Trinidad, Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation
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County Road 85.5, Lake Dorothy Day Use Area (Colorado) (vehicles must be street legal)
​Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest

ATV/OHV

NRA Whittington Center
​Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest

Target shooting (firearm, archery)

Public Access
      Sugarite Canyon State Park

      Lake Dorothy, Lake Dorothy Wildlife Area (Colorado)
​      James M. John Wildlife Area (Colorado)
      Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest 
      New Mexico State Land

​      Trinidad Lake State Park (Colorado)
      Cimarron River, Cimarron Canyon State Park
      Collin Neblett Wildlife Area
      Elliot Barker Wildlife Area

Private Access
     CS Ranch
     Vermejo Park Ranch
     TO Ranch
     NRA Whittington Center
     UU Bar Ranch
​     V7 Ranch

Hunting

Lake Maloya, Sugarite Canyon State Park
Lake Alice, Sugarite Canyon State Park
Lake Dorothy, Lake Dorothy Wildlife Area (Colorado)
Stubblefield Lake
Lake 13, Maxwell Wildlife Area

​Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest
Trinidad Lake State Park (Colorado)
Cimarron River, Cimarron Canyon State Park
​Capulin National Monument

Bird Watching

Lake Maloya, Sugarite Canyon State Park
Lake Alice, Sugarite Canyon State Park
Lake Dorothy, Lake Dorothy Wildlife Area (Colorado)
Stubblefield Lake
Springer Lake
Lake 13, Maxwell Wildlife Area

​Shuree Ponds, Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest
Costilla River, ​Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest
Trinidad Lake State Park (Colorado)
Cimarron River and Gravel Pit Lakes, Cimarron Canyon State Park
​Vermejo Park Ranch (paid access)

Fishing 

Lake Maloya, Sugarite Canyon State Park
Lake Dorothy, Lake Dorothy Wildlife Area (Colorado)
Stubblefield Lake
​Springer Lake
Lake 13, Maxwell Wildlife Area

​Trinidad Lake State Park (Colorado)

Boating/canoeing/kayaking/paddleboarding 

Sugarite Canyon State Park

Rock Climbing

Sugarite Canyon State Park
NRA Whittington Center

​Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest
Trinidad Lake State Park (Colorado)

Mountain Biking

Sugarite Canyon State Park
NRA Whittington Center

​Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest
Trinidad Lake State Park (Colorado)
Maxwell Wildlife Area

Camping (developed camping)

Lake Dorothy Wildlife Area (Colorado)
James M. John Wildlife Area (Colorado)
​Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest

Backpacking (undeveloped camping)

Climax Canyon Park, a National Recreation Trail
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Capulin National Monument
Valle Vidal Unit Carson National Forest
​Trinidad Lake State Park (Colorado)

Hiking

Located on the border of Colorado and New Mexico at the junction of Highway 87/64 and Interstate 25, Raton is at the hub of a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.  Whether your interest is hiking and fishing or biking and bird watching Raton has something for you.

Outdoor Recreation

Waiver
Registration Form
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​MASTER OF THE MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE RACE/RELAY
September 11th and 12th

START:  Saturday @ 8:00 am Sugarite Canyon State Park
COURSE:  Trail run (approx. 6 miles) | Paddling (approx. 3 miles) | Biking (approx. 25 miles) | Shotgun Shooting
***Participants must attend the pre-race orientation on Friday, September 11, 2020 @ 5pm.
RACE DIVISIONS:  Solo Male | Solo Female | 2-4 Person Relay Team Men | 2-4 Person Relay Team Women |
2-4 Person Relay Team Coed*  | Note: Relay divisions may be combined depending on number of teams

575-445-4271; www.ratonmom.com

Master of the Mountains Adventure Relay: Fri. and Sat., Sept. 11 & 12, 2020
CANCELLED due to COVID-19 

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Saturday, August 22nd, 2020
Raton Beautification Benefit Concert: Sponsored by Raton Parks and Recreation and the Raton Beautification Coalition
7pm @ the historic Shuler Theater in Downtown Raton
Featuring Acoustic Eidolon with special guests Jaquie Gipson and Zoe Elliott
https://www.acousticeidolon.com/                 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvqNMJVHLic
Enjoy an evening of fine acoustic guitar music. $10 admission at the door.
 
