We live in Alamogordo, New Mexico, at the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Paris is "GMT +01:00 hrs" (standard time). Or head back “up the hill” to the Cloudcroft Brewing Company on Burro Avenue for a fun variety of beer and cider, live music, and great food. Feb 13, 2018 - So, I know what you guys are thinking…”wow, the waterfall hike…what an original name!” That’s what I thought, anyway, when I saw the below sign as I was driving down the Sunspot Highway in Cloudcroft: Apparently, someone wasn’t having their most creative moment…but since I don’t think that I would’ve done much better, I’ll forgive them. You can park on Burro Avenue and walk onto the trail. Don’t forget to borrow the key to the bell tower (ask at the front desk), where in addition to a breathtaking view, you’ll see the signatures from former guests like Clark Gable and Judy Garland. Learn how your comment data is processed. Cloudcroft, NM. Is there any bike trails? In addition to its many other attractions, Cloudcroft is home to some of the most stunning trails we’ve ever seen. Established in the late 19th century, Cloudcroft owes its design to the booming local logging industry of the time and the interdependent Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway, built to move product to and from lumber mills. Be prepared to be cold at night if you camp near the water. Directions: The Trestle Recreation Area is located just west side of Cloudcroft off of US82 a few 100 feet just west of the NM130/US82 intersection. The last bit of road is rough dirt, but plenty of regular cars made it through fine. In fact, Cloudcroft boasts the southernmost ski area in the US. Posted in Bridal Veil Falls Rail Trail, Cloudcroft, Hiking, New Mexico, Otero County, Rail Trail, Trails, Workdays. High elevation, mix conifer and aspen with lots of steep and rocky trails leading out of and around the mountain Village of Cloudcroft NM. East longitudes are MINUS time zones. They recommended using the men’s. Aguirre Springs - Baylor Pass East. Located in the Chihuahuan desert (elevation 4330’), we enjoy a very mild winter, with constantly sunny skies and no snow to speak of. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from September until May. Feb 13, 2018 - So, I know what you guys are thinking…”wow, the waterfall hike…what an original name!” That’s what I thought, anyway, when I saw the below sign as I was driving down the Sunspot Highway in Cloudcroft: Apparently, someone wasn’t having their most creative moment…but since I don’t think that I would’ve done much better, I’ll forgive them. While driving around town, you’ll have noticed blue highway signs bearing the names of planets. If you choose the lower trail, make sure to bring water shoes, as you might get wet on … We love Casa de Suenos, (575) 585-3494. Operating from 1962 to 1982, the Sunspot Solar Observatory is now open daily to visitors, except Tuesday and Wednesday. This pseudo-train depot is a nod to the historical significance of the Cloud Climbing Railroad that ran between Alamogordo & Cloudcroft before the highway was built. great in October as the trees are changing colors. Take time to hike up the steps and sit in the green meadow next to the steam under the trees. Drove to Bluff Springs in the month of May, with about another 58 camper all family! When you do come, you gotta stop at Bluff Springs Waterfall! We’re delighted to live “cheek by jowl” with wildlife neighbors – mule and whitetail deer, elk, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, 21 species of birds of prey, roadrunner, and songbirds, lizards, and yes, rattlesnakes. Water is always on the falls but at times it’s frozen. I recommend this place for tent camping if you’re okay with no electric or hookups. The railroad ties were removed, hiking trails are now in it's place and all but one trestle over the gorges are gone. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. We like the Cabins at Cloudcroft, (575) 682-2396. Space is amazing if like my family you like to entertain kids with outdoor activities such as quad riding, board games, and many other outdoor activities! Very refreshing!!! Razor's Edge. Again, don’t forget your camera on this 5.4-mile (8.7 km) trail, as you’re likely to see small herds of wild horses and elk and many other woodland animals, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys. This might be Cloudcroft’s most famous hike—and rightly so. There are vault toilets and a large dumpster right at the main rec area, but NO WATER so come prepared to dry camp. This road is paved for 2 miles and then is a dirt road for 2 more miles. Trailheads are on the right and left side of the road, and the