Cloudcroft
New Mexico's Mountain Retreat
Escape to the Sacramento Mountains where cool pine forests meet blue sky. A village wrapped in clouds, surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, and alive with adventure.
Explore Cloudcroft
From the charming boardwalks of Burro Avenue to the towering pines of Lincoln National Forest, adventure awaits at every turn.
Burro Avenue Shopping
Stroll the historic boardwalk lined with unique boutiques, artisan galleries, and the famous Burro Street Exchange.
Explore shops →
Sacramento Mountains Museum
Discover the rich history of the Cloud Climbing Railroad, pioneer settlers, and the Mescalero Apache people.
Plan your visit →
Noisy Water Winery
Sample award-winning New Mexico wines including the famous green chile wine in a cozy mountain tasting room.
View tastings →
Cloudcroft Brewery
Enjoy craft beers and brick-oven pizza in a relaxed mountain atmosphere with an outdoor beer garden.
See menu →
New Village Hardware Store
Your mountain village hardware store — tools, building supplies, and local expertise for life at 8,676 feet.
Visit store →
Village Plaza
A central hub featuring High Rollin' Coffee, Be in the Mountains Yoga, and more local favorites in the heart of the village.
Explore plaza →
Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce
Your first stop for visitor information, local maps, event schedules, and everything you need to explore the village.
Get info →
Michael Nivison Public Library
A community gathering place with books, programs, and nearby treasures like High Valley Weaving School and Cloudcroft Fitness.
Visit library →
Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue
Slow-smoked barbecue at 8,676 feet. Brisket, ribs, and all the fixings with mountain views and live music.
See menu →
Local Parks
Zenith Park, Elevation Paw Park, pickleball courts, ice skating, disc golf and more — outdoor fun for the whole family.
Explore parks →
Bluff Springs
A serene natural waterfall tucked into Lincoln National Forest — one of Cloudcroft's most beautiful hidden gems.
Find the trail →
Osha Trail
A peaceful forest trail winding through towering pines and mountain meadows in the Sacramento Mountains.
Hike Osha Trail →
Mexican Canyon Trestle
An iconic historic railroad trestle from the Cloud Climbing Railroad era — a must-see landmark and photo opportunity.
Visit trestle →
Ski Cloudcroft
The southernmost ski area in the United States. Family-friendly slopes, tubing, and snowboarding at 9,000 feet.
Hit the slopes →
Cadwallader's Orchards
A beloved mountain orchard offering fresh-picked fruit, homemade cider, and seasonal treats surrounded by stunning views.
Visit orchard →
Sacramento Ranger District
U.S. Forest Service ranger station — maps, permits, trail conditions, and expert guidance for Lincoln National Forest.
Get trail info →
Alameda Park Zoo 35 min
Observe critters in the Southwest's oldest zoo. Educational programs, a playground, and summer camps available.
Visit zoo →
American Armed Forces Museum 23 min
Archives, memorabilia, and memorial garden. Volunteers welcome.
Learn more →
Cadwallader Mountain Farms 14 min
High-elevation orchards with scenic views and "u-pick" seasons. Find them on Facebook for updates.
Visit orchard →
La Luz, NM 24 min
Tularosa Basin settlement at the base of the Sacramento Mountains.
Explore →
Lincoln National Forest Scenic Byway Varies
Winding drives past basin views, mountain meadows, wildlife, and beyond.
Plan your drive →
Mayhill, NM 23 min
Neighbors to the east.
Explore →
Museum of Space History 30 min
Exhibits, education, memorials, playground, and theater.
Visit museum →
Nichols Ranch and Orchards 35 min
Seasonal harvests and events.
Visit ranch →
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park 47 min
Desert camping, historic site, and hiking.
Plan visit →
Sacramento, NM 48 min
Mountain hamlet nestled in the Sacramentos.
Explore →
Silver Lake 17 min
RV and tent camping, fishing, and more on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
Visit Silver Lake →
Sunspot Solar Observatory 32 min
Unique solar observing facilities and telescopes, education, visitor's center, and breathtaking views.
Visit Sunspot →
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site 59 min
One of the largest and most interesting rock art sites in the Southwest.
Explore petroglyphs →
Timberon, NM 55 min
Mountain community surrounded by gorgeous forest — gas up on your way, no station for miles.
Visit Timberon →
Tularosa Basin Museum of History 31 min
Area history with a full research library, gift shop, and bookstore.
Visit museum →
Valley of Fires 80 min
Lava park featuring trails, visitor center, picnic areas, and campsite hookups.
Plan visit →
Weed, NM 41 min
Mountain community, home of the Weed Bluegrass Festival.
Visit Weed →
White Sands National Park 45 min
Otherworldly chalky dunes — pack sunscreen and water.
Plan day trip →Outdoor Activities
Miles of trails, forest roads, and mountain terrain — Cloudcroft is a basecamp for every kind of outdoor adventure.
