FEES FOR HIKING IN CIMARRON CANYON

State Park Fees

There is a $5 per vehicle Day Use Fee for all of New Mexico State Parks payable at the State Park. An annual $40 Pass is also available which is valid in all NM State Parks and can be purchased at any State Park or at the division headquarters in Santa Fe.

Cimarron Canyon Wildlife Management Area

Beginning April 1, 2008, thousands of acres of State Game Commission owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), including the parts of Cimarron Canyon that give access to the Colin Neblett Wildlife Area, were officially opened for the first time for activities other than hunting and fishing. Allowed activities, seasons and access will vary by area to protect wildlife and habitat while providing hunters, anglers and other visitors with quality recreation. GAIN (Gaining Access Into Nature) participants will pay modest fees for access to the properties, including the Clear Creek, Tolby Meadows and Maverick trails in Cimarron Canyon, with proceeds going toward wildlife research, habitat improvement, maintenance, development and operations.

Activities will vary according to area, and some areas may be closed at times during hunts and/or to accommodate wildlife during sensitive periods. The Clear Creek Trail will be open year round for hiking only. The Tolby and Maverick trails will be open to horseback riding and hiking, but will be closed during elk calving season (May 15 through July 31). Mountain bikes and motorized vehicles are not allowed at any time.

A current New Mexico hunting or fishing license with a Habitat Management and Access Validation allows holders to hunt or fish on WMA during seasons for which they are legally licensed. License holders do not need a GAIN permit to hunt or fish on a WMA.

PERMITS and FEES: Everyone age 18 or older must purchase a GAIN permit and a HABITAT MANAGEMENT and ACCESS VALIDATION to participate in activities on wildlife areas. Youths younger than 18 don’t need permits. Permits are available at license vendors (Eagle Nest Marina, Dos Amigos Anglers, Cottam’s Ski shop) and at Department offices in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Roswell and Raton and online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us). Annual permits are valid April 1-March 31.

Cost of the GAIN Permit, Habitat Management and Access Validation, includes $1 vendor fee:

Statewide Annual Individual GAIN Permit with validation $20

Temporary Individual 5-Day GAIN Permit with validation $9

A commercial permit is required for any activity conducted on any WMA for which a fee is charged. Please visit the Department’s website for rules and fees for Commercial Use Permits www.wildlife.state.nm.us

For further information regarding the Colin Neblett Wildlife Area please call the Raton Division of New Mexico Game and Fish at 575 445-2311.