Pines Campground Loop

The Pines Campground Loop is a 2.3 mile trail that travels from the popular Pines Campground area to the residential outskirts of Cloudcroft to the town's helicopter landing field and back into the area's forested terrain before completing the loop back at the campground.

The trail leaves the campground and immediately begins climbing on rock and dirt single track, as it weaves throughout a landscape just downhill from an industrial building. The trail meanders through the forest, however its proximity to Cloudcroft means that it never completely escapes the sight or sound of roads and buildings. Residential homes, a disc golf course, a helicopter land field - this trail offers a mix of forest and a feel for the town as it makes a large circle around a hilltop before descending back toward the campground.

The Pines Campground Loop overlaps in portions with the area's larger network of hiking trails - including the North Pines Loop and the Osha Trail. A little pre-planning and navigation can allow trail users to modify their hike and add in some other trail segments throughout this area.

The trailhead is signed as the Pines South Trailhead inside the campground. Parking in the campground requires a day use fee. Pines Campground is closed seasonally. Alternative parking is located at the Cloudcroft Disc Golf Course parking area at 230 Mescalero Ave, Mayhill, NM 88339.