All proceeds go to support the summer decorating of Raton with banners, lights and hanging flower baskets and the Summer of Color Signature Event Series. Lodging Sponsor: Raton Pass Inn Meal Sponsor: K-BOB's Steakhouse.

Raton Beautification Benefit Concert: Saturday, August 22nd, 2020
​CANCELLED due to COVID-19 

Waiver
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DOWN AND DIRTY Mountain Bike Race
Calling mountain bikers and fun seekers of all ages!  The DOWN AND DIRTY mountain bike race ("DAD") challenges you to mountainside adventure and glory.   Bike from 6.950 feet to 8,200 feet and battle through multiple stations and challenges along the way that will test your prowess in a variety of physical and mental skills (and have some fun along the way).  Earn stamps in your "passport to glory" by completing all the stations; then race for the finish! 
When: Saturday, August 8th, 2020
Where:  Sugarite Canyon State Park
REGISTER: www.ratondad.com  OR Register in person at the Dept. of Parks and Recreation office  (in the Raton Regional Aquatic Center).  For more information call 575-445-2413.

Waiver
Registration Form

Down and Dirty Mountain Bike Challenge: Saturday, August 8th, 2020
CANCELLED due to COVID-19

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The Pet Patrol 10 Fun Run/Walk
The Pet Patrol 10k starts at the South Boat Ramp of Lake Maloya in Sugarite Canyon State Park and proceeds clockwise around Lake Maloya back to the boat ramp and then down the Lake to Lake Trail to the Visitors Center where the event ends. The Pet Patrol 10k is part of the RaBa Cinco Race Series and proceeds go to support the Raton Humane Society. Runners will be timed. Pets on leash welcome.
When: 9am, Saturday, July 11th, 2020
Where:  South Boat Ramp, Lake Maloya, Sugarite Canyon State Park
Register: $20/ person. Register in person at the Dept. of Parks and Recreation office  (in the Raton Regional Aquatic Center) or at the day of the race.  For more information call 575-445-2413.

 The Pet Patrol 10k Fun Run/Walk: Saturday, July 11th, 2020
​CANCELLED due to COVID-19

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2020 VERMEJO PARK BRUNCHES 
The City of Raton Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with Vermejo Park Ranch is offering a Vermejo Brunch for 2020
  • This is meant to be a family experience and participants of all ages are welcome. 
  • Participants 13 years old and up are $45.00 for dining room seating or $60 for veranda seating (all prices include taxes and gratuity)   
  • Youth 6-12 years of age are ½ price
  • Children 5yrs and younger are free. 
  • Brunches feature live music and offer tours of the Casa Grande 
  • First Come, First Serve. Limited seating available.  11am and 1:30pm seatings.
  • Reservations become final when payment is received. 


​Make checks payable to The Friends of Raton Recreation
For more info call the Dept of Park and Recreation at 575-445-2413
To Register:  Please contact Jared Chatterley, City of Raton, Department of Parks & Recreation at 575-445-2413 or email jchatterley@cityofraton.com
Please DO NOT contact Vermejo Park Ranch with questions or inquiries as you will be referred back to the Parks and Rec Dept .
Cancellation terms apply.

Vermejo Park Brunch: Sunday, June 14th and Sunday, August 16th, 2020
​CANCELLED due to COVID-19 

2020 Summer of Color Hanging Pot Sale

The 2020 Summer of Color Hanging pots will go on sale noon, Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) at Heritage Park (multi-modal center) on 1st St. just north of the Old Pass Gallery Train Depot.

