Sugarite Canyon SP--Visitor Center

Sugarite Canyon SP--Visitor Center

Raton, New Mexico 87740

Sugarite Canyon State Park Official Website
Sugarite Canyon State Park map

About this Location

The Visitor Center at Sugarite Canyon State Park is a great place to start your exploration of this natural area in northeastern New Mexico. Here you can learn about the history, wildlife, and geology of the park, as well as get maps, brochures, and permits for camping, fishing, and hiking. The Visitor Center also has a gift shop, restrooms, and picnic tables for your convenience. Whether you want to enjoy the scenic views, the historic coal mining sites, or the diverse trails, the Visitor Center can help you plan your visit and make the most of your time at Sugarite Canyon State Park.

About Sugarite Canyon State Park

See all hotspots at Sugarite Canyon State Park

In June 2011, the Track Fire swept through large areas of this park as well as the adjacent Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area in Colorado. In the years prior to the fire, the City of Raton and the park had conducted extensive thinning of the oak understory and ponderosa woodland in the park to reduce wildfire risk because Lake Maloya is the water supply for the City of Raton. Despite the thinning, the Track Fire was so fast and intense that it burned extensive areas. 

Immediately following the fire, restoration was begun under the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection Program to protect Raton's primary water source.

Since the fire, the habitat has been recovering. Tracking the progress of that recovery and adaptation of birds to the changing ecosystem will make birding particularly interesting in both this park and the adjacent Lake Dorothey.

Sugarite Canyon State Park, 4,000 acres, offers two lakes, 20 miles of hiking trails, two campgrounds, and the remains of a historic coal camp. The park Visitor Center has year-round feeders that attract resident species. The 120-acre Lake Maloya boasts many waterfowl species. In spring and fall, migrating osprey may be seen fishing. In the summer, the park typically hosts events on birds and butterflies.

The nature enthusiast will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, birds, butterflies, and wildflowers among the lakes, creeks, forests, and meadows.

Nearly all outdoor recreation activities are possible: Fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and camping.

From I-25, take the Raton Exit 452. At the stop sign, turn right (east) on NM-72 for 3.8 miles. Where NM-72 turns sharply east, continue straight on NM-526. The park is about 6 miles from I-25.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Sugarite Canyon State Park Official Website and Northeast New Mexico Birding and Nature Trail

Last updated November 28, 2023