Trail stop

Cimarron is 134 miles northeast of Santa Fe. For more information, contact the Cimarron Chamber of Commerce (10-3 Mon-Fri; 104 N. Lincoln Ave.; www.cimarronnm.com or 505/376-2417).

Attractions

Buffalo viewing. Ask where buffalo are at the chamber of commerce, or just cruise north on rural U.S. 64 or south on scenic State 21.

Cimarron Art Gallery. Browse jewelry and western art by local and regional artists. Closed Sun. 337 E. Ninth St.; 505/376-2614.

Cimarron Canyon State Park. The 333,000-acre park has about 35 miles of hiking trails. Rock climbing is permitted at the 400-foot-high Palisades cliffs with a special-use permit; anglers need a state fishing license. To hike 7-mile round-trip Clear Creek Canyon Trail, park at mile marker 292 on U.S. 64; the trailhead for 4-mile round-trip Jasper-Agate Trail is at mile marker 293. Ask at the park’s Tolby Creek Campground for a trail map. 13 miles west of Cimarron in Eagle Nest; www.nmparks.com or 505/377-6271.

Legends by Lantern Light. Walking tours that provide local history. $7, ages 5 and under free (reservations required). 505/376-1001.

Dining and lodging

Casa del Gavilan. The secluded bed-and-breakfast in a restored 1910 hacienda has a view of the Tooth of Time Ridge, a major landmark on the Santa Fe Trail. 6 elegant rooms with private baths from $80, including full breakfast. On State 21, 6 miles south of Cimarron; www.casadelgavilan.com or 800/428-4526.

Heck’s Hungry Traveler. The homestyle diner serves everything from chicken-fried steak to Mexican food. $$; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. On U.S. 64, near Cimarron City Hall; 505/376-2574.

St. James Hotel. Within the St. James are the Carson-Maxwell Dining Room ($$$; dinner daily), Lambert’s Saloon ($; lunch and dinner daily), and Vera’s Cafe ($; breakfast, lunch, dinner daily). 14 restored Victorian rooms and 10 modern hotel rooms from $70. Collison St. at 17th St.; www.stjamescimarron.com or 866/472-5019.