New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Reviews

Lots of trail options. Good maps, interesting scenery. I appreciated the chance to get out of the low lands and move around where it was cooler. Best to study the parking options and forest area rec sites first, to have a solid idea of where to start, take breaks etc.

Nice picture opportunity and interesting information on the establishment of the railroad in that area. Nice, well kept and definitely worth stopping by for some nice pictures.

This trestle is very interesting--offers some unique photos and is a reminder of the old train service which once served Cloudcroft. There is a pull-off on the main road where you can see the trestle nicely. There is also a park and trail associated with it (just off the main road) where you can hike to the trestle.

We did the salado canyon trail that starts in high rolls. We hiked to where we could see the trestle, but did not hike down to it. We used the salado canyon trail to actually hike to the bridal veil falls because it was a mile shorter (3 miles round trip as opposed to 4.) The hike follows the stream coming from the falls for most of the hike. The trail head is kind of in the middle of nowhere but it is accurately described on the map and marked with signs along the way. Only 3 parking spots at the trail head. Trail is well marked with signs periodically. Beautiful views. Not much shade. Hot during the summer, but not unbearable. Nice little water fall. Nothing big, but pretty, and can dip your hands and feet in. Also a covered gazebo at the waterfall to rest and get some shade. No bathrooms. Appropriate for families. Not difficult. :)

Wow! This is a great trail. They are clearly marked, and have several lookouts. The views are just beautiful. You get to have a fun hike while learning about history. It was rainy and a storm was coming in, but we had an enjoyable time. If you don't want to walk all the way to the outlook to check out the amazing Mexican Canyon Trestle, be sure you drive to it when you get back to your car. It's awesome!

We accidentally found this place and got to it too late in the day to make the hike. We came back earlier in the day and made it, after taking the wrong trail.

Rails to Trails is a volunteer organization that works in cooperation with other organizations such as the National Forest Service to adapt old railroad right-of-ways into scenic trails. In the Sacrameto Mtns. of New Mexico they have done amazing work clearing trails and renovating old railroad trestles along the path of the old Cloudcroft to Alamogordo railroad. My favorite is the Mexican Canyon Trestle Trail that takes off from the Trestle Recreation Area in Cloudcroft. It's a couple of miles long round trip and it takes you to and overlook of the impressive renovated trestle across Mexican Canyon. Nearby Switchback trail is also interesting and farther down the mountain is Grandview Trail. If you're in Cloudcroft or nearby Alamogordo, I would recommend taking a half-day or day to hike one or two of these trails.

This trail offers a fairly easy walking path with fantastic views of the White Sands desert and Alamorgordo, NM. Several stopping points along the trail to take in the views. If you stay on the trail long enough you will come to the train trestle which also offers a great view of the area, T?here is also a small stream that was bubbling along when we were visiting. Several branches to explore which can add to the intensity of the hike. If you look carefully you may even locate some fossils.

This hike is a short distance from Cloudcroft, well marked with the historical details of the railroad trellis system. The Lincoln Forest walk was beautiful as we climbed about 800 feet elevation for a 3 mile loop trail. The vistas of White Sands National Monument from the trail were spectacular.

This is pleasant, but moderately challenging 1 mile trail from the Overlook to the Mexican Canyon Trestle. Not suitable for people with walking limitations.

This old Trestle is from a by-gone age reflecting the hard work and dedication to get the logs off of the Sacramento Mountain top to the mill. The trail itself is a moderate challenge because of the altitude. The village of Cloudcroft is just above the Trestle Trail and is now rated at #4 best small town to visit in the United States. Also an excellent place to view the fall colors.

Easy to moderate hiking close to town; enjoyed seeing a bit of the old railroad. Lots of parking at the railhead and easy to follow maps for those less experienced trail walkers.

We loved this FREE park, which was conveniently located just off of the main road in Cloudcroft. It was perfect for my kids (age 4+). There is a large, paved, looped parking lot with lots of shaded picnic areas scattered about. The hiking path was well-cleared with moderate hills. There was a very short looped hike from the parking lot, out to a look out point, and along a very scenic trail back to the parking lot. Also, a little longer hike to the old train trestle. Clean restrooms on-site. Spoke to the on-site caretaker - he was very friendly and helpful. With so many families and tourists on the trail, I felt safe being alone with my two kids.

The kids were esp. interested in learning about the "haunted train" that can be "heard" twice a day. Fun!

