Sitting at an incredible 2700 meters up in the Sacramento Mountains, Cloudcroft truly is “9000 feet above stress level,” as the town moniker goes.

Calm during the summer months and breathtaking in the winter snow, this mountain town in New Mexico has been a find for the ages.

This region, with its high mountains and miles of forest cover, is a prime tourist destination. Visitors can explore kitschy local art and food at the unique shops on Burro Street Exchange in town or try their hand at activities like biking, hiking, or even simply walking up the gorgeous Osha forest trail.

During the winter months, the mountain around Cloudcroft, New Mexico, comes alive- with the snow arrives, visitors search for the mountain’s snow-blanketed skiing trails.

Ice skating at the Cloudcroft Ice Rink is another activity people enjoy when visiting this stunning area of New Mexico.

History of Cloudcroft, New Mexico

As a century-old pioneer village, Cloudcroft enjoys a long and rich history.

The Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad, part of the wider El Paso and National Railroad, once ran through the land, bringing tourists in search of scenery to the region and transporting timber from the lumber-rich mountain forest to the commercial centers down below.

The train also worked to connect this scenic area to the bustling frontier town of Alamogordo till the year 1948, when the service was discontinued. Today, the Mexican Canyon Trestle high up in the Cloudcroft mountainside stands as a reminder of the land’s rich history.

The present Lodge Resort and Spa is another unique site that bears the marker of this pioneering past.

This building was initially constructed for tourism, to house people who rode up to Cloudcroft to explore its unparalleled natural beauty.

Today, tourism is the primary driver of commerce in this New Mexico town. With a wide array of outdoor activities like hiking and biking, coupled with charming little kiosks at the center of the city to explore, Cloudcroft has always been a popular vacation spot.

Based on the quality of basic amenities like food and lodging and added facilities like shops and restaurants, here is a list of the best hotels in the area to stay in.

If this town happens to be your next holiday destination, with the family or your group of friends, be sure to hit these places for the best Cloudcroft experience.

Tourists Love Cultural Heritage and Old Buildings: Expert Insights

Kyle Kroeger, the Founder and CEO of ViaTravelers, suggests the importance of cultural heritage and old buildings to enhance Cloudcroft’s natural beauty:

“Preserving and celebrating the historical aspects of a place is like preserving its soul.

Imagine you’re visiting an old town, and you see beautiful old buildings, cobblestone streets, and monuments that have been there for centuries.

You feel like you’re stepping back in time! It’s this feeling of connection to the past that gives a place its unique charm and attracts tourists.

Plus, who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned story? Every historical site has a tale to tell, and these stories enrich our travel experiences, making our trip memorable.

You get to connect with the locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the place you’re visiting.

It’s not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture and heritage of a place.

Moreover, preserving historical aspects also helps to maintain a sense of identity and pride among the locals. It gives them a sense of belonging and reminds them of their heritage.

When tourists appreciate [the history and culture of a place], it [creates a positive impact on] the community, boosting their self-esteem and promoting cultural exchange.”

1. The Lodge Resort and Spa At Cloudcroft

Founded way back in 1899, The Lodge has always been a popular vacation spot.

In the mid 20th century, the village of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, grew to be a well-known tourism destination, and The Lodge was used to accommodate these tourists who flocked here to enjoy skiing, biking, and other exciting outdoor things this scenic mountain provided for.

The inn has had a long life, being burnt down at least thrice in its lifetime. However, it continues to stand tall and remains a popular vacation destination.

Among other things, people usually come to this resort for its colorful past (Clark Gable and Judy Garland were past guests at this hotel!), but they stay for its welcoming ambiance and delicious food.

Today, the resort also houses one of the best restaurants around, Rebecca’s at The Lodge, offering excellent service, combined with a rich menu that you and your family are sure to enjoy.

Address

601 Corona Place,

Cloudcroft, NM 88317

Tel: 575-682-2566

Highlights

Golf Course at 9000 feet

The Lodge Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses in the country.

