County
Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway
During its colorful history, the Santa Fe Trail was used by traders and merchants, mountain men, gold seekers, military expeditions, immigrants and a few early-day tourists. Follow the old Santa Fe Trail and honor the thousands of men and women who bravely pioneered across the unknown plains in modern-day Colfax, Union, Mora and San Miguel counties.