drive is spectacular. Then, take a left on NM 244 1.9 miles (3 km), and right turn into Silver Campground parking area. For additional events and festivals, please contact Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce. Nelson Canyon Vista Trail is a Hiking Trailhead in Cloudcroft. They focus on outdoor activities and the natural beauty and diverse wildlife they encounter in their travels. Points of Interest & Landmarks in Cloudcroft, Game & Entertainment Centers in Cloudcroft, National Solar Observatory/ Sacramento Peak. I’ve been coming to this area since the mid 80’s. The waterfall and flowing Rio are very soothing at night. My husband and 3 year old daughter spent 2 nights tent camping at Bluff Springs this weekend. We didn’t walk the stairs to the top as we had our Bulldog with us. Located in the Sacramentos, at an elevation of 9000’, Cloudcroft’s winter snows are a reliable fixture of the season. Add 1 hour if Daylight Saving was in effect (select next time zone down in the list). Be sure you have your own and probably some disinfectant wipes. Photo: Darrel Heller. Directions: (from Cloudcroft/Hwy 82) At the end of town, right before you begin your descent down the mountain to Alamogordo, there is a turn off to the left, with signs for Weed and Timberon (Hwy 130). As there was not even a single trash can people left dirty diapers in the floor. My husband and I have camped here numerous times with our children. From NM 24, between Weed and Pinyon, turn west on FR 183 (Pinyon Draw), travel about 5.75 miles to junction with FR 557, go about 3 miles to fork in the road and trail sign. This 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop is located less than 5 minutes from the heart of town. The drive is only a few minutes long depending on where you would like to camp. Two trails, both 0.25-miles each, will take you to the waterfall. Though we trudged along with Swedish military surplus gear, circa 1940, we were hooked! Now, remnants of the Salado Canyon trestle have been restored as a hiking bridge. Or snowshoe directly to our favorite waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, approached from the Grandview or Salado trailheads. Add Your Trails. (Use the Cloudcroft Trails to Rails pamphlet). And yes, it’s so worth removing snowshoes for a little bit while hiking up to, crossing over, and then down the long staircase to complete this 4.3-mile (7 km) loop. Alamogordo, NM. Overall, easy to find and lovely. With Sanidumps.com you can know in advance of your trip where the dump sites are for Australia (dump points), Canada (sani dumps/ dump stations), Mexico, New Zealand or USA (RV dump stations). You’ll snowshoe through pretty forest corridors where the original railroad switchback is explained along the way. Thank You! left into the textbox on the right. I had no idea this waterfall was just outside of Cloudcroft. La Luz, NM. There is only one sign that says Bluff Springs. Welcome to Waterfall Lodge, a nice option for travellers like you. After White Sands, stay “down in the desert” for a bite to eat. more, Bluff Springs, Cloudcroft: Address, Bluff Springs Reviews: 4.5/5. Las Cruces, NM. We both hike regularly and work out at a local gym. It’s about 8 miles out of Cloudcroft where you will turn in to Rio Penasco Rd. While the falls themselves were not spectacular the area above the falls was beautiful. The road here is rough especially when it rains but we’ve never had any issues. We were just fine in a Honda Accord. Plenty of room RV and tent camping. Cold nights, Hot days. Take US82 to High Rolls, NM. Bridal Veil Falls & Grand View Trail is a 7.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near High Rolls Mountain Park, New Mexico that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. This road is paved for 2 miles and then is a dirt road for 2 more miles. There was no toilet paper. From US Hwy 82 Check out these Cloudcroft, NM ATV/OHV resources: ATV and OHV Regulations. Is there any fee per vehicle or person to go into bluff springs? About a mile up the trail, you will get to experience one of the state's best falls. There was traffic but nothing disruptive. We have camped in November and in June. Home of the High Altitude Classic! Perfect for a picnic or a nice drive to do some hiking. Read More: A New Found Passion: Wildlife Tracking and Identification, Wild horses are hanging out on Little Apache Trail. Dripping Springs Natural Area. It takes you right up to the waterfall. The scenery is great in October as the trees are changing colors. The trail is offers a couple of breathtaking vistas and a wonderful valley almost three quarters of the way in where... 