What to do and see in Cloudcroft, New Mexico (NM): The Best Free Things to do

May 3, 2022 Velvet Champine

Cloudcroft is a village in Otero County, New Mexico, and is within the Lincoln National Forest. The population was 674 at the 2010 census. Despite being located in an otherwise arid region, its extremely high elevation (8,600 feet (2,600 m); one of the highest in the U.S.) allows for a relatively mild summer that makes it a popular tourist attraction in West Texas and New Mexico. It was named by Fodor's in 2002 as the Number 3 "Most Overlooked and Underrated Destination Spot." Tourism remains the primary economic driver of the village.
Restaurants in Cloudcroft

1. Off the Beaten Path

100 Glorietta Ave, Cloudcroft, NM 88317 +1 575-682-7284 [email protected] http://www.offthebeatenpathstuff.com/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Off the Beaten Path

2. Osha Trail

Us Hwy 82 Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft, NM http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lincoln/recreation/horseriding-camping/recarea/?recid=34384&actid=104
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Osha Trail

Reviewed By lisajaneye - Arlington, United States

We hiked this yesterday with 2 teenagers and had a great time. Because of the recent snow there were long stretches of icy/muddy trails, but it was passable. Hiking boots are a must for the next few days.

3. New Mexico Rails-to-Trails

4 Lost Lodge Rd, Cloudcroft, NM http://nmrta.wordpress.com/home-3/
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

New Mexico Rails-to-Trails

Reviewed By bhorton417 - Mayhill, United States

Super view of the history of this area. Tells the development of the area at the turn of the century. Interesting for sure. Explains the origin of the village area.

4. Trestle Recreation Area

Village of Cloudcroft, Cloudcroft, NM 88317 +1 575-434-7200 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lincoln/recarea/?recid=34242
Excellent
53%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Trestle Recreation Area

Reviewed By IndySig - Indianapolis, United States

The Trestle area has a wonderfully maintained restroom facility and trails in this area. They have a camp host at the trailhead that has been hosting for the last six years. The place is so clean and the trails are beautiful.

5. Rim Trail

Cloudcroft, NM
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Rim Trail

6. Bluff Springs

Rio Penasco Rd County road C017, Cloudcroft, NM http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lincoln/recarea/?recid=40310
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Bluff Springs

Reviewed By 532deeh - Cloudcroft, United States

Be careful on the gravel road. Lots of water covered pot holes. Some areas it’s narrow and only one vehicle can go through. It’s worth the trip. Saw a flock of turkeys and a herd of wild horses. There was a wedding going on at the springs so there was more traffic than normal. The waterfall was flowing but not a large amt because it was in the autumn and water table was down, but still a beautiful trip. We love Cloudcroft in the autumn with the aspens colors.

7. Noisy Water Winery

505 Burro Ave Unit 105, Cloudcroft, NM +1 575-682-6610 https://www.facebook.com/Noisywaterwinerycloudcroft
Excellent
71%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Noisy Water Winery

Reviewed By lucretiac2017 - Spicewood, United States

Great stop to enjoy an expansive selection of wines - some were very good! The best deal was the cheese plate - generous servings of a nice selection of house made cheeses with crackers. We also took home some infused cooking oils. Super friendly staff.

8. State Route 244

103-199 New Mexico 244, Cloudcroft, NM 88317
Excellent
65%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

State Route 244

Reviewed By Jump007 - Waco, United States

Beautiful and calm drive through the woods. You can see plenty of wildlife. We generally see more wild mustangs out there. We have seen a few elk and a lot of deer. Really nice drive from Ruidoso to Cloudcroft via hwy 244. You will not be disappointed on this drive if you love getting off the beaten track!

9. The Burro Street Exchange

505 Burro Avenue, Cloudcroft, NM 88317 +1 575-682-4999 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/BurroStreetExchange/info/?tab=page_info
Excellent
40%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 25 reviews

The Burro Street Exchange

A Unique "Must Stop" shopping experience with a mix of retail shops, eateries and professional offices reflecting the "Old West" ambiance of the Village of Cloudcroft, NM. Stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the quaint shops featuring: Old Barrel Tea Company, Cloudcroft Trading Post, Mountaintop Candle Shop, Noisy Water Winery, Burro Street Bakery, Tree Top Teez & ATV rental, Redwall Jewelry, ATELIER Art of Hair studio, Mountain Top Accounting, Blue Water Real Estate, LePree’s Global Comfort Food, Imaginary Books & Collectibles, and Mountain Monthly Newspaper.

Reviewed By snoopyck64 - Louisiana, United States

I love going here and never know what to expect each time. I always find some of the most interesting stuff here.

10. Turquoise Shop

507 Burro Avenue, Cloudcroft, NM 88317 +1 575-682-3327
Excellent
44%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 9 reviews

Turquoise Shop

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.