Cimarron, NM
The Blue Dragonfly Inn is located in scenic and historic Cimarron, New Mexico. Cimarron is surrounded by federal and state parks and forest land at 6400’ Elevation. It is home to approximately 900 people. The climate is high plains and similar to Denver or Colorado Springs. Humidity is low in the summer, and winter days can be quite comfortable with temps in the 50’s or 60’s.
Cimarron was the hub of the vast 1.7 million acre Maxwell Land Grant back in the 1800’s and has quite a colorful history. Frontiersmen like Kit Carson called the area home. It was a railroad town due to the vast natural resources which attracted ranchers, miners, and loggers. A stop along the arduous Santa Fe Trail’s “mountain route”, it attracted an assortment of cattlemen and outlaws. The St. James Hotel, a few blocks from the Dragonfly, still has bullet holes in the ceiling of the bar, and is notorious for being haunted.
Cimarron is best known today as the home of Philmont Boy Scout Ranch. The ranch headquarters is approximately four miles south of the Inn on NM Highway 21. The southernmost part of Ted Turner’s Vermeijo Park Ranch is about ¼ mile from our inn.
Taos, NM - 50mi.
Taos is known for it's art, food, culture, scenery, and shopping. It's a quirky and friendly city that is a must-see. Check out Arroyo Seco, the micro-village on the outskirts. Eat at the Bent Street Cafe, and be sure to stop in op. cit books and common threads right next door. El Meze is a fantastic dinner option with a bistro-lit patio. If adventure is more your style than shopping, take a horseback ride or a day-hike with a pack of llamas.
Red River, NM - 40mi.
Red River is a cozy German-influenced village known for skiing in the winter, but the summer is a must-see time of year. Take advantage of hiking, biking, rafting, and exploring while the weather is warm. Shotgun Willies is a classic food stop. If you're headed here in September, you can't miss the Bluegrass Festival.
Angel Fire, NM - 34mi.
A small resort town renowned for skiing. In the off-season, take a summer lift ride to the top of the mountain, play a round of golf, or fly-fish for rainbow trout. Try a horse-drawn wagon ride that ends with a chuckwagon dinner or have a sunset dinner on horseback and sleep under the stars for an authentic cowboy experience.
Albuquerque, NM - 215mi.
New Mexico's largest city boasts the world's largest hot air balloon festival. Route 66 runs through this richly and diversely cultured city. It is a hot spot for film, hosting "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" to name a couple. Albuquerque has the closest international airport to Cimarron.