2. will it be open around this time? This is a place I’ve been coming with my family since the 80’s. Trail 5510. Trail is fine, well marked. Cloud Climbing Rail Trail. There were plenty of spots available right off the road, and near the waterfall and little creek that runs from it, but we drove farther in and found a nice little private spot. Data entry for Horoscope Chart (click here to read instructions) West longitudes are PLUS time zones. There's a nice trail through the woods. I'd deffently love to return and see more of the area!! White Sands National Park. Does anybody recommend bringing mountain bikes? The first trail will give you spectacular views from above the waterfalls, while the second trail will take you to a fun beach at the lowest pool. Turn onto Forest Road 24M. They are retired in Alamogordo NM and snowshoe many winter days "up-mountain" in Cloudcroft, NM. Photo: Darrel Heller. The name of this trail is creatively named “Mexican Trestle Overlook.” Lynda and Darrel took up snowshoeing a few years ago while vacationing in CO. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. The waterfall is a neat sight and was fun to walk to. Cloudcroft is also home to Sacramento Mountains Museum, a popular historic site that is not too far from Waterfall Lodge. Located in the Nambe Pueblo area, you can step right next to this gorgeous double waterfall. You will want your camera! Then, turn right on Cherry Blossom Way, left onto Cottage Row, and left onto Fresnal Canyon Road. take the Cross Over Trail, (T 5001C) at the lowest point on the Trestle Trail to the Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail (T5002) and return uphill to the Trestle Recreation Area. There are also many more opportunities – moonlight hiking, sandshoeing, biking, lectures and musical events, camping, picnicking and ranger programs. Beautiful, relaxing site for dispersed camping. It’s about 8 miles out of Cloudcroft where you will turn in to Rio Penasco Rd. Photo: Darrel Heller. Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and the surrounding area offer excellent snowshoeing trails, food, history, and unique landmarks. The authors, Lynda & Darrel doing their new favorite sport. This Victorian-style mountain retreat also offers pub-style and elegant dining and a spa, pool, and 9 hole golf course, along with fascinating history. Bridal Veil was an original train stop where tourists from Texas and southern New Mexico came to cool off in the waterfall’s mist. This trail to the waterfall is doable, but difficulty increases if you hike beyond the fall. The road is rough but you can make it in a car as we went in an Accord. Salado Canyon Trestle Trail (T128) & Bridal Veil Falls Trail (T 129) Location: These two trails share the same trailhead and can be hiked together or separately. Valley Of Fires Recreation Area. We had an amazing time the waterfall was beautiful and the water so clear! As for restrooms there is only two available near the waterfall, for girls and boys. Here you’ll find 275 square miles (442.5 km) of wave-like, glistening white dunes and the largest gypsum field in the world. Guest rooms offer a kitchenette and a refrigerator. A few years ago, we tried snowshoeing while vacationing with family in Colorado. The only thing I'd say was not the best is the road out there alot of pot holes once the road turned to dirt but even with them we still made it in a car! Photo: Darrel Heller. Hiking trails and a beautiful waterfall. Work Day – Oct 18th! Cloudcroft, NM is located at almost 9000 ft in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico – and it’s a must-see destination if you are traveling through the area! There is only one sign that says Bluff Springs. So I’m not gonna lie to you and say that this is the most amazing hike or waterfall ever, BUT you are in beautiful Cloudcroft and it is a very short and sweet hike that would make a nice excursion! Parking lot for 5-6 cars. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. #5. The moderate trail winds through a stand of conifers before opening up to reveal a historic wooden train trestle above Mexican Canyon. 