Cimarron River (Canadian River tributary)

The Cimarron River, flowing entirely in New Mexico, was also known as La Flecha[2] or Semarone. Its headwaters are Moreno, Sixmile, and Cieneguilla creeks in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which feed into Eagle Nest Dam. From the dam, it runs for 60 miles (97 km) to below the city of Springer, New Mexico in the Taylor Springs area, where it flows into the Canadian River,[1][3] the southwestern-most major tributary flowing into the Mississippi River via the Arkansas River sub-basin.[3][4]

Cimarron River
A view of the Cimarron River as it leaves Eagle Nest Dam
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • coordinates36°31′49″N 105°13′41″W
 • elevation8,146 ft (2,483 m)[1]
Mouth 
 • location
Confluence with Canadian
 • coordinates
36°19′27″N 104°29′58″W
 • elevation
5,679 ft (1,731 m)[1]
Length60 mi (97 km)
Basin features
ProgressionCanadian—Arkansas—Mississippi

This river flows within a mountainous canyon that is part of Cimarron Canyon State Park in the lower Sangre de Cristo Mountains and runs down into eastern plains of New Mexico.[5] This headwaters region is also home to the Philmont Scout Ranch.[6]

Etymology

Cimarron was first applied to either the river or mountains in northeastern New Mexico and applied to other places in the state. The most common belief is that it was named for the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, called carnero cimarrnó in New Mexican Spanish. In addition, cimarrónes was the name for cattle and wild horses. Another of several theories is that is named for the plant rosa cimarróna, a wild rose plant that grows along the river.[7]

However, in 1719, it was called La Flecha which means "the arrow", and may refer to the pass, Palo Flechado.[7]

Irrigation

The Cimarron River is primarily used to convey runoff water from the Moreno Valley,[5] to local farmers and ranchers downstream who have water rights from Eagle Nest Lake. There are several diversion points along the river in which water is moved into canals and ditches. The three major irrigation districts are Springer Ditch Company, Antelope valley irrigation district, and Vermejo Conservancy District.[8] Some irrigation water travels 50 miles downstream to locations where it is to be used.[9]

Climate
Climate data for Cimarron
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 47
(8)		 51
(11)		 56
(13)		 63
(17)		 72
(22)		 81
(27)		 84
(29)		 81
(27)		 77
(25)		 68
(20)		 55
(13)		 49
(9)		 65
(18)
Average low °F (°C) 16
(−9)		 19
(−7)		 25
(−4)		 31
(−1)		 39
(4)		 48
(9)		 52
(11)		 51
(11)		 44
(7)		 33
(1)		 23
(−5)		 17
(−8)		 33
(1)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.3
(7.6)		 0.3
(7.6)		 0.6
(15)		 1.7
(43)		 2.3
(58)		 1.4
(36)		 3.3
(84)		 2.6
(66)		 0.9
(23)		 1.1
(28)		 0.5
(13)		 0.4
(10)		 15.5
(390)
Source: [10]

Recreation and wildlife

State park
Mountain valley at Cimarron Canyon State Park.

Cimarron Canyon State Park, located along the river, offers equestrian and hiking trails, fly-fishing, and camping. Located within the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area, it is near Angel Fire, New Mexico on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.[11]

Fishing

The first dozen miles of the Cimarron River (from Eagle Nest Lake to Ute Park, New Mexico) are known for fine trout fishing. Stocked trout include rainbow and brown. The river is maintained by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at a trout density of approximately 3,000 fish per mile, although water flow can vary between 2 and 50 cubic feet per second.[12]

Wildlife

The most common wildlife to frequent the region include deer, beavers, mice, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, and swallows. Mountain lions, coyotes, and black bears are occasionally spotted as well.[13]

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See also

References
  1. "Cimarron River". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2 April 2011.
  2. David Pike (November 2003). Roadside New Mexico: A Guide to Historic Markers. UNM Press. p. 57. ISBN 978-0-8263-3118-2.
  3. Thomson, Bruce M.; Abdul-Mehdi Ali (2010). "Water resources assessment of the Cimarron River and evaluation of water quality characteristics at the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge". p. 10. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  4. "USGS Stream Trace Summary Report for Cieneguilla Creek". USGS. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  5. "Cimarron Canyon State Park". New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources. June 3, 2017.
  6. "Philmont Scout Ranch - Cimarron River". SummitPost. June 3, 2017.
  7. Robert Hixson Julyan (1996). The Place Names of New Mexico. UNM Press. p. 114. ISBN 978-0-8263-1689-9.
  8. Thomson, Bruce M.; Abdul-Mehdi Ali (2010). "Water resources assessment of the Cimarron River and evaluation of water quality characteristics at the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge". pp. 6, 11, 19, 22, 29. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  9. "Enchanted Circle - Eagle Nest Lake" (PDF). Cimarron, New Mexico. p. 2. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  10. "Cimarron, New Mexico". Weatherbase. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  11. "Cimarron Canyon State Park". New Mexico Tourism Department. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  12. "Cimarron River Fly Fishing in New Mexico". Ed Adams. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  13. "Environmental Science Field Guide to New Mexico". Archived from the original on 2015-07-15. Retrieved 2013-07-29. Anita SdeArmijo. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
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