Hanging Flower pots will sell for $20 each. Funds go to purchase next year's hanging pots.  Each lamp post with a hanging pot on it is numbered on the smooth part of the middle of the pole (about waist high) with silver crayon. The hanging pot is also numbered with the corresponding # of the pole it is hanging from.  If you would like to reserve a hanging flower pot(s) please mail the Raton Parks and Recreation Dept at jchatterley@cityofraton.com or text at 575-707-0026 with the number of the pole(s) of the hanging pot you would like to reserve.  Hanging pots are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.  Hanging pots not reserved in advance will be taken down and sold at the park the day of the sale. All payment will be taken and hanging pots picked up between 9-10am the day of the sale. There will be no early pick-ups.

List of currently claimed hanging baskets: #s 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, 28, 29, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 47, 48, 51.

2020-21 Off Season Hours of Operation

MONDAY- FRIDAY
6am-10:30am Lap Swim, Exercise
3:30pm-5:30pm Open Swim/After School program
Spring Break 1:30pm-5:30pm Open Swim

5:30pm-7:30pm Lap Swim/exercise, Aquatic Programming
(if there is no one in the pool at 6:45pm we will close for the evening)

SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Noon-6:00pm OPEN SWIM

(The Raton Regional Aquatic Center charges an admission fee to the facility not a swim fee. Admission fees apply to all patrons, regardless of whether they are swimming or not)
​
Sorry. We cannot accept Credit or Debit Cards (yet)
Call the Aquatic Center @ (575) 445-4271 for special pool accommodations, party reservations and pool rentals.

MONDAY-FRIDAY
6am-10:30am  Laps swim/exercise
10:00am-11:30am Parent and Me Swim (Tues & Thurs ONLY)
                      (intended for patrons with swimmers 10yrs old or younger)
1:30pm - 5:30pm OPEN SWIM
4:30pm - 7:30pm Laps swim/exercise

SATURDAY 

8am-11am  Laps swim/exercise

SUNDAY
Closed
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(The Raton Regional Aquatic Center charges an admission fee to the facility not a swim fee. Admission fees apply to all patrons, regardless of whether they are swimming or not)

Sorry. We cannot accept Credit or Debit Cards (yet)
Call the Aquatic Center @ (575) 445-4271 for special pool accommodations, party reservations and pool rentals.

Raton's Great Outdoors Photo Contest: June 2020

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​Raton's Great Outdoor Photo Contest
In honor of National Great Outdoors Month, The City of Raton Department of Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a photo contests. Subject matter: All things Raton Outdoors.  If you have pictures of great Raton vistas, landscapes sunrises or sunset, or folks engaged in outdoor recreation activities in or around Raton,  please submit your picture(s) to the Raton Parks and Recreation Dept. at ratonrecreation@gmail.com. Entries become the intellectual property of the City of Raton Dept. Parks and Recreation.  The winners' photo(s) will be displayed on banners and marketing material promoting Raton and it's outdoor recreation opportunity in 2021. 

For more information: email Elizabeth Hampl-Beck, Director of Community Programs, at ehamplbeck@gmail.com.


​June is National Great Outdoors Month! Whether it be camping or kayaking, rock climbing or mountain biking, or just taking a walk in the park plan on spending some time in the Great Outdoors this June. For ideas on how to celebrate National Outdoors Month visit ​https://www.reserveamerica.com/articles/camping/how-to-celebrate-great-outdoors-month.

Visit our Climax Canyon Nature Trail recently designated by the National Park Service as a National Recreation Trail.
Located at 900 Apache Ave in Climax Canyon Park. 

Climax Canyon 5k Trail Run/Walk: Saturday, May 2nd, 2020

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The Climax Canyon 5K Trail Run
Who:  Runners and Walkers of all ages
What:  The Climax Canyon 5k Trail Run
When:  Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 10am 
Where:  Climax Canyon Park, 1000 Apache Ave, Raton
Why:  Fun and Exercise, Celebrate the designation of the Climax Canyon Trail as a National Recreation Trail
How: $25 registration fee.  Register in person at the Dept. of Parks and Recreation office  (in the Raton Regional Aquatic Center) or the day of the race.  The Climax Canyon 5 K is part of the RaBa Cinco Race Series. 
​For more information call 575-445-2413.

