New Mexico Area attractions

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Historic Narrow-Gauge Steam Train Rides

30 minute drive

In nearby Chama, visitors will find the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Take the whole family for a ride a steam locomotive for several hours or all day up into the spectacular San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

A group of railway preservationists and local civic interests saved this 3-foot gauge track – the last in the US to use steam locomotives in general freight service – in 1970.

New Mexico Wilderness Day Trips

Looking for more natural beauty in Northern New Mexico? Take a day trip to explore our state's public areas and parks. 

Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area

30-minute drive

Activities:

• Hiking
• Bicycling
• Skiing/Snowshoeing
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting
• Fishing

A short 30-minute drive from Corkins Lodge, just north of Chama, the Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area spans over 20,000 acres of high-country terrain. Managed by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, it's one of the largest properties in the state wildlife system, with its northern boundary running all the way to the Colorado state line. The landscape mixes aspen meadows, alder-lined streams, oak groves, and open grassy meadows.

The area features good roads and trails suitable for hiking and biking, with open terrain and few tall trees, offering expansive mountain views along the way. Since the Sargent is home to one of the state's largest elk herds, hikers can follow the dedicated Elk Viewing Trail near the parking area; dawn and dusk offer the best chances of spotting elk, deer, and other wildlife. Anglers exploring on foot can also reach trout streams and Nabor Lake via the Angler Access Trail, though access is seasonally restricted during elk calving and hunting periods. Trails are generally accessible, with fishing opportunities found along the way.

Heron Lake State Park

30-minute drive

Activities:

• Hiking
• Bicycling
• Skiing/Snowshoeing
• Boating
• Swimming
• Fishing

Heron Lake State Park is about 11 miles west of Tierra Amarilla. The park is 4,100 acres of land surrounding a 5,900-acre "no-wake lake," making it one of northern New Mexico's quieter outdoor destinations. The park offers well-maintained hiking trails for visitors of all levels. The East Meadow Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route starting at the visitor center, winding through montane meadows and ponderosa pine forest, where hikers might spot mule deer, elk, and views of the Brazos cliffs. The Salmon Run Trail runs five miles along the lake's south side, offering sweeping vistas and chances to see ospreys diving into the water, and can be linked with East Meadow for a 12-plus-mile out-and-back trek. For a longer adventure, a 5.5-mile trail crosses the Rio Chama by suspension bridge, leading to neighboring El Vado Lake State Park with panoramic canyon views along the way.

Day Trip Attractions

Corkins Lodge is a great place to base your explorations of Northern New Mexico. Here are some of our favorite day trips to New Mexico area attractions.

GHOST RANCH

50-minute drive

Less than an hour to the south is Ghost Ranch, home of Georgia O’Keefe. Its name derives from the many tales of ghosts and legends of hangings in the Ranch’s history – a long one, since its 21,000 acres were part of a land grant from the King of Spain in 1766. Older yet are the many dinosaur bones from the Jurassic Period that have been found – some of which are on display here. They also offer horse rides.

OJO CALIENTE HOT SPRINGS

1 hour 30 minutes drive

A little farther to the southeast is Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. Ancient people, believed to be the ancestors of today’s Native American Tewa tribes, built large pueblos and terraced gardens overlooking the springs – a remarkable combination of four different types of mineral waters: lithium, iron, soda and arsenic, flowing at a rate of over 100,000 gallons a day.

PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO

1 hour 15 minutes drive

Take a day trip north to Pagosa Springs and float the river, shop for authentic Western wear, visit their world-famous hot springs, or dine in style in the many restaurants and taverns in the historic center.

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

2-hour drive

No trip to New Mexico is complete without a stop in Santa Fe, The City Different. There are arguably no other towns in the state that best capture the magical, colorful culture of New Mexico. Take a stroll down the cultural epicenter of Santa Fe along Canyon Road and visit some art galleries, eat some of the local world-renowned New Mexican cuisine and visit some historical sites, such as the San Miguel Mission and world-class museums.

TAOS, NEW MEXICO

2-hour drive

Via the high elevation Highway 64, closed by snow in winter, you will find historic Taos, including its local natural attractions of the Rio Grande Gorge, Black Rock and Stagecoach (Manby) Hot Springs. In Taos, you will also find world-class skiing, restaurants, art galleries and shops. Also don’t miss a stop at Earthship, a collection of off-the-grid solar powered homes with unique and colorful architecture.