Salado Canyon

The Salado Canyon hike is a 1.9 mile out and back hike that crosses the Salado Canyon Trestle along the old Alamogordo And Sacramento Mountain Railroad grade.

One of several trails in the High Rolls area just down the highway from Cloudcroft, the Salado Canyon hike starts at the small parking area along Fresnal Canyon Road and heads in a downstream direction when meeting with the old railroad grade route. Descending slightly along its course, the trail weaves around the landscape, circling back while offering views across the valley to the west. With elevated views of the wooden Salado Canyon Trestle from the beginning of the trail, the path eventually leads down to the span, where an interpretive sign offers insight into the railroad's history.

The hisotrical trestle is the most interesting part of the hike, along with the creek that flows beneath. Continuing down the trail, a couple washouts force small bypasses to remain on the railroad grade. The trail becomes progressively more rough as you proceed until the path becomes almost completely overgrown, which makes a natural turnaround point. 

Retrace your route back toward the trailhead. It's also possible to pass the trailhead fork and continue following the railroad grade upstream as it approaches Bridal Veil Falls.

There are about six parking spots along the side of the road. There are no amenities of any kind at the trailhead or along the hike.