We took the Cloud Climbing Rail Trail out to the Mexico Canyon Trestle. It's about a 3 mile round trip hike. The hike itself is light to light moderate.

From the highway, you can see the Mexico Canyon Trestle remnants. We wanted to see it up close. And it did not disappoint.

Have to say though, we hike pretty regularly, and the signage was not very clear. Signs would point left and right when there were two trails that pointed to the left. The verbiage was unclear too. There was at least one instance where a sign said we had .5 miles left, then, a quarter mile later, another one said we STILL had .5 mile. Grab a free map from the Recreation Area. The signs will NOT be helpful.

This is definitely a trail you don't want to miss ! The view of the remaining trestle will take your breath away.

I almost always go to the trestle trail when I am in the area. We usually pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery. It doesn't matter how many times you go, it is always fun. Hiking can be a little difficult at almost 9000ft, but it is worth it.

The walk from the Cloudcroft entry to the trails toward the rim and toward the trestle are easy access and not to steep for my aged condition. The view is simply awesome and inspiring.

Super nice trails to walk , we went as a family with a baby and really enjoyed ourselves as . The views at each lookout point were amazing !

We happened on this awesome vista as we were driving by. So glad we stopped. There is some informational plaques and great photo opportunities. It was a crystal clear day and we could see all the way to white sands. The trellis is very cool and the catwalk that goes out over the canyon edge was a unique touch and was fun for the kids once they got brave enough to venture out on it. Very much worth the 20 minute stop

This is a good, one mile + trail, well-marked through a pine and aspen forest to a beautiful old railway bridge. It's a moderately difficult trek (for lowlanders unused to the 9,000 ft elevation) and a great way to spend the morning. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water!

The wooden structure is a marvel of oily darkened beams. It really takes you back in time. You can see the structure from the main highway from a lookout, but if you have a couple of hours I really recommend the hike into the woods that ends at the Rail bridge. It is so green and beautiful and then it opens up suddenly into the huge wooden structure.

This is a wonderful hike, but be aware it goes down, down, down and comes up, up, back, so be prepared with lots of water and be prepared for the hike back up to the car.

This place has great views of Alamogordo and more. REMEMBER the turn off is easy going up the mountain but very hard and busy coming down the mountain! Stop get out let the kids run, also there is seating and fun facts about trains

Look for the pull off just after mm14 when heading from Cloudcroft to Alamagordo, the pull off is to your left and it is difficult to see the small sign. We enjoyed reading the signs and listening to the wind blowing through the trees. Great view of the trestle bridge and White Sands in the distance.

We live in Cloudcroft and really enjoy our local trails. They are well maintained. and the vistas are amazing.

Good trails with interesting options. Medium difficulty with great scenery. Make sure and visit ranger station for info.

The Vista lookout nearby allows you to see the re-built Mexican Canyon Trestle to the east as well as White Sands National Park to the west through the Mexican Canyon. The view is ever changing depending on the weather.

I hike this 3-5 times a week every season but winter.
if you get out early, it's not unusual to see deer or elk and it has a great view a few hundred yards above the Muchachita st parking lot. Too icy in the winter, but if you access the trail from the village via Osha Trail st, behind Remax, you'll have a fairly level 2 mile hike to the Pines Campground. This is my favorite trail in the village area.

On the main road between Alamogordo and Cloudcroft, just outside Cloudcroft is a stop-off that overlooks the Trestle with a number of descriptive panels. There down below us is the Trestle. But, there’s no trail to it from this side. On the other end of the Trestle, there’s a trail ending in an overlook of the Trestle. But no access to the Trestle itself. They had had a surprising amount of snow and we thought it better not to try to hike on a snow covered trail. So, the best we could do is to have a look at the Trestle. But not hike on it. Either way, the Trestle is pretty amazing.

Oh, by the way, if you plan to stop off at the Trestle, before you go, do some research on the Web. There's a great history of the railroad going into the mountains first for timbering. Then for tourism. The story is quite interesting.

This place is awesome we walk a long trail sorround it of nature , birds singing pinewood smell and you even can make a bomb fire in the middle of the woods in a recreational park....in other words this place is little paradice if you like woods!!!

We hiked to the overview of the Mexican trestle and back to the trailhead. Round trip hike was about 2.5 miles and took us a little over an hour. (50 somethings from sea level) Some up and downs but anybody in reasonable shape can do this hike. Pretty overlooks of valley, broken down S trestle, railroad cuts through the rock and the impressive view of the Mexican trestle. Trail is wide and well-maintained. Maps available at trailhead and there is good signage on trail. If you are in Cloudcroft, do this hike!

