WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke designated 19 new national recreation trails in 17 states, including Climax Canyon Trail in Raton, NM while adding more than 370 miles to the national recreation trails system.
“By designating these new national trails, we acknowledge the efforts of local communities to provide outdoor recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Secretary Zinke. “Our network of national trails of more than 1,000 trails in all 50 states, provides easily accessible places to exercise and connect with nature in both urban and rural areas while boosting tourism and supporting economic opportunities across the country.”
On Saturday, June 2, hundreds of organized activities are planned as part of National Trails Day, including hikes, educational programs, bike rides, trail rehabilitation projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications. Trails of the National Recreation Trails system range from less than a mile to 485 miles in length and have been designated on federal, state, municipal and privately owned lands.
While national scenic trails and national historic trails may only be designated by an act of Congress, national recreation trails may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture in response to an application from the trail’s managing agency or organization.
The National Recreation Trails Program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of Federal and not-for-profit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the National Recreation Trails website.
Climax Canyon Nature Trail
This easy to moderate 3-mile, figure 8 loop trail overlooking downtown Raton is named after the now abandoned Climax Mine. Schools use the trail as a field trip location to teach students about ecology, biology, geology, and natural science. With its historic significance and fantastic views of mountains, mesas, and New Mexico’s high plains, the trail is one of Raton’s outdoor recreation treasures.
The group Ramblin’ Round Raton has set a special event for June 2, National Trails Day celebration. Called “Walk With a Doc”, the event will begin at 9 am as Eric Armstrong of MCMC will lead the moderate to strenuous walk.
Other Climax Canyon walks set for the summer include, “Walk with an Old Geezer” on Saturday, July 14 with 83-year-old Howard Woodworth, and ‘Walk with a Slowpoke Ranger” and NM Sate Park Ranger Pat Walsh on Saturday, August 11. For more information on Ramblin’ Round Raton call Nicole at 575-445-3601.
