Jessica’s Official Cloudcroft Guidebook

Jessica
Jessica’s Official Cloudcroft Guidebook

Food scene

Great wood fire pizza, soup and salad. In house brewed beer and many others also available. Wine and champagne too. They have an amazing back patio with a stage and live music Friday and Saturday. Games for adults and children as well.
48 locals recommend
Cloudcroft Brewing Company
1301 Burro Ave
48 locals recommend
Great wood fire pizza, soup and salad. In house brewed beer and many others also available. Wine and champagne too. They have an amazing back patio with a stage and live music Friday and Saturday. Games for adults and children as well.
If you are in the mood for some seriously delicious food, this is the place for you. There is literally nothing bad on this menu. This guy smokes his own meat, makes his own bread, and the veggies are locally sourced and organic. They have recently expanded to include a deli as well so if you would like to pick up something fresh to make for dinner at home this is a great option! Located downtown by the post office.
11 locals recommend
Lepree's Global Comfort Food
505 Burro Ave
11 locals recommend
If you are in the mood for some seriously delicious food, this is the place for you. There is literally nothing bad on this menu. This guy smokes his own meat, makes his own bread, and the veggies are locally sourced and organic. They have recently expanded to include a deli as well so if you would like to pick up something fresh to make for dinner at home this is a great option! Located downtown by the post office.
If you’re a BBQ fan then be sure to stop in here. Everything is made in-house. Often has a long line (it’s well worth the wait as long as you have time). Be sure to get there early as he doesn’t have a closing time but rather sells out everyday. Die hard fans will begin to que up around 10am for the 11am open time.
44 locals recommend
Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue
105 James Canyon Hwy
44 locals recommend
If you’re a BBQ fan then be sure to stop in here. Everything is made in-house. Often has a long line (it’s well worth the wait as long as you have time). Be sure to get there early as he doesn’t have a closing time but rather sells out everyday. Die hard fans will begin to que up around 10am for the 11am open time.
Need your caffeine fix in morning? This is where to get it! Staff is always friendly, coffee is always amazing, and the atmosphere is great. Located at the very end of Burro across from the village office in the downtown area.
13 locals recommend
Black Bear Coffee Shop
200 Burro Ave
13 locals recommend
Need your caffeine fix in morning? This is where to get it! Staff is always friendly, coffee is always amazing, and the atmosphere is great. Located at the very end of Burro across from the village office in the downtown area.
If your in the mood for a sit down meal Rebecca’s has great food and drinks in a fun and historic setting.
17 locals recommend
Rebecca's At the Lodge
601 Corona Pl
17 locals recommend
If your in the mood for a sit down meal Rebecca’s has great food and drinks in a fun and historic setting.
Easy, comfortable atmosphere with a variety of food options. If your with a group and need a little bit of everything for everyone this is the place. Also has a bar.
20 locals recommend
Dave's Cafe
300 Burro Ave
20 locals recommend
Easy, comfortable atmosphere with a variety of food options. If your with a group and need a little bit of everything for everyone this is the place. Also has a bar.
Don’t go in unless you plan on buying everything and eating it too! Seriously delicious pastries, pies, and treats.
13 locals recommend
KennaBelle's Kreations Bakery
308 Burro Ave
13 locals recommend
Don’t go in unless you plan on buying everything and eating it too! Seriously delicious pastries, pies, and treats.
The local branch of Noisy Water Winery is a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon of wine, cheese, salsa, and balsamic vinegar tastings. Fun atmosphere and friendly staff. Often host live music events as well.
505 Burro Ave
505 Burro Avenue
The local branch of Noisy Water Winery is a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon of wine, cheese, salsa, and balsamic vinegar tastings. Fun atmosphere and friendly staff. Often host live music events as well.

