Bartlett Mesa Ranch near Raton is now open for hiking and wildlife observation

RATON, N.M. — Outdoor lovers in northern New Mexico have a new playground: the 2,224-acre Bartlett Mesa Ranch, now one of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's Wildlife Management Areas, complete with hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities.

The Nature Conservancy provided matching funds as part of the purchase.

Located adjacent to Sugarite Canyon State Park and near the Colorado border, the new Bartlett Mesa Wildlife Management Area sits at more than 8,000 feet in elevation and offers sweeping views, abundant wildlife and access to a growing network of public trails.

"This is a great opportunity for Colfax County residents and visitors alike," said Department Director Mike Sloane. "This acquisition will help preserve Bartlett Mesa and the wildlife that call it home for generations to come. But this WMA is also about access and outdoor recreation — expanding the public's ability to hike, hunt, view wildlife and explore the rugged beauty of northern New Mexico. From its high-elevation vistas to its connection with nearby public lands and trail systems, Bartlett Mesa is a landscape rich in outdoor opportunities, and we're proud to ensure it remains open and accessible to the people of New Mexico."

Expanding Outdoor Access in Northern New Mexico

With its proximity to the City of Raton, the new Bartlett Mesa Wildlife Management Area opens the door to miles of new hiking trails, birding and photography opportunities, and wildlife viewing in a rugged, scenic landscape.

"Outdoor recreation is a key component of the City of Raton's economy. We appreciate the many partners on this project, including The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Lands, the State of New Mexico and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish," said Lori Chatterley, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Raton. "We are excited to have greater regional connectivity in this incredibly beautiful country. We hope residents and visitors alike will enjoy all it has to offer."

Conservation with a Purpose

The Nature Conservancy acquired the Bartlett Mesa Ranch in 2022 as part of a broader vision developed with the State of New Mexico and the City of Raton of regional connectivity for hikers, wildlife watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. That collective vision is to build a sustainable outdoor recreation economy while also conserving outdoor spaces and protecting a key portion of the City's watershed.

The Bartlett Mesa Wildlife Management Area offers crucial habitat for a wide range of native wildlife species, including elk, mule deer, black bears, songbirds, birds of prey and more.

"Bartlett Mesa encompasses such a unique and special landscape of high elevation grassland and dramatic cliff top views," said Terry Sullivan, New Mexico state director for The Nature Conservancy. "We are thrilled to complete this property transfer to the state as we work toward this larger vision for the spectacular Hi Lo Country of northeastern New Mexico. Working to develop collaborative solutions for people and nature is at the heart of our work, and this project truly embodies that ethic as it enables us to conserve a network of lands and waters across state boundaries to support the wildlife and communities that depend on them."

The Department looks forward to working with partners, including New Mexico State Parks, The Nature Conservancy and the City of Raton, to determine future management of the property to best serve wildlife and conservation needs, as well as outdoor recreation interests.

More information on the Department's Wildlife Management Areas can be found here.