Easy to access, and great trail markers! I never know where I am going, but their trails were identified so well I was never at a loss where i was or what I was doing. Of course, the hike was spectacular, with views of several old trestle bridges, which is what they are 'famous' for here. The trails range from easy to difficult, so pick your level. Take water and enjoy the beauty.

Why would you spend energy and money installing a chain link fence on a converted rail on the Mexican Canyon Trestle Trail?

We hiked multi Le trails out of Cloudcroft last year and were so impressed with the trails and the amenities that the RtT program supports.

We love the trails around the old Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle. We usually hike there at least once a year. There are trails for all levels of hikers. I would really recommend hiking here.

It's right off the road, and it's worth pulling off and snapping a few shots for 5 minutes. Views of White Sands also.

We were staying in Alamogordo and decided to explore Cloudcroft area. Trails are well marked at the trailheads and along the routes. We hiked in snow and ice when in shade so glad we brought walking sticks and wore good boots. Saw a half dozen deer, birds. Lovely woods. Celebrated the morning hikes with coffee and blueberry pie in town.

Saw this from the off road parking and then decided to do the hike to get to the other side which is closer.
It is a good hike, I like little, the elevation is high here and there are some long bouts of up hill but it is a good hike and work it in the end.

Really cool to see this old trestle bridge and read about the logging cars. Scary!!!! I enjoyed seeing this a lot.

Beautiful trail! Excellent descriptions of the history behind the now abandoned railroad. There is an equally beautiful trail detouring around the private property blockage, so you need not miss anything (although the detour trail is strenuous in spots, which can be a challenge for those not accustomed to the 8K ft+ altitude.

Very nice and easy walk to some trestles and also a waterfall which is rare in these mountains. Best walked in the mornings during the summer.

Forest and desert. If you love to hike, then you will like these trails. I was suprised that there is so much to see in New Mexico.

The hike has a few strenuous portions, partial ups and downs, and the best part on the old rail road bed. The trestle and view at the end is great. Myself and my wife are in our late 60's; so if we can do, just about anyone can.👍

nice high altitude picnic and hiking area !
we have hiked the The Tressel Trail many times its a nice little hike, lots of woods, wildlife, views, etc. we have had several cook outs here , this is a nice place to spend the day outside with family, friends, or just buy your self,
its also a great place to get out of the heat in the summer !

I’ve been coming here for over 20 years, it offers wonderful hiking trails and stunning views. When my husband and I decided to get married we chose the trestle overlook off the road. Definitely a place to stop and experience the views and read up on the history of the railroad.

Amazing hike! Beautiful fall colors this week. Hike was moderate. We had ages ranging from 10 to 72 and we all made it just fine. A definite must do if you’re in town and have 2-3 hours to explore and enjoy being outside.

My dad was very impressed with this roadside stop. The kids couldn't care less so we didn't stay very long at all. It's pretty but I would go out of my way to see it.

Several years ago, local people raised money to restore the decaying railroad trestle bridge known as the Mexican Trestle, and build an informational pull off and overlook. Beautifully done signs with lots of information and excellent old-time photos of the lumber/tourist railroad which ran up steep grades, around very sharp curves, and across many trestles, to Cloudcroft from Alamogordo from the late 1800's until the 1940's. Fascinating reading for rail buffs or anyone interested in history. Closer to Cloudcroft, a trail begins and winds through the mountain forest to reach the end of the trestle opposite this new viewpoint. Along the trail are ruins of some of the other trestles the railroad crossed in those long-ago times. This is a great place to stop and marvel at what life would have been like for loggers and tourists in an amazing era of American history. I highly recommend this place.

Cloudcroft exists because a 19th railroad needed lumber to make ties. So they built a spur up the side of the mountain to bring logs down to a sawmill. Entrepreneurs also used the spur for sightseers to ride up to the forest and the pines. You can't walk out on the trestle. There is an overlook beside the highway and adjacent hiking trails to access the overlook. Not really a marvel of engineering just another roadside attraction in the desert southwest.

We have hiked this trail before, and it is always worth a revisit. It was HOT on the day we went, so be sure and take along some extra water. We enjoyed the little picnic area too.