Standing at 9000 feet above sea level, the park, featured prominently on the hotel website, regularly hosts tournaments and other group golf events.

Rebecca the Friendly Ghost

People who visit The Lodge at Cloudcroft, New Mexico, may also chance upon Rebecca.

And in case you are wondering, Rebecca is The Lodge’s poltergeist!

Even the hotel restaurant, Rebecca’s at The Lodge, is named for the friendly ghost, whom many claims to be the spirit of a young, fun-loving chambermaid from back in the day.

2. The Crofting Inn Bread and Breakfast

The Crofting Inn in Cloudcroft serves that cozy, comfortable Christmas vibe all year round, with its warm country-style barn aesthetic.

Located within Lincon National Forest, this inn combines rustic western charm with modern facilities like high-speed wi-fi and parking on the premises for people who visit.

As for the food, this B&B includes a complimentary home-cooked breakfast for those who stay a night.

The Osha Trail, one of Cloudcroft’s well-known hiking trails, is located nearby for those looking for some outdoor fun and can be followed up to the Mexican Canyon Trestle.

However, if a day out in the forest park is not up to your taste, Cloudcroft’s main commercial center, Burro Street, lies in the opposite direction, full of quirky shops and restaurants to explore.

Address

 300 Swallow Pl,

Cloudcroft, NM 88317

Tel: +1 575-682-3604

Highlights

Mad Jack’s

Mad Jack’s is one of the many great restaurants in the vicinity serving mouth-watering food and is famed all over the area for its delicious Texas-style brisket and barbeque.

Plus, its Mac and Cheese is undoubtedly the cheesiest and the most delicious in the whole of Cloudcroft.

Do visit!

3. Burro Street Boarding House

This one is right out of an old western flick. As the official website itself states, this Cloudcroft Boardinghouse seeks to “recapture the almost forgotten tradition of the boardinghouse.”

With its porch overlooking the busy town and the famed Burro Avenue, its kitschy shops like the Cloudcroft Trading Post, selling local arts and crafts, this place is an excellent lodging choice when in Cloudcroft.

Meanwhile, if it’s picking season, you can even head out to the nearby Nichols Ranch and Orchards to pick some delicious apples and cherries with the family.

An increasingly popular vacation spot, the setting of this place is reminiscent of old western films, adding up to an unforgettable experience for those who decide to stay here.

Address

608 Burro Avenue

P.O. Box 462

Cloudcroft, NM 88317

Tel: 575.682.3601 – 575.551.2468

E-mail: Linda@cloudcroftbnb.com

Highlights

Noisy Water Winery

Noisy Water Winery is one of those rare finds that you happen to stumble upon by chance.

Located on Cloudcroft’s busy Burro Avenue, this winery produces wines and cider from locally sourced New Mexico fruit.

People love the variety this place offers, with wines varying from sweet to dry, whites to reds, rosé, sparkling, and even specialty wines like the fruity, chili-infused, Besito Caliente Green Chile Wine winner of numerous state fair awards.

It’s not only the great selection of wines that people are bowled over when they visit this place, but the staff here are also famously hospitable, and their wine tours are much raved over by customers.

Head to the official website at www.noisywaterwinery.com to browse the different categories of wines, ciders, and beers available for purchase.

You will not be disappointed.

4. Summit Inn and Cottages, Cloudcroft, NM

The Summit is all about simple, fuss-free living.

While the amenities provided by the inn are not very fancy, the modest, clean, and simple feel of the place is very refreshing.

You can choose between a hotel room or a personal cabin to stay in. In addition to its simple charm, the inn’s proximity to the hiking range makes this spot more popular with hikers rather than people simply on vacation.

Hikers will undoubtedly appreciate the healthy meals and comfortable lodging at this Cloudcroft Inn after a long day of trekking.

There is also a designated picnic ground within the campus, with a barbecue for your grilling needs.

Additionally, free parking at the spacious inn car park means that you never have to worry about the safety of your car when hiking up the beautiful slopes.

