Raton
Campground
Raton KOA Journey
We were definitely here during off-peak time but still a moderately busy campground. Well maintained but a very basic, bare-bones park. Raton is not a bustling town. They are trying to revive it but it is quite depressed.
Things to see
Capulin Volcano National Monument
A dormant cinder cone volcano. Hey! We needed something to do and this was a terrific find! Dogs allowed.
Cartopia Museum
We first saw this along the interstate when driving through Trinidad CO into Raton NM. We knew we just had to go back. The term "art cars" applies generously here. You really have to go see this.
Trinidad CO
Trinidad is a very interesting town. We walked around a bit. Lots of antique shops and restaurants. Fun fact, Trinidad was dubbed as the "Sex Change Capital of the World" in the late 1960's.
Hiking
Opportunity and Little Horse Mesa Trails
There are several hikes in the Sugarite Canyon State Park. The Opportunity Trail was a nice, but we would strongly recommend adding in the Little Horse Mesa trail. It offered great views of the valley below. We saw a lot of bear scat and heard rustling in the bushes several times, but didn't see any bear. There is also an old mining ghost town to walk through at the entrance of the park. Dogs allowed.
Motorcycling
Around the Spanish Peaks
We rode this from our campground in Raton, NM. Trinidad, CO is just across the border to the north. The ride is very scenic with gains and losses in altitude. When we did this ride, it was in the middle of October and there were just hints of snow in the ditches at higher altitude. We stopped at the North Lake State Wildlife Area.