Outdoor Recreation

Hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and camping.
A beautiful hike any time of the year. Views of the old trestle and White Sands National Monument on a clear day. 3.2 mile loop. 396 ft elevation gain. Dirt parking lot and trailhead located off of 82 just after the big bend leaving town towards Alamogordo.
15 locals recommend
Osha Trail Trailhead
200 Glorietta Ave
15 locals recommend
A beautiful hike any time of the year. Views of the old trestle and White Sands National Monument on a clear day. 3.2 mile loop. 396 ft elevation gain. Dirt parking lot and trailhead located off of 82 just after the big bend leaving town towards Alamogordo.
This beautiful place offers many options for hiking and exploring. You can also camp here or nearby. For a shorter hike you can head up behind the falls to see where the spring comes out of the hillside or you can take the trail to the left for Willie White Trailhead, a 9.8 mile out and back hike with a 2,345 ft elevation gain. To get there from town get on 130 from 82. Turn Right on Sunspot Highway. Take a left on Upper Rio Peñasco. This is a dirt road. You’ll be able to see the falls on the right from the roadside. There is a dirt parking lot with restrooms.
7 locals recommend
Bluff Springs National Recreation Area
7 locals recommend
This beautiful place offers many options for hiking and exploring. You can also camp here or nearby. For a shorter hike you can head up behind the falls to see where the spring comes out of the hillside or you can take the trail to the left for Willie White Trailhead, a 9.8 mile out and back hike with a 2,345 ft elevation gain. To get there from town get on 130 from 82. Turn Right on Sunspot Highway. Take a left on Upper Rio Peñasco. This is a dirt road. You’ll be able to see the falls on the right from the roadside. There is a dirt parking lot with restrooms.
A beautiful hike you can do on it’s own or also tack it onto the Trestle Trail to elongate it. This 4.3 mile loop is also a really fun mountain bike ride. 515 ft elevation gain. Accessible via the Trestle Trail or also off of 82 just past the large rock retaining wall coming from town. Take the right onto Switchback Lane and pull back into the parking area.
Switchback Trail
Switch Back Lane
A beautiful hike you can do on it’s own or also tack it onto the Trestle Trail to elongate it. This 4.3 mile loop is also a really fun mountain bike ride. 515 ft elevation gain. Accessible via the Trestle Trail or also off of 82 just past the large rock retaining wall coming from town. Take the right onto Switchback Lane and pull back into the parking area.
This beautiful high desert hike offers great views of the canyon, a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, and the chance to get to see parts of the old trestle still standing from the towns’ founding. This is a versatile hike that can be done in sections or all together. All sections accessible from Fresnal Canyon Road. T128 - Salgado Canyon Trail: From the lowest parking area it is a 1.9 mile out and back hike with 173 ft elevation change to the falls. T129- Bridal Veil Falls Trail: Accessible from the upper parking area at the T130 trailhead or by continuing from T128 past the falls. 2 miles one direction. 4 miles out back back if done on it’s own. T130 - Grand View Trail: Parking available at trailhead. This 1.7 mile loop offers view of The Valley and all the way out to White Sands. Can be added onto the previous two trails to further extend the hike. If you have decided to do all three trails together you can either As you at a much lower elevation for this hike it can get very hot. Early morning hikes are best in the warmer months and be sure to bring a hat and lots of water.
Salado Canyon Trailhead
457 Fresnal Canyon Rd
This beautiful high desert hike offers great views of the canyon, a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, and the chance to get to see parts of the old trestle still standing from the towns’ founding. This is a versatile hike that can be done in sections or all together. All sections accessible from Fresnal Canyon Road. T128 - Salgado Canyon Trail: From the lowest parking area it is a 1.9 mile out and back hike with 173 ft elevation change to the falls. T129- Bridal Veil Falls Trail: Accessible from the upper parking area at the T130 trailhead or by continuing from T128 past the falls. 2 miles one direction. 4 miles out back back if done on it’s own. T130 - Grand View Trail: Parking available at trailhead. This 1.7 mile loop offers view of The Valley and all the way out to White Sands. Can be added onto the previous two trails to further extend the hike. If you have decided to do all three trails together you can either As you at a much lower elevation for this hike it can get very hot. Early morning hikes are best in the warmer months and be sure to bring a hat and lots of water.
Parking area with picnic benches and access to several trailheads.
15 locals recommend
Trestle Recreation Area
East Little Mexican Road
15 locals recommend
Parking area with picnic benches and access to several trailheads.
Visiting us in the winter? Hopefully we got great snow this year and you can enjoy the sloping runs and cozy ski lodge at Ski Cloudcroft!
28 locals recommend
Ski Cloudcroft
U.S. 82
28 locals recommend
Visiting us in the winter? Hopefully we got great snow this year and you can enjoy the sloping runs and cozy ski lodge at Ski Cloudcroft!
Beautiful mountain top golf course.
15 locals recommend
The Lodge Golf Course
601 Corona Pl
15 locals recommend
Beautiful mountain top golf course.
The Rim Trail is a 31.2 mile trail with a 5,016ft elevation gain that offers great views and a variety of options as far as camping, hiking, or mountain biking. The trail follows along Sunspot Highway and there are many parking turnouts all along the way so you can make this a point to point hike or an out and back.
Rim Trail (t105)
New Mexico 130
The Rim Trail is a 31.2 mile trail with a 5,016ft elevation gain that offers great views and a variety of options as far as camping, hiking, or mountain biking. The trail follows along Sunspot Highway and there are many parking turnouts all along the way so you can make this a point to point hike or an out and back.
The James Sewell Ice Rink is a charming outdoor skating rink. In the winter enjoy skating and sledding in the park. In the summer it hosts the Farmer's Market on the weekends.
James Sewell Ice Rink
751 James Canyon Hwy
The James Sewell Ice Rink is a charming outdoor skating rink. In the winter enjoy skating and sledding in the park. In the summer it hosts the Farmer's Market on the weekends.

