NEEDONM.org & the CREATE BRIDGES Initiative


Northeast New Mexico

The region includes both the western end of the Great Plains and the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

The awesome beauty of this land has the power to inspire, provides the chance for tranquility, and enchants those who journey here.

The area is developing a regionally integrated economy while honoring and protecting natural resources, rural lifestyles, small town values, traditions, rich culture, and history.

Northeast Economic Development Organization of New Mexico (NEEDONM)

NEEDONM aims to raise awareness of the role target businesses play in the local economy, determine challenges and barriers negatively impacting those businesses, and develop and implement strategies to strengthen the retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment sectors within the region.

Seven Northeastern New Mexico counties that are part of the NEEDONM region are involved in a project called the CREATE BRIDGES initiative.

NMSU Cooperative Extension Service (NMSU CES) Extension Economics Department is working with NEEDONM on the initiative.


County Profiles & Attractions

Colfax County

Located along New Mexico's border with Colorado, Colfax County is diverse in geography, culture, and commerce.

Grassland in the southeast covers the land near Springer, Maxwell, and Miami, while the northern and western portion of the county are mountainous. Raton is the gateway to Colorado.

For centuries explorers traveled through Raton Pass in the rugged Rocky Mountains to enter the open prairies, sandstone mesas and high meadows of Colfax County.

Valle Vidal, a national forest unit with summer fishing and recreation activities, lies along the northern border. Visitors can explore the town of Cimarron and on to the nearby Philmont Scout Ranch.

Further west is Cimarron Canyon State Park with breathtaking scenery, opening at a pass to a spectacular view of Eagle Nest Lake and the Moreno Valley.

The town of Angel Fire and its ski resort is in the southwestern corner of the county.

Attractions in Colfax County:

  • Vermejo Park Ranch
  • Cimarroncita Historic Ranch
  • St. James Hotel
  • Sugarite Canyon State Park
  • Cimarron Canyon State Park
  • Eagle Nest Lake State Park
  • Colin Neblett Wildlife Area
  • Valle Vidal
  • Casa de Gavilan
  • Shuree Ponds
  • Springer Lake
  • Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge
  • The Charette Lakes
  • Angel Fire Ski Resort and Bike Park
  • Old Aztec Mill Museum
  • Chase Ranch
  • ​Colfax County Courthouse ​
  • Elizabethtown Museum
  • Kit Carson Museum
  • National Scouting Museum, Philmont Museum, and Seton Memorial Library
  • Villa Philmonte
  • Santa Fe Trail Museum
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park
  • NRA Whittington Center
  • Angel Fire Resort Country Club
  • Raton Country Club

De Baca County

De Baca has "The Kid"... and so much more. History and tales of the wild west can be found in every part of the County. It is the second-least populous county in New Mexico with less than 2,000 residents but has many opportunities to experience local food and hospitality.

The county is named for Ezequiel Cabeza De Baca, the second elected Governor of New Mexico. Fort Sumner is the County Seat. The U.S. government closed Fort Sumner in 1868 and sold it.

Sheriff Pat Garrett shot the Outlaw William Bonney, aka Billy the Kid, in 1881 in Fort Sumner. Bonney is buried in the military cemetery in Fort Sumner close to Lucien Maxwell, the purchaser of the Fort's property.

Attractions in De Baca County:

  • Bosque Redondo Memorial​
  • Billy the Kid Museum
  • Fort Sumner State Monument
  • Sumner Lake State Park
  • Fort Sumner Murals
  • De Baca County Courthouse
  • Fort Sumner Community House
  • Fort Sumner Railroad Bridge
  • Goodnight-Loving Trail

Harding County

Harding County is rich in history and geography, small in population, and big on outdoor activities.

The Kiowa National Grasslands stretch across the landscape of Harding. Dinosaur tracks can be found starting at Mosquero Creek and stretching north into Colorado.

The wide open spaces of Harding begin in the west at the Canadian River Canyon and extend east across vast grasslands, mesas, and rivers. The County earns much of its income from cattle ranching.

The County was established on the day Warren G. Harding was inaugurated as the 29th President in 1921. About 5,000 people lived in Harding the year it was created, but the county has has had a smaller population since the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Harding is the least populous and second least densely populated county in the state, which makes it a great place for getting fresh air and undisturbed time in the beautiful backcountry. The night skies in Harding are pristine for those wanting to get closer to the stars.

Visitors to Harding can enjoy plenty of open range, where deer, antelope, and people play. The region around the town of Roy is know as a world class rock-climbing and bouldering area and beautiful camping spots lie along the Canadian River Canyon.

The County contains small charming towns, big rolling prairies, mesas, canyons, colorful flowers and grasses, and a beautiful horizon.

Attraction in Harding County:

  • La Frontera Del Llano
  • Kiowa National Grasslands
  • Rita Blanca, McClellan Creek, and Black Kettle Grasslands
  • Canadian River Canyon
  • Mills Canyon Campgrounds
  • Mosquero Murals
  • Mosquero Roping Arena
  • Gallegos Church – The Church of the Immaculate Conception
  • Ghost Towns

Mora County

Mora County is a beautiful and rugged place where the old west lives on, and history and adventure lie around every turn.

