Gravel Adventure Field Guide for Raton - Angel Fire, Colfax County

The Gravel Adventure Field Guide for the Raton–Angel Fire region of Colfax County, New Mexico, offers gravel cyclists curated GPS-enabled routes, evocative storytelling, and local insight amid dramatic landscapes. This guide encourages self-guided exploration across diverse terrain—from volcanic mesas and historic ranch roads to alpine meadows and frontier history—showcasing the unique cycling experience available in northeastern New Mexico.

The Gravel Adventure Field Guide for Colfax County

The Gravel Adventure Field Guide for Raton, Angel Fire, and Colfax County, New Mexico, is more than a traditional cycling manual; it blends mapped gravel routes, local narratives, historical context, and practical navigation tools. The guide invites cyclists to discover "a little bit of everything"—from ranch roads and volcanic landmarks to sparse backroads—making Colfax County a desirable destination for off-road and gravel enthusiasts.

Features of the Guide

The guide includes GPS routes with downloadable GPX files and offline navigation tools, enabling cyclists to ride confidently without cellular connectivity. Routes range in length—typically between 10 miles and over 100—and vary in difficulty, length, and scenery, offering everything from short loops to full backcountry challenges.

Each route is thoughtfully curated to reflect the region’s diversity: riders traverse forested mountain climbs, open high plains, historic mining or ranch corridors, and low-traffic rural roads. The guide emphasizes safety notes, navigation tips, and nearby resupply or lodging options, facilitating independent exploration at one's own pace.

Gravel route at the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge (Photo by Gravel Adventure Field Guide).

Geographical and Cultural Context

Colfax County spans nearly 3,800 square miles, with a rural population density that highlights its wide-open character. Geographically, the terrain includes prairies, piñon and ponderosa forests, volcanic formations, and the high Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The region's volcanic heritage—particularly the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field and Capulin Volcano National Monument—shapes the dramatic scenery that riders experience. This geology offers a backdrop that is both scenic and deeply evocative, tying natural history to the riding experience.

Historically, Colfax County has been influenced by Native American trail networks, Spanish colonial routes, and the Santa Fe Trail. Later, ranching, mining, and railroad development left their mark on communities such as Raton, Cimarron, and Angel Fire. These stories are woven into the guide’s narratives, adding depth to the physical challenge of gravel exploration.

Inside of the Gravel Adventure Field Guide (Photo Gravel Adventure Field Guide).

Local Distribution and Support

The guide is actively distributed throughout the region. Riders can pick up physical copies in Raton at the visitor centers, shops, and hotels; in Angel Fire at the resort, local outfitters, and restaurants; and in Cimarron at historic hotels and inns. In addition, more than 75 bike shops across the Southwest carry the guide, ensuring wide access for travelers planning their ride before arriving in Colfax County.

Pick up a guide at the Raton Pass Motor Inn (Photo by Gravel Adventure Field Guide).

Significance for Cyclists and the Community

For cyclists—whether local or visiting—the guide presents an opportunity to ride through open landscapes, historic terrain, and rural communities with minimal traffic and maximum adventure. It supports self-guided exploration without needing large groups or organized events, focusing instead on fostering a personal connection with the land.

For Colfax County, the guide contributes to economic development and tourism. It helps position Raton and Angel Fire as gateways to outdoor recreation, while encouraging longer stays, local spending, and deeper community connections. Outdoor adventure becomes both a personal and regional benefit, strengthening rural vitality through sustainable tourism.

To view the guide online, go to TheGravelAdventureFieldGuide.com