New Mexico Rails-to-Trails
New Mexico Rails-to-Trails
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
96 reviews
Excellent
58
Very good
32
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Kristian T
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Solo
I have heard about this railline for years and finally got to check it out. The original road bed is really step, let alone for a standard Guage rail line. There are a lot of trails zigzagging throughout the area and some of the time I was not sure which was the original rail route. My biggest complaint however, when walking the grade, and there was no doubt this portion was original roadies, there is a fence and gate blocking you from getting to Mexican canyon trestle. We'll now isn't that a load of crap. Warning signs all over and sure enough, a camera looking you right in the face. Seriously? Just sucked all the fun out of an otherwise adventurous trip. Would have gotten 5 stars but for that. ☆☆☆☆
Written March 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RMSaunders
Edmond, OK65 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Amazing hike! Beautiful fall colors this week. Hike was moderate. We had ages ranging from 10 to 72 and we all made it just fine. A definite must do if you’re in town and have 2-3 hours to explore and enjoy being outside.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia C
California32 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
This wooden railroad trestle is not only historic but very photogenic. Hiking to the viewing platform at the other end was worth the 2.5 mile (roundtrip) hike and you get great views for your trouble!
Written June 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura N
Texas63 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
There are actually two access points to see the trestle. One off of Hwy 82, which provides wonderful views down the canyon to White Sands, and one further up the highway which gives access to a hiking trail. From that end you can hike down closer to the trestle.
Written August 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen H
Louisville, Kentucky49 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
The trail was well-marked and maintained.The signage was helpful in explaining what you're looking at and the history of the area. The actual trail is fairly short, but can be lengthened by adding connecting trails. Parts of the trails are quite scenic and offer views of the valleys below.
The trail follows the rail bed of the Cloud Climbing Railroad, which was used by the lumber industry. There is a downed trestle as well as the restored trestle. In spite of some of the pictures in the reviews, the public cannot walk on the restored trestle across Mexican Canyon.
I saw a complaint about chain link fence blocking the trail; the only place we saw this was not across the trail, but at the border of the forest and private property.
We hiked it in January 2017, and joined several trails (all the T5001, plus T5002, T5003 & T5004). There was boot-sucking black mud, plus some snow and ice on the trails. I understand why they recommend hiking this May - November.
The trail follows the rail bed of the Cloud Climbing Railroad, which was used by the lumber industry. There is a downed trestle as well as the restored trestle. In spite of some of the pictures in the reviews, the public cannot walk on the restored trestle across Mexican Canyon.
I saw a complaint about chain link fence blocking the trail; the only place we saw this was not across the trail, but at the border of the forest and private property.
We hiked it in January 2017, and joined several trails (all the T5001, plus T5002, T5003 & T5004). There was boot-sucking black mud, plus some snow and ice on the trails. I understand why they recommend hiking this May - November.
Written January 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rbdancer52
Las Vegas, New Mexico, United States276 contributions
Oct 2012 • Solo
This is a little-discovered jewel in southern New Mexico. High above the desert, at 8-11,000 feet, you are in a completely different ecological zone than Alamogordo down in the basin, 35 miles away. The railroads that used to carry ore, coal, and people down and up the steep face of the Sacramento Mountains are long gone, but some of the trestles have been reconstructed, some of the collapsed ones are still there to be climbed on, and the experience of tracing these incredibly challenging routes on foot gives you new respect for those who built and used those rails.
The town of Cloudcroft has everything you need for daytime explorations. For more involved adventures, basing down in Alamogordo is probably a good idea, though there are one or two rustic places to stay up high as well.
The staff at the visitor's center is incredibly helpful and pleasant, and you are likely to run into tourists from across the globe as you walk the variety of trails. You can choose from very easy to quite strenuous, and the views from all are stunning at any time of the year.
If you are anywhere near Cloudcroft, you owe it to yourself to at least get a taste of this lovely bit of mountain majesty.
The town of Cloudcroft has everything you need for daytime explorations. For more involved adventures, basing down in Alamogordo is probably a good idea, though there are one or two rustic places to stay up high as well.
The staff at the visitor's center is incredibly helpful and pleasant, and you are likely to run into tourists from across the globe as you walk the variety of trails. You can choose from very easy to quite strenuous, and the views from all are stunning at any time of the year.
If you are anywhere near Cloudcroft, you owe it to yourself to at least get a taste of this lovely bit of mountain majesty.
