The hike to Bridal Veil Falls via Salado Canyon is a nice, gradually climbing 2.3 roundtrip mile out-and-back hike that follows along a scenic canyon, tracing the path of the old Alamogordo & Sacramento Mountain Railway.
While there are shorter routes for those just looking for the quickest way to access the falls, this hike is probably the most picturesque way of reaching the falls.
Beginning at a small shoulder pullout along Fresnal Canyon Road where the trail heads down a short slope and meets with the railway bed. Here the trail heads either left (toward the Salado Canyon Trestle) or right toward the waterfall. The path sticks mostly to the old railway route, though a few sections have washed to the canyon below so bypasses must be used. This is a great way to view the colorful canyon and the echoing of the occasional on the road above will punctuate just how distant from everything you are. This trail is a couple thousand feet lower in elevation than the town of Cloudcroft, so the hike to the year round waterfall might be an option when other area trails are coolor or snowed in.
The trail passes a few interpretive signs and a couple gates before reaching some development built around the waterfall. Having been a stop for the tourist train that ran to Cloudcroft, the small stream and pool beneath the falls offers a spot to dip your feet on a hot day. Historical ruins sit across the streambed from the short canyon.
When done visiting, hikers can return the way they came.
There are also a few other trails in the area that can add some distance to your hike.
The parking area along the shoulder of the road is only large enough for maybe six vehicles. There are no amenities of any kind at the trailhead or along the hike.
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