Mexican Canyon Trestle Trail

The Mexican Canyon Trestle Trail might be the most visitor friendly hike in town for those looking for a 2 mile or so trail through Cloudcroft's mountainous forests and historical sites.

Beginning at the popular day use and public area, the trail accesses the Devil's Elbow Overlook - a deck standing atop a narrow turn carved out of the rock landscape immediately beneath for the construction of the Alamogordo & Sacramento Mountain Railway. From here the dirt trail descends, alternating between following the former trackbed path and veering onto other paths following the contour of the hillside while gradually descending toward the Mexican Canyon Trestle (also sometimes called the Cloud-Climbing Trestle). 

Other trestle ruins of the former timber and tourism railroad are passed along the way, and the path weaves beneath the trees. Benches and interpretive signs are posted along the way and just under a mile in, the trail forks with the Cloud-Climbing Trail. Eventually, the path comes to an end at a wooden deck beside the Mexican Canyon Trestle. Of the seven remaining trestles of the A&SM Railway, this is the most significant one, as well as the most visually appealing, occupying a curved path across the canyon slopes.

While a highway overlook offers a top down distant view of the trestle, this hike will lead immediately next to the scenic wooden structure. Originally built in 1899, the trestles originally helped the railroad access the mountainous landscape to access and transport timber. Following this, the railroad operated for another era transporting tourists to the mountain town of Cloudcroft. 

From the trestle, you can retrace your route to the trailhead and day use area or proceed deeper into the network of trails throughout the area.

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.