Address

103 Chipmunk Ave.

P.O. Box 62,

Cloudcroft, NM

Tel: 00 1 844-218-7484

Highlights

The Sacramento Mountains Museum and Pioneer Village

Just a 15-minute walk from the inn is the Sacramento Museum. This place is known for depicting the formation of the settler’s camp of Cloudcroft, complete with a model old west village with an old log cabin and other ranch exhibits showcasing the hard life of farming in the Wild West.

The photo gallery at the museum is exhaustive and detailed, meticulously tracing the growth of Cloudcroft -its humble beginnings as a small mountain village to the charming place it is today- all through a sequence of old photographs.

The place also regularly hosts exhibits and events, from lectures on the flora and fauna of New Mexico and neighboring Texas to food and music festivals promoting the arts in Cloudcroft.

Head there to get a feel of the ripe history of this little village.

The compound is even available to rent for private functions and events. Just head to the official website at www.cloudcroftmuseum.com for more details.

Cloudcroft: 118 Years and Counting

What makes Cloudcroft, New Mexico, so remarkable is that it has lost not one ounce of its charm despite its many years as a famed tourism spot.

Without good reason, then, it is not that this century-old community continues to thrive so well even into the 21st century.

The shops downtown, Higher Altitude, and Rustic Essentials of Cloudcroft, to name a few, provide the opportunity to shop local souvenirs to take back home.

Meanwhile, to promote the arts in Cloudcroft, the Sacramento Mountains Museum and local bodies like the Cloudcroft Light Opera Company organize festivals and other local events during the summer months.

Nature’s Influence: How Cloudcroft, NM’s Outdoor Oasis Captivates Tourists, According to Travel Influencer

Rachit Jawa, a Travel Influencer and Co-Founder of MiscGyan, attests how Cloudcroft’s natural landscape and outdoor activities significantly impact its popularity among tourists:

“As a Travel Influencer, I can attest that a destination’s natural landscape and outdoor activities significantly impact its popularity among tourists, especially in a place like Cloudcroft, NM. Here are a few reasons:

• Diverse Content for Social Media: The varied natural landscape of Cloudcroft, from the lush trails of the Osha Trail to the snowy slopes for skiing, offers endless opportunities for creating engaging and visually stunning content.

As an influencer, capturing these moments and sharing them with my audience [not only] promotes the destination but also showcases the diverse experiences available.

This kind of content [tends to attract] a wide audience and inspires them to visit and create their own memories.

• Appeal to Adventure Seekers and Nature Lovers: The presence of outdoor activities like hiking and skiing naturally attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

These activities provide an escape from the daily grind and an opportunity to connect with nature, which is increasingly appealing in today’s digital world.

By highlighting these experiences, I can tap into the growing trend of eco-tourism and wellness travel.

• Seasonal Variety Attracts Year-Round Tourism: Cloudcroft’s ability to offer distinct outdoor experiences in different seasons – hiking in summer and spring, skiing in winter – ensures a steady flow of tourists year-round.

This seasonal variety [not only] keeps the content fresh and appealing but also showcases the destination’s versatility, attracting different types of travelers.

• Authentic Experiences Over Tourist Traps: Today’s travelers [are increasingly] seeking authentic experiences over typical tourist attractions.

The natural landscapes and outdoor activities of Cloudcroft provide just that – authentic, immersive experiences that allow tourists to truly experience the local environment and culture.

As an influencer, promoting these authentic experiences aligns with the desires of my audience and adds credibility to my recommendations.”

Closing Thoughts

The vacation destination truly ticks off every category in the box- during summer, there are things like biking and hiking up the mountain trail. At the same time, this place becomes a prime skiing site in the winter months, with a large inflow of tourists into town. And its history is even more interesting! Its museum is filled with memorabilia of its unique mountain community and Lincoln National Forest.

mexico’s high country playground

This much is accurate, and one cannot run out of exciting things to do when in Cloudcroft.

So, what are waiting for? Visit today!

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Rajeshwari_Das