The Cloud-Climbing Trail – Alamogordo, New Mexico
Every hiker dreams about finding the challenging trail which will not only provide you with a beautiful place to climb but also offer you the challenges of different levels of difficulty. This trail offers you everything you could want. It is made up of about 10 miles of the old, abandoned Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad grade that runs from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft. Not all of the trails are completed yet, they hope to have 65 miles done to form a loop in the future.
The trails are open to the public. The sections are separately accessible and have different degrees of difficulty making it possible for anyone that wants to get out in nature to be able to find the perfect trail for their use. There are some that have easy walking at a grade of less than 6% to an eight mile loop that consists of an elevation change of about 1,000 feet and a few steep slopes. You can get any level of workout you desire on these trails.
While you are hiking you will be able to see 100 year-old wooden railroad trestles and culverts, impressive geologic formations, running streams, and five climatic and vegetation zones, rising from Chihauhaun desert to a sub-alpine landscape. Most of the rail trail sections have shelters, benches, and large interpretive, educational signs that explain the main features of the area. The Cloud-Climbing Rail Trail begins as the Trestle Trail in the Trestle Recreation Area in Cloudcroft. From there, it winds upward through crisp firs and pines, making way for breathtaking panoramic views. The White Sands dunes glisten in the sun 30 miles away and even farther away, the sun sets spectacularly against the San Andreas Mountains. This trail also offers stunning views of the two most prominent trestles: "S" Trestle which is 338 feet long and 30 feet high; and the Mexican Canyon Trestle at 323 feet long and 60 feet above the canyon floor.
The sounds of the fire breathing, smoke-belching steam locomotives no longer run on the rails in this area in the Sacramento Mountains. Now you can hike them instead and see the beauty of the area on foot. The New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association is transforming the right-of-way into a place for you to truly enjoy the experience of being outdoors with the beautiful scenery and panoramic views made available by their dedicated work.
This area is perfect for hiking, mountain-bikers and cross-county skiers. In some places, the trail offers barrier-free access. One of them is the Trestle Trail where trail markers identify plants and tress along the way. Although most of this trail is moderately easy there is a section that descends into the canyon which is steep and offers a rewarding challenge.
The trails run 20 miles in length. The altitude change is from 8650 feet at the Trestle Recreation Area to 7680 feet at the bridge for those that are taking the mountain bike trails. Once you enter the trail turn right almost immediately onto the Village Spur trail (5001A), which leads to 5001; at this point, it is on an old railroad bed. Turn right on the railroad bed. Now you will see the spectacular views of White Sands National Monument, the Tularosa Basin, and the San Andres Mountains. After you make the turn through the Devil’s Elbow, you will see on your left the remains of the Trestle. Continue on 5001, which will soon leave the railroad bed and plunge into a canyon thick with old growth forest. At the bottom of the canyon go left on 5001C. (If you want to visit the Mexican Canyon Trestle, don’t take the left turn yet; continue on 5001 up the other side of the canyon, back on the railroad bed and out to the overlook, and return by the same route.) 5001C goes down the canyon until it meets 5002, the Old Road. Continue down the canyon on 5002 until you come to the bridge over 82. (You will pass an intersection with 5004; this is where you will return to 5002. After you cross the bridge you will be on the Switchback Trail, 5004. When you come to the railroad grade, turn right. (Turning left will take you a little way down the grade to a shelter containing pictures and descriptions of the switchback.) The grade, and the trails that lead through the canyons that once held trestles, will bring you to Bailey Canyon Road, which is a gravel forest road. Turn right, and almost at once turn left on the signed 5004 trail that takes you down a canyon and under Highway 82. Follow the trail until you come back to 5002 (the Old Road). Ride up the canyon. When you come to 5001C, don’t take it – instead, bear right and stay on the Old Road until it intersects the railroad bed (5001) just a few feet past the Village Spur Trail (5001A). Look to your left; you will see the signs. Take the Village Spur Trail back to the parking lot where you started. The Trestle Recreation Area has restrooms, picnic tables, an overlook and interpretive signs. This ride will be one you will remember for a lifetime. It is an awesome ride.
Not only is this a beautiful place to be in the spring, summer and fall but in the winter the snow covers the land making it truly a winter wonderland. Get your cross-country skies out and enjoy nature in it’s most pristine, quite environment.
Stop at the Alamogordo Chamber and pick up a map of the area so you will know where you want to start and finish. You will love the adventure.
Related posts:
About Editor