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What is there to do for a non shooter in Raton NM during F Nationals?

BobLor

A few wives of shooters going the F Class Nationals this fall in Raton NM have asked me, for non shooters, what is there to do in Raton NM? I do not have an answer, last time I was there was 2013 for the F Internationals and Nationals and I only went to town to have dinner. And at that time it seemed there was not very much in town at all. I know there are some scenic drives around the area, but is there anything else in the Raton area?

BobL
 
If she likes photography, there's a LOT to do. (Kept my wife busy for several trips!) After visiting the visitors' center in Raton, one can just about see all that's going on in Raton in a matter of minutes!! Even the jaunt over to visit the extinct Capulin volcano is at best one-half day. Options are to hop the train to Santa Fe...that's what my wife has done, opera, etc. Another is to BRING IN your rental car and visit Taos. Or BRING IN your rental car and visit Taos and Santa Fe. Even going "bear hunting" with a camera after dark in Raton quickly got old for the wife, and especially me!!

Dan
 
There's not much in Raton. However if they like scenic tours and old stuff, just down the highway is Cimmeron. Check out the old west hotel there. Then head up hill to Angel Fire. If they like shopping then Taos and Santa Fe plaza.
 
My wife considers herself a charter member of the F-Class Widow's Club. She has come up with the idea this morning that said widow's need to gather together for the above mentioned day trips. This makes it safer for all concerned. The shooters don't have to worry as much about the girls traveling, and the girls can feel safe in their numbers on their daily trips.

They can also have trailer lunch gatherings were they can share some of their range experiences and travels. In other words, it can be their own support group. Some days requiring a designated driver I am sure.
 
After a good nights sleep and a couple weird dreams, I've decided to come to the defense of Raton. There actually are some things a first time visitor to Raton should take in. First on my list would be a stop to the visitor center. I stopped in to inquire about Climax Canyon Park and the helpful folks gave me directions and also tips about what to expect. Good hiking trails, geology, wildlife (more about that later) and great scenery. Next must on the list would be a trip up Goat Hill. Standing under the big "RATON" sign will give you a very cool view of the City of Raton. IMO, best viewing is around sunset. Be warned, the road up the hill is steep and has craters, not potholes, craters. Well worth the trip. There is a Museum in town and I'd say it's also worth a stop if you can catch it open. It took me a couple tries, but I finally managed to make it. Raton was founded in the 1880's and there are many historical buildings. Some of the architecture is really something to see. The Shuler Theater is downtown and locals put on shows. Just down the street and around the corner is the White House bar. Locals are friendly and I've learned much about the local history talking to the old timers. The Pioneer bar was another great little local bar, but sadly it closed a couple years ago.

Wildlife. Yes they have it. Bears. I stayed at the Super 8 in 2013 and a big sow and a couple cubs could be seen hanging around the buffet behind the McDonalds every evening. I've seen a good sized heard of elk several times crossing the Canadian River just before you turn into Whittington. Deer and antelope abound.

Places to dine: Trinidad CO is just over Raton Pass to the North. Many excellent places to eat with an astounding variety. I wish I could say something nice about dining in Raton, but aside from breakfast at the Oasis Café, it's a little sketchy.

So, in a nut shell, yes there are things to do in Raton other than shooting at one of the most outstanding and challenging ranges I have ever set foot on. Come on to Nationals, you'll have a blast.
 
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COLD BEER New Mexico, on the way to Cimarron is very over rated IMO. The St James Hotel in Cimarron is a top notch place to visit/dine. Watch out for ghosts.....
 
You bet about the ghosts, somebody had to put them bullet holes in the tin ceiling in the bar.

Great place to have a real Mexican lunch.
 
Depending on the time of year there is Hot Air Ballooning if one wanted to venture into that.
A rental car isn't a bad idea - Colorado is just up I25 if one wanted to venture up that way.
At Whittington Center they have cabins that can be rented at times so camping could be an option with some hiking & photography. - Just watch for the rattlers in the warmer times of the year.

-Ron-
 
Bigguy1951 said:
Never shot there, but I live in NM and I can tell you there is nothing to do there. My suggestion, drop the shooters off and drive down to Santa Fe and spend the day.
Click to expand...

Or North to Colorado Springs
 
The St James Hotel in Cimarron is a top notch place to visit/dine. Its about 45 minutes west of town, but good place to eat. Owner actually kicked out Ted Turner and the bitch he married. Hanoi Jane did not like the wait time and pulled out the "don't you know who I am" card. As the owner was a proud pilot that served in Vietnam, he did in fact know her. A few words of explaining and recalling her traitorous behavior sent her packing. I guess she has not been back, which will just ensure a good atmosphere for dining.

There is also a volcano you can tour if you are up for a little or large hike. It is about 45 minutes east at the second exit. I forget the road number but info is easy to come by in Raton. Also gun and bullet museum at range, but that might not be their bag. They could always get some cardio pulling targets!
 
Mark my word...she has to have "wheels" to see the enchantment of northern NM, unless she's content to sit at the range or in the room? So, that's why to BRING IN the rental car! You can only get one over at the podunk Raton airfield provided you FLY IN. There's a lot to see on past Cimarron along old Hwy 64 on west to the "four corners" area, where Hwy 64 ends...after winding westward from its start way over east at Manteo, NC...and I've been on every inch of it in my lifetime. There's opportunity to visit Angel Fire prior to Taos. Just past Taos, 64 crosses the broad, deep gulch of the Rio Grande River; and, there's opportunity to follow a very scenic road south along the river to Santa Fe. South from Raton on I-25, there's opportunity to cut west and visit Fort Union, in its day the main supply fort for all the little peckerwood Army posts along the western Santa Fe Trail. And, in all probability(?), the site of a possible repeat of Pickets charge, if the Confederate force sent out of El Paso to take it had not been stopped cold at Glorieta Pass.

Dan
 
My wife just enjoyed basking in the sun, sipping lemonade. The scheduled afternoon thunder/hail storms keep her busy holding the canopies together until it passes. A bit of a drive, but a trip up into rolorado to the Royal gorge will keep you busy for a few hours, . Otherwise theres always margaritas !
 
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