Written April 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damien_Collindale
Austin, TX97 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Saw this from the off road parking and then decided to do the hike to get to the other side which is closer.
It is a good hike, I like little, the elevation is high here and there are some long bouts of up hill but it is a good hike and work it in the end.
It is a good hike, I like little, the elevation is high here and there are some long bouts of up hill but it is a good hike and work it in the end.
Written March 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David J
Albuquerque, NM28 contributions
Aug 2018
Cloudcroft exists because a 19th railroad needed lumber to make ties. So they built a spur up the side of the mountain to bring logs down to a sawmill. Entrepreneurs also used the spur for sightseers to ride up to the forest and the pines. You can't walk out on the trestle. There is an overlook beside the highway and adjacent hiking trails to access the overlook. Not really a marvel of engineering just another roadside attraction in the desert southwest.
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindaTravels_11
Houston, TX148 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This hike is a short distance from Cloudcroft, well marked with the historical details of the railroad trellis system. The Lincoln Forest walk was beautiful as we climbed about 800 feet elevation for a 3 mile loop trail. The vistas of White Sands National Monument from the trail were spectacular.
Written May 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralph W
Minneapolis, MN14 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
This trail offers a fairly easy walking path with fantastic views of the White Sands desert and Alamorgordo, NM. Several stopping points along the trail to take in the views. If you stay on the trail long enough you will come to the train trestle which also offers a great view of the area, T?here is also a small stream that was bubbling along when we were visiting. Several branches to explore which can add to the intensity of the hike. If you look carefully you may even locate some fossils.
Written February 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Delpha
1 contribution
Hello , what exit off highway 82 gives access to the trestle ?
I will be leaving Alamogordo to Texas, how far off 82 is the trestle?
Are people allowed on the trestle for pictures etc ?
stateart1
Lubbock, TX
What is the cost of the Tularosa to Cloudcroft Loop trainride?
Jennifer C
51 contributions
Not a train ride but hiking trails.
What kind of shoes would you recommend for this location? Full on hiking boots? Or would sneakers be okay? Thank you!
Laura N
Texas63 contributions
I've hiked in both. If it has rained recently boots are better.
Gloria T
16 contributions
If we're coming from Carlsbad towing RVs (30' 5th wheel and 33' travel trailer) is there room to park things this size?
Laura N
Texas63 contributions
The parking area isn't really designed for vehicles towing anything. Even some of the longer pickups stick out of some of the parking spaces a little bit. There are only about eight parking spaces at the trestle vista spot on the way up to Cloudcroft. There is another spot up closer to Cloudcroft called the Trestle Recreation Area. There might be enough space in that parking lot but I haven't been there in a long time. There are hiking trails from that area down to the railroad trestle if you are up for hiking.
Is there typically enough snow to ski by the 2nd week of March? We're wanting to go to Cloudcroft with our family for a first-time skiing experience if it's doable. Thanks for any info!
Bob H
Dallas, TX276 contributions
Depends on the year. Varies greatly from year to year.
Marlin S
2 contributions
Anyone know if it will be snowing during this time?
Wildbluyonder
Dallas, TX69 contributions
It should be beautiful in Cloudcroft this time of the year, Venerand! Be sure to bring along sweaters and sweatshirts though because the nights will drop into the 30s and 20s, probably. It's been pretty dry in that part of the Southwest this Fall so snow/rain should not be a problem.
If you are staying at the Inn, be sure to get up early, grab a free cup of coffee in the bar and go outside to watch the dawn creep up over the White Sands Monument several thousand feet below you! Have fun!
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Claim your listingNew Mexico Rails-to-Trails - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about New Mexico Rails-to-Trails
- Hotels near New Mexico Rails-to-Trails:
- (0.31 mi) Spur Landing Real Estate & Lodging
- (0.24 mi) Cloudcroft Townhome w/ Deck - 1 Mi to Burro Ave!
- (0.26 mi) Incredible golf course location! Beautiful townhouse, pefect year round!
- (1.13 mi) The Cabins at Cloudcroft
- (0.32 mi) Bright Townhome - 1 Mile to Downtown Cloudcroft
- Restaurants near New Mexico Rails-to-Trails:
- (0.99 mi) Mad Jack's
- (0.69 mi) Rebecca's At The Lodge
- (1.30 mi) Big Daddy's Diner
- (1.31 mi) Cloudcroft Brewing Company
- (1.04 mi) Dave's Cafe
New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Information
Excellent Reviews | 58 |
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Very Good Reviews | 32 |
New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Photos | 75 |