1.9 km. This past June we were unable to do campfires due to dry season, but all other times campfires are allowed. Always check for signage to ensure that an ATV is allowed on certain trails. We were warned by some nice people that the women’s restroom was “disgusting”. Other planets are placed to scale from the sun. Highly recommend it. Even in the middle of the week there were several people and cars there. I’ve been coming to this area since the mid 80’s. Alamogordo, NM. Then, take a left on NM 244 1.9 miles (3 km), and right turn into Silver Campground parking area. Waterfall Lodge puts the best of Cloudcroft at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable. It’s about 8 miles out of Cloudcroft where you will turn in to Rio Penasco Rd. Nice place to camp. However, a short 20-30 minute drive “up the hill” brings us to the old western mountain village of Cloudcroft, a perfect destination for southern New Mexico snowshoeing. We’ve moved to New Mexico, known as the “Land of Enchantment”, and it truly is just that for us. We drove the the waterfalls rather than hiking in. We like camping here in fall when it’s less crowded and cold at night. The scenery is great in October as the trees are changing colors. The view of White Sands from Osha Trail is show-stopping. #3. Hi! With more than 4 Cloudcroft trails covering 6 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Salado Canyon Trail or Grand View Trail. A bit tricky to find the trail head but we did, parked the car and off we went. The best & most popular mountain biking trails in Cloudcroft. Beautiful aspen trees and Ponderosa pines on the trail. And will there be water on the falls? The scenery is. 1.2 mi. Once you’ve finished your snowshoeing these beautiful southern New Mexico trails, Cloudcroft and the surrounding area have many options for accommodations and other sights to explore. A great deal of confusion currently exists among engineers, architects, recreation specialists, and maintenance personnel concerning the proper snow loading to use for the design and maintenance of trail bridges, building roofs, and other structures in mountainous, high snow load areas. The distance from downtown Cloudcroft to Sunspot Visitor Center is scaled to correspond to the distance between the sun and Pluto. I would avoid it after rain though. It’s open year round. Bear Track Trail (T966A) is an 1.2 mile ATV trail from Long Canyon up to Lick Ridge. All welcome subjects of Darrels’ lens, he produces gorgeous images of the natural world around us. This video shows the highlights of our hikes near Cloudcroft NM. The trailhead is at Atkinson Field. New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association, originally established and now maintains more than 90 miles (145 km) of connecting trails. DO Tread on Me! Remember Cloudcroft’s rich railway history? There is only one sign that says Bluff Springs. El Paso, TX. On any given day, snowshoers can choose to hike in an area where you can hear the distant rumble of mountain waterfalls. While you’re here, don’t miss the amazing White Sands National Park. This road is paved for 2 miles and then is a dirt road for 2 more miles. From Cloudcroft’s heart (Burro Avenue), head left on NM Hwy 82 for 1.3 miles (2 km). See you on the trail! So much wildlife – Fir and Little Apache Loop Trail. The best hike near Cloudcroft is Pines Campground Loop via Osha Trail, a 3.4 mile loop in Lincoln National Forest. From Cloudcroft’s heart (Burro Avenue), head left on NM Hwy 82 for 1.3 miles (2 km). Cloudcroft ranging from 2.5 to 12.4 miles and from 5,101 to 9,563 feet above sea level. Activities Click to view. Is it safe to drive up in a low clearance vehicle? Trailforks ranks trails with a combination of user ratings and raw trail usage data from rides. Cloudcroft #1: Bluff Falls. Turn north onto FS Road 162C (turn at Post Office sign). Thank-you! And it’s definitely worth the drive if you’re staying in Cloudcroft. Check out Sunspot’s interesting history while walking a ½ mile loop around the grounds, which features the Dunn Solar Telescope. Located in Fresnal Canyon, you can access the trailheads to Bridal Veil Falls by heading west from Burro Avenue (from now on will be referred to as the heart of Cloudcroft) onto NM Hwy 82 for 8 miles (12.8 km). #4. The state of New Mexico has plenty of public land and trails designated for OHV and ATV use. When we arrived we were looking forward to the bathrooms we read about. It is isolated and very relaxing. There are some great trails to hike, two toilets and all the beautiful trees and fresh air anyone could want. Last Chance Canyon. I suggest pulling off whatever route you’re on and spending the afternoon here if at all possible. The following is a list of the towns/cities for which Sanidumps.com has recreational vehicle dump stations sites for. Photo: Darrel Heller. The area has several very good trails , a nice waterfall and great views. The road is rough but you can make it in a car as we went in an Accord. As quoted from the Albuquerque Journal of the time, “Its interior will be furnished with a lavish hand….Fireplaces, with wide hungry mouths, will sparkle, crackle, and dart forth welcome tongues of flame to hundreds of merry guests….”.
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