Hiking
Over 30 trails through Lincoln National Forest — from easy loops to challenging summit climbs at 9,000 feet.
Explore trails →Biking
Road cycling along the Sunspot Highway and mountain biking on singletrack through the pines. High altitude, big rewards.
View routes →Walks & Strolls
Easy nature walks through wildflower meadows, the Trestle Recreation Area, and gentle forest paths perfect for all ages.
See easy walks →Pickleball
Free courts at Zenith Park, open 24/7. Join the Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft for open play in cool mountain air.
Find the courts →Fishing
Cast a line at Silver Lake, Bonito Lake, or mountain streams stocked with rainbow trout. Year-round fishing in the Sacramento Mountains.
Find fishing spots →Every Season Tells a Story
From wildflower meadows to snow-dusted pines, Cloudcroft transforms with the seasons—each one offering its own magic.
Spring
Wildflowers bloom as the forest awakens. Perfect hiking weather and fewer crowds.
Summer
Escape the desert heat. Cool mountain air, endless trails, and starry nights.
Fall
Golden aspens paint the mountains. Harvest festivals and crisp mountain mornings.
Winter
The southernmost ski area in the US. Tubing, snowmobiling, and cozy cabin nights.
Celebrate in the Clouds
From harvest festivals to holiday markets, Cloudcroft knows how to celebrate every season.
Mayfair Juried Art Show
Nearly 50 years of fine art in the pines. 70+ juried artists, live music, and food vendors at Zenith Park. Free admission.
Cloudcroft Beerfest
Craft beer and wine festival at 9,000 feet with live music on two stages, food trucks, and artisan vendors.
Christmas in July
Holiday magic meets mountain summer — craft vendors, food trucks, and a visit from Summer Santa in the Christmas Capital of NM.
Art & Wine in the Cool Pines
Sample New Mexico wines, browse artisan galleries, and enjoy live music at the historic Sacramento Mountains Museum.
Labor Day Hoopla & Car Show
Classic cars, a Burro Street dance, ice cream social, pie auction, and live entertainment at Zenith Park.
The Great Pumpkin Roll
Send pumpkins racing down Swallow Drive, plus costume contests, face painting, trick-or-treating, and free hot cocoa.
Christmas Market
Handcrafted gifts, local artisan goods, and holiday cheer kick off the season at the High School Gym. Free admission.
Mountain Christmas Village
A magical covered walk-through winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holiday characters, and warm cocoa at Zenith Park.
Rest & Refuel
From the historic elegance of The Lodge to cozy mountain cabins, find your perfect mountain retreat.
Where to Stay
Historic hotels, cozy cabins, vacation rentals, and RV parks nestled in the pines. Wake up to mountain air and stunning views.
Where to Eat
From legendary BBQ at Mad Jack's to fine dining at Rebecca's, Cloudcroft serves up memorable mountain meals.
View RestaurantsReels
Quick glimpses of life in Cloudcroft — trails, events, local flavor, and mountain magic.
Winter Hiking in Cloudcroft
Snowy trails and crisp mountain air — winter hiking at its finest.
Opening Weekend at Ski Cloudcroft
First runs of the season at the southernmost ski area in the US.
Sunrise Over the Sacramentos
Watch golden light spill over the mountain ridges at 8,676 feet.
Downtown Cloudcroft Walk
Stroll through the charming shops, galleries, and eateries of Burro Avenue.
Trails of Lincoln National Forest
Explore miles of pine-shaded trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
Fall Colors in Cloudcroft
The aspens turn gold and the air turns crisp in the Sacramento Mountains.
Winter Wonderland
Snow blankets the village — skiing, sledding, and cozy cabin vibes await.
Local Eats & Mountain Treats
From BBQ to craft brews, taste the best of Cloudcroft's food scene.
Mountain Monthly
The Monthly tells the stories of the people and places that make the mountain. Subscribe for a colorful digital PDF delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to Mountain Monthly →Questions About Cloudcroft?
Get answers about things to do, places to stay, dining options, and more.
Experience Cloudcroft Right
Our mountain village has welcomed visitors for over 125 years. Help us preserve this special place for generations to come by exploring responsibly and respecting our community.
- Stay on marked trails and pack out what you pack in
- Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance
- Support local businesses and artisans
- Observe fire restrictions—our forest is precious
- Drive carefully—wildlife crosses our roads
Plan Your Mountain Escape
Everything you need to plan the perfect Cloudcroft getaway.
Getting Here
Just 1.5 hours from Las Cruces, 3.5 hours from Albuquerque, and 2 hours from El Paso.
Directions & MapsWeather
15-20° cooler than the desert below. Check conditions before you head up the mountain.
Check WeatherVisitor Guide
Download or request our free guide packed with insider tips and local recommendations.
Get Your GuideTrail Maps
Download trail maps for hiking, biking, and exploring Lincoln National Forest.
Download Maps