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Raton, NM

Southeast Gulf Coast

Road Trips

About RatonIn 1866 Uncle Dick Wootton, an enterprising local, completed 27 miles of road over Raton Pass, set up a tollgate at his ranch near the summit and charged $1.50 per wagon to use his Santa Fe Trail improvement. As the trail was the main route to the Southwest, Wootton fared well; his bank deposits were allegedly whiskey kegs full of silver dollars.

By 1880 the stopover 7 miles south of the summit of Raton (ra-TONE) Pass had evolved into a full-fledged community. Surviving Victorian-style buildings along First Street are a reminder of Raton's late 19th-century mining and railroad heyday; one example is the 1890s-era Palace Hotel is at First and Cook streets.

Sugarite Canyon State Park, 10 miles northeast via SR 72, offers lakes and picnic sites.

Visitor Centers Raton Chamber of Commerce 100 Clayton Rd. Raton, NM 87740. Phone:(575)445-3689

Self-guiding ToursBrochures detailing tours of the city's historic district are available from the chamber and economic development council.

Things to Do NRA Whittington Center

Raton Museum

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Raton, NM

Top AAA Diamond Hotels

AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.

Save 5% or more when booking AAA/CAA rates plus earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program

Best Western Plus Raton Hotel

473 Clayton Rd. Raton, NM 87740

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Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

101 Card Ave. Raton, NM 87740

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Raton Pass Inn

308 Canyon Dr. Raton, NM 87740

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