Shopping & Retail & Rentals

One stop shop for all your mountain needs. Bike shop, men’s and women’s outdoor apparel and shoes, camping gear, and women’s boutique. Also have maps, trail guides, and advice.
11 locals recommend
High Altitude
310 Burro Ave
11 locals recommend
One stop shop for all your mountain needs. Bike shop, men’s and women’s outdoor apparel and shoes, camping gear, and women’s boutique. Also have maps, trail guides, and advice.
Reasonably priced beautiful jewelry.
Red Wall Jewelry
505 Burro Ave
Reasonably priced beautiful jewelry.
If you’re in the mood to shop, check out this fun women’s boutique while you’re in town. Located just off the Main Street in downtown.
Coco Blu NM
Glorietta Avenue
If you’re in the mood to shop, check out this fun women’s boutique while you’re in town. Located just off the Main Street in downtown.
Fun, eclectic mix of wares. Good place to find a unique momento of your trip.
Mountain Magic
506 Burro Ave
Fun, eclectic mix of wares. Good place to find a unique momento of your trip.
Upscale men’s and women’s mountain ware boutique. There is also a juice and tea bar located in the back and a yoga studio.
Instant Karma
302 Burro Ave
Upscale men’s and women’s mountain ware boutique. There is also a juice and tea bar located in the back and a yoga studio.
Great place to pick up an ornament, jewelry, or momento.
Bear Track
308 Burro Ave
Great place to pick up an ornament, jewelry, or momento.

Family Friendly Fun

Fun places to visit when visiting the area with children.
If you’re traveling with children and want somewhere fun to visit, this is a great option. Located just down the hill in Alamogordo on White Sands Boulevard. The majority of the animals here are being rehabilitated and if possible will be returned to the wild. Those that can’t be enjoy a comfy home here. You can feed the ducks, geese, and swans by hand. See a wide variety of animals and enjoy a picnic either in the covered seating or out on the vast lawn space. There is also a large covered play structure here for the kids. During the warm months it can be extremely hot down here. Bring a hat and lots of water. Early morning visits during this time are best and also when you are most likely to see animal activity.
19 locals recommend
Alameda Park Zoo
1021 N White Sands Blvd
19 locals recommend
If you’re traveling with children and want somewhere fun to visit, this is a great option. Located just down the hill in Alamogordo on White Sands Boulevard. The majority of the animals here are being rehabilitated and if possible will be returned to the wild. Those that can’t be enjoy a comfy home here. You can feed the ducks, geese, and swans by hand. See a wide variety of animals and enjoy a picnic either in the covered seating or out on the vast lawn space. There is also a large covered play structure here for the kids. During the warm months it can be extremely hot down here. Bring a hat and lots of water. Early morning visits during this time are best and also when you are most likely to see animal activity.
If you’re a train enthusiast or a family traveling with children this is a great stop on your trip. Located just down the hill in Alamogordo on White Sands Boulevard. The small museum is full of interesting local historical info for the adults and there is a small train that is great fun to ride. And if your here for your child’s birthday they host party’s inside the old red caboose!
8 locals recommend
Toy Train Depot
1991 N White Sands Blvd
8 locals recommend
If you’re a train enthusiast or a family traveling with children this is a great stop on your trip. Located just down the hill in Alamogordo on White Sands Boulevard. The small museum is full of interesting local historical info for the adults and there is a small train that is great fun to ride. And if your here for your child’s birthday they host party’s inside the old red caboose!
Located off of 82 in High Rolls, just 15 minutes down the hill, this apple farm offers gorgeous view with enjoying the opportunity to hand pick your own apples.
Cadwallader Mountain Farms and Orchard
13 Mountain Park Rd
Located off of 82 in High Rolls, just 15 minutes down the hill, this apple farm offers gorgeous view with enjoying the opportunity to hand pick your own apples.
Adorable petting zoo with a variety of animals. This place is super fun to visit with or without children. Enjoy walking through the spacious grounds filled with ponds and great views, not to mention the friendly goats!
7 locals recommend
Runyan Ranches
4839 Rio Penasco Rd
7 locals recommend
Adorable petting zoo with a variety of animals. This place is super fun to visit with or without children. Enjoy walking through the spacious grounds filled with ponds and great views, not to mention the friendly goats!

