Grandview Loop

The Grandview Loop is trail in the High Rolls area, a portion of which follows the former railroad grade for the Alamogordo And Sacramento Mountain Railway, with a payoff of reaching a shelter with epic panoramic views across the distant San Andres Mountains and White Sands National Monument.

This loop hike has two distinct sections - the first being the railroad grade portion which is wide with gradual slopes (except in a couple occasions where the railroad bed has been eroded and a short steep detour is needed), and the second being the rocky narrow single track that forms the loop portion.

With two trailheads, it is the western trailhead that has room for maybe three vehicles so this tends to be the more popular starting point than the eastern trailhead with only an extremely narrow spot on the shoulder of the winding road. The path follows the railroad grade before a sign marks the fork where the more narrow path veers off to complete the loop. Following the trail in a clockwise direction saves the views for last.

The rocky trail follows a somewhat technical course before reaching the other trailhead in just over a half mile. From here a short climb leads to the fork with the railroad grade, from which point the trail heads on a generally downhill trend before reaching the shelter. From this point a short downhill path leads back to the parking area.

Those looking for a short and quick walk to the overlook shelter can walk from the trailhead about a half mile straight to the point, and then retrace their route back.

There are no amenities or water at the trailhead or along the trail. Hikers can follow also access the High Rolls trails network from here, including tracing a longer route along the railroad grade to Bridal Veil Falls.

There is only enough parking for three vehicles, however these trails generally remain quiet.