Cloudcroft Travel Guide

High up at an elevation of close to 9,000 feet, Cloudcroft is a tiny town with a population of less than 700 people, but is big on natural beauty and charm. Despite its diminutive size, the mountain village draws thousands of travelers year-round ready to experience all the outdoors has to offer, from horseback riding and biking in the warmer months to cross-country skiing and tubing in the snowy season.

One place to add to any itinerary is the Burro Street Exchange where eclectic shops sell everything from Western clothing to jewelry, candy and souvenir T-shirts, and local outfitters book ATV tours and other excursions.

Things to Do in Cloudcroft

Given the area has 480,000 acres of open forest, expect to spend ample time outside. Lincoln National Forest has quite a few spots to check out from the waterfalls known as Bluff Springs to the 31.2-mile Rim Trail for hiking, horseback riding and motorcycle trail riding. For picnics and farmers' markets, Zenith Park is the place to go.

Visitors who want to learn more about local history should venture to the Sacramento Mountains Museum and Pioneer Village featuring special exhibits, panoramic photographs, and even a log cabin.

Winter becomes a wonderland in Cloudcroft, and Ski Cloudcroft is open for tubing, skiing and snowboarding. As for where to eat, try Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbeque or Rebecca’s at the Lodge for hearty comfort food.

Best Time to Visit Cloudcroft

For the most part, Cloudcroft experiences temperate weather, but it does have a mild summer and cold winter. Spring is a good time for golf at The Lodge Golf Course which is one of the highest in the country. Finally, annual events such as the May Fair Memorial Day Weekend, the July Jamboree on Independence Day and Oktober always attracts people from all over for good times at Zenith Park.

Cabins in Cloudcroft

Find the perfect vacation rentals in Cloudcroft, NM. Located in the small village of Otero County, New Mexico near Lincoln National Forest and several golf courses, you’ll find relaxing vacation rentals to suit your lifestyle.

Known as the birthplace of the famous Smokey Bear, Lincoln National Forest consists of three major mountain ranges including, Sacramento, Guadalupe and Capitan Mountains. Make the most of the great outdoors and enjoy beautiful mountain views and hiking trails during your stay in Cloudcroft.

Cloudcroft’s central location makes day trips an ideal adventure. Take a day trip to Roswell or Las Cruces, a short distance from downtown Cloudcroft. Get your fill of the extraterrestrial at Area 51 in Roswell or immerse yourself in the culture of Las Cruces before returning to your Cloudcroft, New Mexico vacation home.