Sugarite Canyon
Earth Day Clean up This Earth Day, let's come together to make a positive impact on our planet! We're organizing a community clean-up event, and we need your help to remove litter, clean up our park, and keep it as the beautiful jewel we see now. Bring your friends, family, and gloves! All ages are welcome. Let's work together to make Sugarite Canyon State Park cleaner, greener, and healthier for everyone. Together, we can make a difference! Meet us at the Visitor Center
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
NM Wildlife Center Ambassadors Sugarite Canyon State Park will host the NM Wildlife Center's ambassadors at the Soda Pocket Amphitheater. Learn from these live wildlife ambassadors and their handlers. The regular Park Entrance Fee applies to all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Sugarite Canyon State Park 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coal Camp Hike and Ruins tour Join our narrated tour and hike. Tucked into a remote canyon in northeastern New Mexico, Sugarite Coal Camp created a true melting pot for mostly immigrant miners slinging picks and shovels. Learn about the history of the Coal Mine and how it shaped the town of Raton, boosted local economies, provided energy for the nation, and brought diverse ethnic groups to northeast New Mexico and southern Colorado. The program is free for NM Residents and the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for out-of-state residents. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Migratory Bird Day - Beaver Pond World Migratory Bird Day is May 10, 2025! Bring your binoculars for a ranger-guided walk along Chicorica Creek to see a variety of birds and their habitats, including willow thickets and cottonwood forest. In recent years beavers have dammed the creek, creating a wetland that is visited by many migrant and breeding songbirds. Possible bird species we could see include the Dusky Flycatcher, Plumbeous and Warbling Vireos, MacGillivray's and Yellow Warblers, and Western Tanager. The walk is appropriate for all levels of birders, so bring the kids! Physical difficulty: Moderate; flat walking, but we may stray off trail for short distances. Meet at the Lake Alice Campground. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
The use and care of Binoculars Improve your birding experience with tips and techniques for using and caring for your binoculars. Never used binoculars? We'll show you how! Stop by our visitor center on May 10th at 9:00 AM for an informative tutorial. Starts at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
Useful Knots for camping Make your tent camping trip more enjoyable with an easy course in rope use. Tying knots that stay together for an extended period can be tough. Join us on May 10th at 4:00 PM to learn a few basic knots that can make your camping trip easier and more fun! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-445- 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Pinecone Bird Feeder Learn about the birds of New Mexico, how to attract them to your home, and how to build a pinecone bird feeder. Join us for this fun and educational activity for children and adults on May 11th. You can take your pinecone feeders home too! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-44- 5607

Sugarite Canyon
What's That? It's a Bat! You may see a small figure dance through the night skies here at the park. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a bat and the only mammal that flies! Come to the program and hear of the myths, legends, and facts of the bat. The program takes place at the Visitor Center. The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Circle the Lake Hike Join us for a pleasant 5-mile walk in the woods with the Park Ranger around Lake Moyola and a short hike across the Colorado wildlife management area. Bring good walking shoes, a walking stick (if needed), water, a sack lunch, a camera, and enthusiasm! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Night Sky Viewing Did you know Sugarite Canyon State Park is a Dark Sky reserve? Well away from city lights, the Park boasts incredible night skies. Venus and Mercury should be showing and with a new moon just peeking out, it should be a great night to look at the stars. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies to all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid day-use permit or New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Build a Pinecone Bird Feeder Learn about the birds of New Mexico, how to attract them to your home, and how to build a pinecone bird feeder to take home with you. A fun and educational activity for children and adults. The hike is free but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-445- 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Do you have a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Kiwanis Club Youth Fish Derby The Kiwanis club youth fishing derby will occur on Saturday 5/31/2025. The derby begins at 8 AM in the Boat Ramp parking area of Lake Maloya. Final youth contestant catches must be submitted for weigh out by 2 PM. Registration information for the Kiwanis fishing derby can be attained from the Raton Kiwanis Club at 131 N Second Street, Raton NM 87740 phone: 505-445-4746 or Sugarite Canyon Visitor Center starting May 1st,2025 The regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Mantz 575-445-4746

Sugarite Canyon
Kiwanis Club annual Fish Derby The week-long adult fishing derby will begin on May 24, 2025. The first 15 tagged fish will receive prizes during the course of the event. Fish must be presented with their tag still in them for a prize. Daily door prizes will be drawn from the Sugarite Canyon Visitor Center based of derby registrants. Door prize winners must claim their prize by the final day of the adult derby (6/1/2025). The tagged fish ticket selection will occur at 12PM on Sunday, June 1st, 2025. Registration information for the Kiwanis fishing derby can be attained from the Raton Kiwanis Club at 131 N Second Street, Raton NM 87740 phone: 505-445-4746 or Sugarite Canyon Visitor Center starting May 1st,2025 The regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Mantz 575-445-4746

