Cimarron Canyon campground in the morning
So, Monday morning we drove east toward Raton to check out the NRA Whittington Center's campground. On the way, we passed a couple herds of Buffalo and a whole-lot of nothing else. :-) But the setting at WC was actually very nice - butted up against the mountains, there were pretty good views of rolling hills, mountains and extinct volcanoes.
The NRA Whittington Center is located about 11 miles west of Raton on Hwy 64. While it bears the NRA name, it is solely supported by it's own fees and donations. First established in 1973, it has come a long ways in amenities, now boasting a small, gun museum and library, gift shop, and 14 different shooting ranges varying from pistol to high-powered long-range rifle, skeet and black powder. There are several cabins that can be rented out as well as 2 campgrounds with 125 full hook-up sites. What we liked the most was the peace & quiet - which seems a bit of an oxymoron considering all of the gun ranges. I'm sure there are times that it would be crowded and loud but the week we were there it was peaceful. In the early evenings a few police officers came in to shoot but we pretty much at the whole place to ourselves. HEAVENLY considering we had people tromping through our last campsite... but I get a head of myself.
Visitor Center at the NRA WC
Wayfinder at NRAWC
One of the shooting ranges
Another shooting range
There was quite a bit of wildlife throughout the WC - antelope, deer and rabbits. I brought a hummingbird feeder so we had a few hummers too. The Center staff warned us about bears and a mountain lion in the area - there had been a very large fire near Raton and it has driven the bears and lions down into the area, the staff were more worried about out dogs than us - but alas we didn't spot any of the predators.
Antelope crossing the road
Deer in camp
Hannah & Maggie spotted the deer in outside the camper
Deer on the hill
One of my hummers
It was so dark, the night skies were amazing - so many stars and cool enough that you could actually stay out and enjoy them. We had great moon rises.
Sunset
Moonrise
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