The northwest-to-southeast flowing Cimarron River, a few blocks south of NM-64, bisects the village of Cimarron. North of the river is the “newer” part, meaning many buildings only date to the first decade of the 1900s. South of the river are buildings that are a half-century or more older. One pleasant way to bird the town is to start at the park, located north of NM-64 between Lincoln and Washington Avenues, which contains restrooms and the Chamber of Commerce information center. Though hours are limited, establishments bordering the park to the north include a brewpub and a coffee plus ice-cream shop. A farmer’s market is held at the park Saturday mornings during summer. 

You can pick up a walking tour brochure for the older part of town at the information center. This part of the village is about two blocks west and three blocks south, so you may want to drive to that section. Be sure to examine the thickly wooded river bank as you cross the bridge. If you are following the walking tour during late spring or early summer, look for nesting Cliff Swallow under the eaves of the old courthouse. In the many mature trees of the “old town”, you may seasonally observe Bullock’s Oriole, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Yellow Warbler, among other species.

Cimarron is a village located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, near the Cimarron River, a tributary of the Canadian River. Cimarron was founded in 1841 as a trading post and ranching community. It was the site of several conflicts during the Colfax County War, a violent dispute over land and political power in the late 19th century. Cimarron is also known for its historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Saint James Hotel, the Old Mill Museum, and the Philmont Scout Ranch.