Cloud-Climbing Trail

The Cloud-Climbing Trail is a loop path within the larger network of hiking trails in and around the Cloudcroft area. 

The 3.1 mile path descends into the forests along Mexican Canyon following portions of the former Alamogordo & Sacramento Mountain Railway route. Built originally to help transport timber from the wooded higher elevations down to the lower areas of New Mexico, a good portion of this hike benefits from the gradual uphill and downhill grades of the railway path. 

A portion of the trail overlaps with the Mexican Canyon Trestle hike, in fact, you can hike to the edge of the historic wooden trestle by only adding .6 miles in additional out-and-back distance. A fork from the trestle trail leads to additional switchbacks as the Cloud-Climbing trail descends to the gravelly route of the Old Cloudcroft Highway, which weaves back up before meeting back up with the railroad route. One final hairpin switchback and a mellow ascent opens up some impressive views of the landscape below and offers the chance to walk the Devil's Elbow, a narrow tight turn carved out of the rock along the railroad path.

This trail may be very crowded during peak season, however venturing further away from the easily accessible ruins will afford a bit more quiet. Overall, this is an enjoyable hike and well worth the effort to visit it.

The day use area charges a fee ($5 as of 2025) and is open from 8:30am through 5pm daily during peak season. Those expecting to be on the trails outside of these hours or during the offseason when the day use area remains closed can park at the Village Spur trailhead immediately before Cloudcroft and walk about a quarter mile to reach the trailhead.