Taos to Cimarron

In Spanish, Cimarron means “wild and unruly,” harking back to the historical turbulence of this now peaceful community. The area was once part of the controversial Maxwell Land Grant, which eventually caused the Colfax County War in the late 1800s. In addition to Cimarron’s rich Native American heritage, Spanish settlers, homesteaders, trappers, traders, and many other colorful characters made this beautiful area their home.

In the 1800s, few towns had such a reputation for gunplay and violence as Cimarron, New Mexico. Once luridly lawless, today this peaceful town echoes the sights and sounds of its historic past. You can still see ruts of the Santa Fe Trail and our museums and historic buildings offer fun and informative activities. Nearby recreation abounds in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Cimarron offers a colorful history and plenty to do any time of year. The sparkle of trail campfires and the howl of coyotes remind us that the old west and the new west overlap.