Necessities

Groceries, gas, and other household necessities.
Local gas station and convenience store. If you’re here on a hunting trip you can grab an early morning coffee and snack before heading out.
7 locals recommend
Allsup's Convenience Store
10 Curlew Pl
7 locals recommend
Local gas station and convenience store. If you’re here on a hunting trip you can grab an early morning coffee and snack before heading out.
Grocery shopping loccated just down the hill in Alamogordo on 10th Street. Good bakery and tortillarilla.
12 locals recommend
Lowe's Signature Market
675 E 10th St
12 locals recommend
Grocery shopping loccated just down the hill in Alamogordo on 10th Street. Good bakery and tortillarilla.
Grocery shopping located just down the hill on 10th Street in Alamogordo. Good deli.
11 locals recommend
Albertsons Market
1300 E 10th St
11 locals recommend
Grocery shopping located just down the hill on 10th Street in Alamogordo. Good deli.
Mainly pantry, frozen items, and household goods.
8 locals recommend
Family Dollar
301 James Canyon Hwy
8 locals recommend
Mainly pantry, frozen items, and household goods.
Grocery shopping located just down the hill in Alamogordo on Indian Wells.
Walmart Neighborhood Market
2401 Indian Wells Rd
Grocery shopping located just down the hill in Alamogordo on Indian Wells.

Sightseeing

This stunningly beautiful national monument boasts one of the worlds largest gypsum deposits. Beautiful hiking, biking, and camping. It’s also great fun to ride down the dunes on saucer pans. You can purchase these at High Altitude up here in Cloudcroft or in the gift shop at the entrance to the monument. During the warmer months it can be extremely hot out here. Wear sunscreen and a hat and bring lots of water.
244 locals recommend
White Sands National Monument
244 locals recommend
This stunningly beautiful national monument boasts one of the worlds largest gypsum deposits. Beautiful hiking, biking, and camping. It’s also great fun to ride down the dunes on saucer pans. You can purchase these at High Altitude up here in Cloudcroft or in the gift shop at the entrance to the monument. During the warmer months it can be extremely hot out here. Wear sunscreen and a hat and bring lots of water.
The Lodge offers a variety of options for visitors from great food and drinks at their restaurant and bar, Rebecca’s, to spa visits and golf, to ghost hunting! Ask to visit the old haunted tower and see if you can find Rebecca’s ghost!
16 locals recommend
The Lodge
601 Corona Pl
16 locals recommend
The Lodge offers a variety of options for visitors from great food and drinks at their restaurant and bar, Rebecca’s, to spa visits and golf, to ghost hunting! Ask to visit the old haunted tower and see if you can find Rebecca’s ghost!
Great views and fun to check out the observatory.
11 locals recommend
National Solar Observatory
3001 Visitor Center Rd
11 locals recommend
Great views and fun to check out the observatory.