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Do you have a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
What's That? It is a Bat! You may see a small figure dance through the night skies here at the park. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it is a bat! The only mammal that flies! Come to the program and hear of the myths, legends, and facts of the bat. Starts at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Deer Run Trail Photographic Hike Bring your camera and join the Ranger on this steep but beautiful hike from the Lake Alice Campground to Lookout Point at the Soda Pocket Campground. Scenic views can make this strenuous hike worth it, and give you pictures you can't forget. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass or day use permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
NM Wildlife Center Ambassadors Sugarite Canyon State Park will host NM Wildlife Center's ambassadors at the Soda Pocket Amphitheater. Learn from these live wildlife ambassadors and their handlers. The regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: $5 Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Sugarite Canyon State Park 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
Useful Knots for camping If you are tent camping, you've probably had to use ropes in some way to set everything. Come learn a few basic knots that make your camping trip much easier and more fun. Starts at Soda Pocket Campgrounds The program is free for NM Residents, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check, or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-44- 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Outdoor Adventure Day An event sponsored by Youth Heartline and the NM Department of Game & Fish, that promotes youth engagement with the outdoors. Participants will register at the Youth Heartline table in the Lake Maloya Boat Ramp parking area. Lunch (burgers and hot dogs) will be served by Raton's Youth Heartline services for registered event participants. NM DGF will demonstrate angling skills (reeling, angling knots, etc), Marksmanship skills with their contained steel bee-bee shooting trailer and 3D-target NASP level archery range within Lake Maloya Southern Boat Ramp area. Engagement with activities is assessed based on youth ability and safety considerations. Come have fun at Lake Maloya and enjoy your adventure in the outdoors of Northern New Mexico.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Sugarite Canyon State Park 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
Pinecone Bird Feeder Learn about the birds of New Mexico, how to attract them to your home, and how to build a pinecone bird feeder. This is a fun and educational activity for children and adults and you can take the bird feeder home with you! The hike is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-44- 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Raptors of New Mexico Program (Sat) Get ready for an exciting opportunity to meet live birds of prey, native to New Mexico, at the Lake Alice Campground on Saturday, June 28! This unique interpretive experience will give park visitors a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these incredible birds, highlighting their natural behaviors and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Don’t miss the chance to see and learn of these majestic creatures. The event is free, but the Regular Park Entrance fee applies to all vehicles that do not have a State Park Annual Pass displayed.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Sugarite Canyon State Park 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Meet at Lake Alice Campground for a question and answer session with a New Mexico State Park Ranger. There is generally a discussion topic related to events and programs going on in the park and the surrounding area. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served. The event is free for NM Residents and the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for out-of-state residents. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Circle the Lake Hike Join us for a pleasant 5-mile walk in the woods with the Park Ranger around Lake Moyola and a short hike across the Colorado wildlife management area. Bring good walking shoes, a walking stick (if needed), water, a sack lunch, a camera, and enthusiasm! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
The use and care of Binoculars Improve your birding experience with tips and techniques for using and caring for your binoculars. Never used binoculars? We'll show you how! Stop by our visitor center on May 10th at 9:00 AM for an informative tutorial. Starts at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
Deer Run Trail Photographic Hike Bring your camera and join the Ranger on this steep but beautiful hike from the Lake Alice Campground to Lookout Point at the Soda Pocket Campground. Scenic views can make this strenuous hike worth it, and give you pictures you won't forget! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass or day-use permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Raptors of New Mexico Program (Sun) Get ready for an exciting opportunity to meet live birds of prey, native to New Mexico, at the Soda Pocket Amphitheater! This unique interpretive experience will give park visitors a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these incredible birds, highlighting their natural behaviors and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Don’t miss the chance to connect with these majestic creatures up close! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Walter Luba 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
Discover the Birds of Prey Join us for an adventure into the world of raptors. See taxidermized exhibits and listen to stories about their flight abilities and the incredible hunting prowess of these magnificent creatures up close. Learn about the role they play in their ecological niche, and discover the conservation efforts that have taken place and how you can help protect these incredible birds. The program will be at the Visitor Center. The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Fish Printing In this craft-style workshop, kids can create their very own fish prints using a cool art technique called "gyotaku" the traditional Japanese way of printing fish! We also look at the different species of Fish in New Mexico. You don't need to be an expert artist to enjoy this fun and easy activity. Wear old clothing - you may get dirty. The program will be held near the Visitor Center The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
What's That? It's a Bat! You may see a small figure dance through the night skies here at the park. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a bat! The only mammal that flies! Come to the program and hear of the myths, legends, and facts of the bat. At the Visitor Center The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Useful Knots for Camping If you are tent camping, you probably had to use ropes in some way to set everything. Come learn a few basic knots that make your camping trip much easier and more fun. Starts at the Soda Pocket Campgrounds The program is free for NM Residents and the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for out-of-state residents. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-44- 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Do you have a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Summer Christmas on the Chicorica The Friends of Sugarite Canyon will be hosting their annual Christmas on chicorica creek in the Sugarite Canyon Boardwalk area. Donations are appreciated. Come enjoy a walk among the decorated Riverwalk complete with Crafts, as well as warm beverages and cookies. Marshmallow roasting over a barrel fire will be available to visitors. A visit and pictures with Santa Clauss and his helpers will be held in the Visitor Center (bring your own camera) Dress warmly as the event occurs predominantly outdoors.
Fees: waived
Contact: Park Staff 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Do you have a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Do you have a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground. We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
What's That? It is a Bat! You may see a small figure dance through the night skies here at the park. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it is a bat- The only mammal that flies! Come to the program and hear of the myths, legends and facts of the bat. Starts at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-44- 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Circle the Lake Hike Join us for a pleasant 5-mile walk in the woods with the Park Ranger around Lake Moyola and a short hike across the Colorado wildlife management area. Bring good walking shoes, a walking stick (if needed), water, a sack lunch, a camera, and enthusiasm! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607