A mountain of possibilities.
Forest walks, railroad history, scenic drives, and the simple pleasure of being outside.
Follow the old railroad.
The Mexican Canyon Trestle is a striking reminder of Cloudcroft’s railroad beginnings. Start at the Trestle Recreation Area on the west side of the village for trails, picnic spots, and a closer look at the mountain’s history. Enjoy the trestle from designated viewing areas.
Trestle area information
Take the long way outside.
Make time for a forest walk or a picnic among the pines. The surrounding national forest offers different ways to explore, from shorter outings to longer trail days. Pick a route suited to your group, bring water, and check official trail information before you set out.
Check forest access & alerts
A drive worth slowing down for.
The Sunspot Scenic Byway heads south from near Cloudcroft through pine, fir, and aspen forest. Mountain viewpoints reveal the landscape far below. Leave time for the overlooks, and check visitor information before planning an observatory stop.
Explore the scenic byway
Make room for a snow day.
Ski Cloudcroft offers skiing, snowboarding, and winter tubing when operating conditions allow. Whether you are learning something new or returning to the slopes, plan directly with the ski area for opening dates, lessons, rentals, and tickets.
Visit Ski CloudcroftAdd a day at White Sands.
Pair the cool mountain forest with the gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park. Plan this as a separate outing, with time for the drive and the park itself.
Plan a White Sands visit