You’ll Want To Plan Your Visit To The Highest Town In New Mexico As Soon As Possible

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.

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.

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.

This little winery has won just about every imaginable award for its wines.

Visit Burro Street Bakery for a slice of the legendary Cloudcroft Pie.

The apples that grow here are extraordinary - sweet and crisp. Put 'em in a pie and you've found pure heaven.

Check out the historic Mexican Canyon Trestle at the scenic vista just northwest of Cloudcroft, the highest town in New Mexico.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.