CANCELLED: Aqua Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 11th, 2020

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Saturday, April 11th, 2020
Aqua Easter Egg Hunt: Sponsored by the Raton Elks Club
10:00 am Raton Regional Aquatic Center
Dunk, dive, swim, splash for over 500 Easter eggs in the pool. Admission $5 per child regardless of age. No memberships or passes accepted; Parents-Free; Pictures with the Easter Bunny 10am-11:30am. Hunts will split via age: Pre-K, Kindergarden-2 grade, 3-5 grade and 6 grade and up. Open swim begins after Easter Egg Hunt.
575-445-4271

Shades of the Southwest Youth Art Show:  January 6th-25th, 2020

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SHADES OF THE SOUTHWEST
Northeastern New Mexico – Southeastern Colorado Youth Art Show
 January 6th-Jan 18th
Old Pass Art Gallery, 145 South First Street, Raton NM
There will be a reception on Friday, January 10th, 2020  from 4-5pm. 
Submission Deadline:  Submissions are due by 2 pm Saturday, January 4th, 2020 at the historic Old Pass Gallery.  Each school (Elementary, Middle, and High School) is invited to submit up to 8 pieces of Art for the entire show. 
 Media Categories:
1. Graphite, Colored Pencil, Pen and ink, Charcoal
2. Oil, Acrylic, Water Color, Pastel
3. Ceramic, Sculpture, Mixed Media
 
Age Divisions: Kindergarden-2rd Grade, 3 rd-5th Grade, 6th-8thth Grade (Middle School), 9th-12th Grade (High School)
 
Theme: There is NO theme for the show.  All art is welcome.
 
Submission Criteria:  Art is to be matted and framed and hang ready.  Frames can be store bought or fabricated.   (Framing is worth 10 points on the judges score sheet) Submissions must be accompanied with the artist’s name, media, grade, school’s name and contact info and art teacher’s name. 
 
Submission Deadline:  Submissions are due by 2 pm Saturday, January 4th, 2020 at the historic Old Pass Gallery.   Each school (Elementary, Middle, and High School) is invited to submit up to 8 pieces of Art for the entire show. 
 
Each Age Division within each Media Category will be judged by independent judges (3) and a First Place, Second Place and Third Place will be awarded for each Age Division within each Media Category.  A $50 Best in Show will be awarded for each Age Group and $100 People’s Choice will be awarded for the entire show.
 
The show will be at the Old Pass Art Gallery.  Artist will have the options to sell their art if they like.

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NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
Raton Regional Aquatic Center

Come swim in the New Year!
$5 admission fee applies
In partnership with Colfax County DWI
Once you leave, you will not be allowed to re-enter the facility.

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY:  Tuesday, December 31st, 2019

Waiver
Registration form
On-line Registration
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REINDEER DASH
5k Fun Run/Walk
Raton Regional Aquatic Center

10am Saturday, November 30
Registration fee $25 in advance/$30 days of the race
Runners and Walkers Welcome!
Proceeds go to Raton Police Department’s “Toys for Tots” program
Awards and festivities at the Raton Regional Aquatic Center after the race
Make checks payable to Reindeer Dash
T-shirts for the first 50 Registrants
*Race runs regardless of weather conditions

REINDEER DASH:  November 30th, 2019

Waiver
Registration Form
Online Registration
Waiver
Registration Form
Online Registration