 The Mora River and its tributaries run from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the western border to the Canadian River canyon in the east. Many streams make their way across the county and are the lifeblood to the mule deer, elk, pronghorn, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, cougars, and bighorn sheep in the region.

Attractions in Mora County:

  • Carson National Forest
  • Pecos Wilderness
  • Fort Union National Monument
  • Kiowa National Grassland
  • Santa Fe National Forest
  • Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge
  • Morphy Lake State Park
  • Coyote Creek State Park
  • Mora National Fish Hatchery Technology Center
  • The Cleveland Roller Mill museum
  • Ocate Cliffs Retreat Center
  • Ghost Towns

Quay County

Quay county offers many opportunities to visit cultural sites, have adventures outdoors, see natural wonders, or rest at great hotels along the way.

"Tucumcari Tonight" signs can be found across the state beckoning you to a city filled with murals and history.

Outside of town sandstone vistas, mesas and mountains, the wild Canadian River, and open plains are the home to a variety of wildlife like Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, geese, cranes, quail and many others. Ute reservoir is a great place for people to have fun in the water.

Attractions in Quay County:

  • Ute Lake State Park
  • Mesaland Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory
  • Tucumcari Historical Museum
  • Blue Swallow Motel​
  • Cactus Motor Lodge
  • Glenrio Historic District
  • Arch Hurley Conservancy District Office Building
  • Metropolitan Park Bathhouse and Pool Historic District
  • Nara Visa School
  • Odeon Theater
  • Richardson Store
  • Historic Route 66

San Miguel County

San Miguel County is beautiful, friendly and waiting. Experience authentic southwestern cuisine, rodeos, fiestas and a dose of deep-seated culture. Feel the ambience — from the smell of roasting pinon to the silent dignity of ancient Indian ruins. A taste of New Mexico's finest awaits the visitor to San Miguel County.

San Miguel County is beautiful, friendly and waiting. Experience authentic southwestern cuisine, rodeos, fiestas and a dose of deep-seated culture. Feel the ambience — from the smell of roasting pinon to the silent dignity of ancient Indian ruins. A taste of New Mexico's finest awaits the visitor to San Miguel County.

The terrain of San Miguel County varies widely from 11,800 foot peaks in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the western portion to broad, flat plains of less than 4,000 feet in the east. Between the mountains and the plains is another distinct region known as the Las Vegas Plateau, while Glorieta Mesa in the southwestern corner represents still another distinct zone. The sources of the Pecos River and its tributaries are located in the Sangre de Cristos and flow in a southeasterly direction. The Canadian River has been dammed to form Conchas Reservoir.

San Miguel County has a treasure chest of things to do and see in the outdoors. Camping, fishing, trail riding, water skiing and windsurfing are just a few of the diversions which await during the warmer months. But there's no reason to stay away when it's cold. Iceskating, sledding, cross country and downhill skiing are just around the corner. San Miguel County has national forests, a national park, a national wildlife refuge and two state parks. A wealth of outdoor adventure awaits, with breathtaking vistas and the quiet serenity of the wilderness.

Attractions in San Miguel County:

  • Storrie Lake State Park
  • Villanueva State Park
  • Conchas Lake State Park
  • City of Las Vegas Museum
  • Pecos National Historical Park​
  • Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center
  • Luna Community College
  • Valencia Ranch Historic Archaeological District
  • Tipton-Black Willow Ranch Historic District
  • Railroad Avenue Historic District
  • Bridge Street Historic District
  • Conchas Dam Historic District
  • Douglas-Sixth Street Historic District
  • Library Park Historic District
  • Lincoln Park Historic District
  • North New Town Historic District
  • Old Town Residential Historic District
  • Montezuma Hotel Complex
  • Eldorado Hotel
  • Plaza Hotel
  • Adele Ilfeld Auditorium
  • Las Vegas Plaza
  • Norman L. King Memorial Stadium
  • Las Vegas Railroad and Power Company Building
  • Pendaries Grist Mill
  • NMHU Gene Torres Golf Course
  • Pendaries Village Golf Resort
  • Acequia Madre
  • Pecos River fishing and water recreation

Union County

In the northeast corner of New Mexico lies Union County. The county contains many natural assets including Capulin Volcano, vast grasslands, lakes, and rivers.

Dinosaur tracks can be found off the beaten path and other historic areas like ancient Folsom sites and the Santa Fe trail are also accessible across the county.

The county was formed out of three existing NM counties in 1894, thus the name "Union".

Attractions in Union County:

  • Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackway
  • Capulin Volcano National Monument
  • Amistad Museum and Gymnasium​
  • Clayton Public Library
  • Clayton Public Schools Historic District
  • Eklund Hotel
  • Folsom Hotel
  • Folsom Museum
  • Herzstein Memorial Museum
  • Gate, Fence and Hollow Tree Shelter Designed by Dionicio Rodriguez
  • Goodson Memorial School
  • Luna Theater
  • Rabbit Ears
  • Union County Courthouse

Additional maps are being developed for activities and key resources in the region such as:

  • Winter Recreation
  • Biking Trails
  • Hiking Trails
  • Music Venues
  • Rock Climbing Sites
  • Hunting and Fishing Information
  • Art Galleries

Storymap by

Jason Banegas Zumbabwe@nmsu.edu