State: New Mexico
Address 1: HCR 63, Box 386
City: Raton
Zip: 87740
Phone: (575) 445-5607
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 40
Electric: 12
Camp URL: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/Sugarite.htm
Full Hook: Yes
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.
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.
To get to Sugarite Canyon State Park, take I-25 exit 452 at Raton, follow N.M. 72 east for 3.5 miles and go north on N.M. 526 for about two miles to the visitor center, as shown on this map of the area.