Social Dance Class: Thursdays, January 17-April 11th, 2019

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Social Dance Classes
Raton Parks and Recreation in conjunction with by Joe and Sandra Rodman present Social Dance classes.
Classes will begin Thursday, January 17th. Must have 20 people sign up to have the class. Don't wait to register.
Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6-8pm at the Raton Convention Center. 
Cost: 
$55 for Single $90 for a Couple
Come and learn: Line Dances, Line of Dance, Dance Floor Etiquette, Dance Frame, Dance Tips, Two Step, Waltz, Four Count Swing, Polka, Electric Slide, Cotton Eyed Joe/ Schottische, Cha-Cha, Three Step, East Coast Swing, Copper Head, Rumba and Rancheria.  To register go to Aquatic Center from 3:30 to 6:00 pm any day of the week:
City of Raton  Department of Parks and Recreation (575)-445-2413 or call/email Joe Rodman (505)-604 0570 or  jrcrown@comcast.net

2019 POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: Tuesday, January 1st, New Year's Day

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RATON'S POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Lake Maloya South Boat Ramp, Sugarite Canyon State Park
1pm January 1st, 2019

Do you have what it takes to take the "Plunge"?
Mark it off your bucket list and JUMP into an icy lake at 7,509 ft elevation!
Or just watch the plungers and sip some hot cocoa. 
It's fun for the whole family on New Year's Day.

Snow/weather permitting other activities to precede the Plunge ie. snow bowling, ice-skating, sledding, robbing the snow bank, etc.
$20 registration (made payable to the Friends of Sugarite); if you want a T-shirt, make sure and register by December 6. If there is no ice the boat dock will be put back in and participants will jump from the side of the dock into the lake then exit up the boat ramp.


BLACK FRIDAY:  November 23rd

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BLACK FRIDAY
Raton Regional Aquatic Center

All day, Friday, November 23rd, 2016
Amazing deals!  Save all year and buy pool passes on Black Friday at the Pool!
50% off admission
25% off 20-visit Punch Passes
20% off all One Month Memberships
Membership Gift Certificates available.
Valid Friday, November 24th only.

The 2018 Summer of Color is brought to you by the Raton Beautification Coalition.  Members include Raton Parks and Recreation, GrowRaton!, Raton MainStreet, Raton Chamber of Commerce, Center for Sustainable Community. and community members.
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2018 Summer of Color

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, enjoy one of Raton’s many signature events as part of our first annual Summer of Color. Take a stroll through historic downtown and our unique architecture dotted with cascading flowers, colorful banners, and lights at night. Catch a performance at the Shuler Theater or come see the International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally and 4th of July fireworks against the wide open sky. From golf tournaments to horseshoe tournaments or a round of disc golf, there are lots of things to do and see.
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Raton Parks and Recreation
2018 3 on 3 Basketball League
 
Registration:
Fees:$100 per team
Deadline: last day to register will be Friday, January 12, 2018
There will be NO registrations this year.
 
Date: Fridays starting January 12th
Time:  Games start at 7:30pm
Place: Raton Convention Center
Team Details: .  Each team roster must have at least 3 people and can have up to 6; teams can be all male, all female, or Co-ed.  There are no age restrictions for players.
 
For more information please call Raton Parks & Recreation @ 575-445-2413 Registrations can be picked up at the Raton Park and Recreation Offices located in the Raton Regional Aquatic Center.

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August, 25 & 26th, 2017
START:  8:00 am Sugarite Canyon State Park
COURSE:  Trail run (approx. 6 miles) | Paddling (approx. 3 miles) | Biking (approx. 20 miles) | Shotgun Shooting
***Participants must attend the pre-race orientation on Friday, August 25th. 
RACE DIVISIONS:  Solo Male | Solo Female | 2-4 Person Relay Team Men | 2-4 Person Relay Team Women |
2-4 Person Relay Team Coed*  | Note: Relay divisions may be combined depending on number of teams

575-445-4271; www.ratonmom.com

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Trinidad, Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation
309 Nevada Ave., Trinidad, CO 81082
  (719) 680-4078
jared.chatterley@trinidad.co.gov
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