Many people outside of New Mexico think that our state is just a vast desert. In fact, that’s far from reality! We have many towns that sit at high elevations, and some are even surrounded by lush, green forests. The highest town in the state in terms of elevation is Cloudcroft. You’re going to want to visit once you see all the things to do in Cloudcroft, New Mexico.

Cloudcroft is a small town with just 700 or so residents. It's nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Lincoln National Forest, and at 8,668 feet, it's the highest-elevation town in New Mexico.
Edward Jackson/Public Domain
Cloudcroft was the vision of Charles and John Eddy, who thought that it would make a beautiful resort for visitors. By 1900, the rail line had arrived, and visitors quickly realized the potential of this lovely spot in the woods.
The Burro Street Exchange is right in the heart of downtown Cloudcroft.
Guillermina Vaca Medina/Google
It's the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon. Browse through the shops, check out offerings from local artists, and grab a quick bite to eat here.
You'll want to stop in at Noisy Water Winery for a wine tasting.
Noisy Water Winery (Cloudcroft)/Facebook
This little winery has won just about every imaginable award for its wines.
Noisy Water Winery (Cloudcroft)/Facebook
Visit Burro Street Bakery for a slice of the legendary Cloudcroft Pie.
Burro Street Bakery/Google
The apples that grow here are extraordinary - sweet and crisp. Put 'em in a pie and you've found pure heaven.

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Check out the historic Mexican Canyon Trestle at the scenic vista just northwest of Cloudcroft, the highest town in New Mexico.
Allen Sheffield/flickr
This trestle was built in 1899 for the Alamogordo & Sacramento Mountain Railroad. It was abandoned in 1948, but has been restored and is a stunning historic landmark.
Take a hike on the Osha Trail, where you'll have some more views of the Mexican Canyon Trestle.
amandag/Tripadvisor
The trail is just 2.5 miles long and easy enough for most hikers to navigate without trouble. You'll find the trailhead along US-82, about a half mile from the junction with NM-130.
Learn what it was like to be a pioneer in Cloudcroft in the late 1800s at the Sacramento Mountains Museum.
Yenia Perez/Google
This charming museum is located on 2.5 wooded acres and has a little chapel, blacksmith shop, barn and more. Check out the antiques and artifacts and step back in time here. You'll find the museum at 1000 US-82, Cloudcroft.
Spend an afternoon skiing or tubing at Ski Cloudcroft in the winter. Cloudcroft is one of the best mountain towns in New Mexico for outdoor recreation.
Alma Villanueva/Google
The resort offers 25 ski trails and some seriously picturesque surroundings. Don't know how to ski? Take a lesson at the ski school. Ski Cloudcroft is open every winter season, so plan accordingly if you'd like to hit the slopes.
You'll definitely want to stay in Cloudcroft for more than just one day, so book a stay at the Lodge Resort and Spa.
1sock/flickr
The original Cloudcroft Lodge was built in 1899 by the railroad, and it was a luxurious vacation spot. It burned to the ground in 1909 but was rebuilt in 1911. Today, it offers 59 beautifully-appointed rooms, a golf course, and a spa.

Have you visited Cloudcroft? What other things to do in Cloudcroft, New Mexico do you enjoy? Tell us what you love about this little town!

If you’re ready to explore more of New Mexico, take a look at these 7 incredible hiking trails.

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More to Explore

Towns In New Mexico

Leah | August 13, 2020

What is the most scenic town in New Mexico?

After visiting Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and seeing how scenic it is, here are some other scenic towns in New Mexico:

  • Cerrillos is so full of western charm that it was used as a movie location.
  • The town of Glenwood is nestled in the Gila National Forest, surrounded by beautiful, untouched landscapes.
  • Eagle Nest will give you great sights of the natural scenery around it as well as the buildings that make up the town being historically charming.

 

What are the most unique places in New Mexico?

Some of the most unique places in New Mexico include the following:

  • The largest amusement park in the state at Cliff's Amusement Park in Albuquerque.
  • Discover the mesmerizing, completely natural geological formations at the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.
  • The Very Large Array, out in the middle of nowhere, New Mexico, is the most advanced radio telescope array in the whole world, and can only be viewed here.

 

What are the friendliest towns in New Mexico?

Some of the friendliest towns in New Mexico include some of the lesser-known, dusty towns. In places so small that everyone knows everybody and a sense of nostalgia are always lingering, most residents are happy to welcome visitors and share their little slice of life. Towns like Pie Town are just begging to be visited. What's more friendly than being greeted with a delicious slice of homemade pie? Even though the town has less than 200 residents, the local cafes and restaurants are always baking delicious pies and they even have an annual pie festival to enjoy.

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Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA