Nearby Towns

While Philmont does not offer accommodations for individuals who may be travelling with your crew, but not participating in your expedition, there are plenty of places to stay and things to do in the nearby towns.

Cimarron

Cimarron, five miles north of Philmont Headquarters, has a population of about 800. The major industries are lumbering, ranching, and tourism. Gas stations, motels, variety and gift stores, a coin laundry, a grocery and convenience store, churches, restaurants, a museum, and a library are located here.

Area attractions include the St. James Hotel, a National Historic Landmark; Old Town Jail; and the Cimarron and Dawson cemeteries.

For more information, contact the Cimarron Chamber of Commerce at:

P.O. Box 604
104 North Lincoln Ave.
Cimarron, NM 87714
Telehone: 575-376-2417
Toll Free: 800-700-4298
Web site: www.cimarronnm.com

Springer

A town of about 2,000, Springer is 25 miles southeast of the ranch and is similar to Cimarron.

A highlight of any visit to Springer is the Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center and Museum. The building housing the museum was originally the Colfax County Courthouse. Today, it houses the museum and Springer Chamber of Commerce.

Exhibits include a scale model of the Dorsey mansion and the only electric chair used in New Mexico.

Springer offers the visitor the Brown Hotel, some small restaurants, and a number of service stations.

For more information, contact the Springer Chamber of Commerce at:

P.O. Box 607
Springer, NM 87747
575-483-2998
Web site: www.springernm.us

Eagle Nest

The small town of Eagle Nest, about 20 miles west of Cimarron, bills itself as the "Gateway to the Enchanted Circle of New Mexico" - a mountainous highway loop that includes Taos and Angle Fire.

Main Street is home to shops carrying local crafts and fine arts, sculpture, jewelry, antiques, pottery, candy, clothing, souvenirs, and more.

Several restaurants serve Eagle Nest, and groceries are available at a number of small markets.

Overnight visitors can choose from a variety of motels and cabins.

The scenic village overlooks 2,200-acre Eagle Nest Lake and is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. The lake boasts excellent fishing for rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. The State Game and Fish Department stocks the lake. Anglers can fish from the banks or by boat (boat rentals available) and ice fish in the winter. Ice fishing usually begins in January and the first open water fishing usually starts in April. Stream fishing is available in nearby Cimarron Canyon State Park.

Campers can choose between Carson National Forest (575-758-6200), Cimarron Canyon State Park and Colin Neblett State Wildlife Area (575-377-6271), and Coyote Creek State Park (575-387-2328).

Red Eagle Golf Course is on State Highway 38 north of town. It is an 18-hole course of bent grass greens. It is open daylight to dark, depending on the weather. Call 575-377-3396 for information.

For more information, contact the Eagle Nest Chamber of Commerce at:

P.O. Box 322
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Telehone: 575-377-2420
Toll Free: 800-494-9117
Web site: www.eaglenest.org

Raton

Raton is the largest town near Philmont, with a population of about 7,000. It is on Interstate 25, below historic Raton Pass. In the 19th century, the pass provided the route between Bent's Fort, Colorado, and Fort Union, New Mexico, following American Indian trails across the Raton Mesa Group. The interstate highway crosses the same pass.

More than 70 historic sites and live theater are available in Raton's historic district. Dioramas and old photographs are on display in the Raton Museum on First Street. The Wells Fargo Express Office houses the Old Pass Gallery of Western art.

Exciting day trips include Capulin Volcano National Monument, the top of which offers views of New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas; the National Rifle Association's Whittington Center, one of the country's most comprehensive shooting facilities, with ranges for all disciplines; and Sugarite Canyon State Park, where you can fish, camp, and hike past the stone foundations of an old mining camp.

A wide variety of motels, restaurants, and stores are available in Raton.

Raton is Philmont's closest Amtrak terminal. TNM&O provides bus service to Raton.

For more information, contact the Raton Chamber of Commerce at:

P.O. Box 1211
Raton, NM 87740
Telehone: 575-445-3689
Toll Free: 800-638-6161
Web site: www.raton-info.com