When a destination is charming enough, even a day trip can feel like a mini-vacation. That’s certainly the case with Cloudcroft. This town of 674 people is in the Lincoln National Forest, 8600 feet above sea level. The scenery is beautiful year round, but especially in fall. Go see for yourself!

This small town has character to spare. The vibe is Old West meets mountain town.

Wikimedia Commons/Edward Jackson

Stroll between the quaint stores. Stock up on candles and soaps at Cricklewood and Company…

Yelp/Rob R. Address: 505 Burro Avenue # 104, Cloudcroft.

…Or browse through the eclectic selection of art at Off The Beaten Path, which showcases the work of many New Mexico creators.

Yelp/Francois A. Address: 100 Glorietta Avenue, Cloudcroft.

Hiking is one of Cloudcroft’s big draws. The area surrounding the town is simply stunning, especially in fall.

Flickr/Dennis Behm

One of the more unique trails is the Cloud-climbing Trestle Trail. This 1.2-mile, easy to moderate hike, leads to a viewing station overlooking the Mexican Canyon Trestle.

Flickr/Luke Jones The trailhead is at the junction of US-82 and NM-130 in Cloudcroft.

The bridge, which is 323 feet across, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Alamogordo & Sacramento Mountain Railroad once ran through Cloudcroft and trains would cross this bridge. For more info.

Flickr/Marko Forsten

The Rim Trail is another forest hike that rewards you with great views. It’s popular with mountain bikers.

Flickr/Samat Jain This path is 31 miles long and you can explore as much or as little of this ridge trail as you’d like. The trailhead is #105 and it’s off NM-130.

Soak in the scenery along the Sunspot Scenic Byway, which connects Cloudcroft to Sunspot. This drive meanders for 17 miles along NM-6563 through the Sacramento Mountains.

Flickr/Samat Jain

It affords panoramic views of the Tularosa Basin and terminates at an observatory – visitors are welcome to wander around the observatory’s grounds.

Flickr/Samat Jain

Return to Cloudcroft and unwind at Noisy Waters Winery. Enjoy a tasting of green chile wine and peruse locally-made, gourmet food.

Facebook/Noisy Water Winery Cloudcroft Address: 505 Burro Avenue, Cloudcroft.

For a casual yet delicious meal, dine at Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue. If you’re hungry after hiking, order the massive DINO ribs, or else sample the brisket.

Facebook/MAD Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue Address: 105 James Canyon Highway, Cloudcroft.

Alternatively, Rebecca’s Restaurant at The Lodge offers a fine dining menu. The brunch here is also yummy. The restaurant is named after the ghost of a slain chambermaid who is said to haunt the hotel – her picture hangs in the restaurant.

Yelp/Angela F.W. Address: 601 Corona Place, Cloudcroft.

If you’d like to extend your visit beyond a day trip, history buffs and paranormal fans will enjoy a stay at The Lodge. For a more intimate retreat, rent one of the Cabins at Cloudcroft.

Wikimedia Commons/Edward Jackson

Yelp/Rob R.

Address: 505 Burro Avenue # 104, Cloudcroft.

Yelp/Francois A.

Address: 100 Glorietta Avenue, Cloudcroft.

Flickr/Dennis Behm

Flickr/Luke Jones

The trailhead is at the junction of US-82 and NM-130 in Cloudcroft.

Flickr/Marko Forsten

Flickr/Samat Jain

This path is 31 miles long and you can explore as much or as little of this ridge trail as you’d like. The trailhead is #105 and it’s off NM-130.

Facebook/Noisy Water Winery Cloudcroft

Address: 505 Burro Avenue, Cloudcroft.

Facebook/MAD Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue

Address: 105 James Canyon Highway, Cloudcroft.

Yelp/Angela F.W.

Address: 601 Corona Place, Cloudcroft.

Have you been to Cloudcroft?

What New Mexico small town do you consider most charming?

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