Cimarron Canyon State Park lies between Eagle Nest and the town of Cimarron, in Northeastern New Mexico. Here you’ll find the Cimarron River, tumbling through a canyon flanked by dramatic rock walls. In this tranquil park, with its soundtrack of rushing water, it’s easy to leave the real world behind.

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
One way to experience this New Mexican oasis is with a scenic drive through the canyon. Stop at the Palisades Picnic Area for alfresco dining in a spectacular setting.
Flickr/Sarah Richter
Flickr/Cyborglibrarian
Gaze up at this 300-foot high formation known as the Palisades Sill. This rock is 40 million years old!
Flickr/Robin Kanouse
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
The park is inside the Colin Neblatt Wildlife Area, which encompasses over 33,000 acres of land. You’ll probably spot deer, and perhaps even elk and beaver.

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Flickr/Images By Lane
There are several hiking trails in the park. Definitely take the Clear Creek Trail, which remains open year round, and provides views of waterfalls. (The trailhead is at milepost 292.)
Flickr/Steven Martin
Fishing is another popular activity here. The Cimarron River, which carved out this canyon, contains brown and rainbow trout. There are numerous fishing ponds in the area as well.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
If you want to extend your visit, reserve a spot in one of the campgrounds – Maverick is the biggest with 44 sites.
Screenshot via emnrd.state.nm.us
If you want to extend your visit, reserve a spot in one of the campgrounds – Maverick is the biggest with 44 sites.
Flickr/Patrick Alexander
Although Cimarron Canyon is gorgeous year round, its beauty shines brightest in summer and fall.
Flickr/Mark Seymour

There are a few things to remember when visiting:

Hiking requires a GAIN (Gaining Access Into Nature) permit, which costs $9 per person. This grants you access to places in New Mexico that were previously off-limits.

Before fishing, be sure to acquire a license.

Everyone needs to pay a day use fee of $5.

Isn’t Cimarron Canyon a stunning place to visit? If you’ve been here, what did you think?

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