Sugarite Canyon State Park in Raton, New Mexico

Sugarite Canyon State Park

Northeast region of New Mexico Located on the Colorado border, Sugarite Canyon State Park near Raton features heavily wooded mountains and meadows painted with wildflowers and butterflies. Visitors can fish and boat (electric motors only), observe the plentiful wildlife, hike scenic trails, cross-country ski, camp and picnic.

An extended cliff of basaltic rock columns, often referred to as "caprock" is the dominant geologic feature at the park. About 12 million years ago, broad sheets of molten lava erupted from a nearby volcano, forming layers of basalt rock 10-100 feet thick. Rock climbing is allowed on the caprock.

The Coal Camp Interpretive Trail winds through the ruins of the Sugarite coal camp. Coal mining in the area provided an important economic boost to the region and state. The visitor center provides information about the coal camp and the area's history.

Sugarite Canyon State Park
HCR 63, Box 386
Raton, NM 87740
Phone (575) 445-5607
www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/Sugarite.htm