Make sure to pick up the tourist brochure with picture maps of the various rail trails around Cloudcroft area. I visited both the Mexico and Salado Canyons trestles. Nice hike to both with various placards explaining history, wildlife and plants in the area.

A beautiful hike that is not too difficult. I made it with a 70 year old friend who is in OK shape, but certainly not "fit." He handled it well. It is downhill to the trestle, so that half of the walk is easy. The uphill hike back to the station is the more challenging part of the walk, but just (as did my friend) "pace yourself."

Learn about the past origins of Cloudcroft, and view this beautiful bridge. Easy aces from the road! This is the main symbol of Cloudcroft and somewhere you have to go!

Friends told me about the Rails-to-Trails restored railroad trestle just outside of Cloudcroft. As the railroad developers added a great railroad resort to their logging venture, including the world's highest golf course (at that time) during the turn of the century, it is great that there is still the opportunity to see how the rails looked to those who originally ventured on the trip to the clouds in the sky. Rising above the valley floor to nine thousand feet by rail must have been quite a trip. You can see just how exciting that trip must have been driving down the steep grade and seeing the trestle span the forest valley below.

This is a beautiful area along a historic highway and situated just outside of Cloudcroft. The scenery is stunning, the air is clear and the temperatures are very inviting in the summer. Definitely worth stopping if you are in the area.

This was an awesome hike with great views along the trail. The view from the road does not do justice to the trestle and enjoying nature.

Beautiful, scenic, a pretty good history lesson. If you are a flat - lander (live a sea level) remember to pace yourself and drink a lot of water. 10,000 ft. is hard on the lungs, muscles and brains!

I did the Cloud Climbing Trestle Trail which takes you to the rebuilt trestle over Mexican Canyon. This was part of the rail line that transported lumber from Cloudcroft over 9000 ft to Alamogordo some nearby 5000 feet below.

Stared at the renovated Train Depot and hiked down and back. Several switchbacks but the trail is well marked.

You can see the remains of an old S Trestle on the way down as well.

The picture showing people on this trestle is very misleading and a safety issue. There is a closure order and multiple signs saying DO NOT CLIMB ON THE TRESTLE. The trail system is well signed and usually there are maps at the information sign at the depot. If you have questions regarding trails contact the Lincoln National Forest ranger station.

This was a great hike for our family of four, including our two sons (9 and 12). It was a good length, and the trestle was very cool. We went in the late afternoon, and it was nice and cool as well.

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.

There's a lot of trails that all connect in this area, many can be accessed from the Trestle Recreation Area. I hiked a few miles of them, though they were quite steep in places it was a very enjoyable area to walk around. The trail that ends at one end of the old Railway Trestle gives a good view of it across the ravine. You can actually get a better view from the pull-in at the other side of the ravine, which is directly by the side of the road, though it was nice to view it from both sides. I spent a couple of hours wandering the area and taking in a few of the different viewpoints. The terrain for the most part is very easy.

This is a little-discovered jewel in southern New Mexico. High above the desert, at 8-11,000 feet, you are in a completely different ecological zone than Alamogordo down in the basin, 35 miles away. The railroads that used to carry ore, coal, and people down and up the steep face of the Sacramento Mountains are long gone, but some of the trestles have been reconstructed, some of the collapsed ones are still there to be climbed on, and the experience of tracing these incredibly challenging routes on foot gives you new respect for those who built and used those rails.

The town of Cloudcroft has everything you need for daytime explorations. For more involved adventures, basing down in Alamogordo is probably a good idea, though there are one or two rustic places to stay up high as well.

The staff at the visitor's center is incredibly helpful and pleasant, and you are likely to run into tourists from across the globe as you walk the variety of trails. You can choose from very easy to quite strenuous, and the views from all are stunning at any time of the year.

If you are anywhere near Cloudcroft, you owe it to yourself to at least get a taste of this lovely bit of mountain majesty.

Set aside an afternoon and grab a water bottle and your comfy hiking shoes for this trek. The family and I enjoyed the views and the scenery as we made our way to the trestle. We did underestimate the hike but enjoyed the view and the opportunity to spend time outdoors and with each other.

The trail is mostly on the old Cloud-Climbing Railroad bed and is sometimes quite steep but always beautiful as it goes through lovely tall pines with scattered aspens throughout. It passes the collapsed remains of a long S-curved trestle bridge which has a sign explaining its building and history. The trail ends at the intact trestle bridge that you can also see from the highway (US 82), which is 6 stories tall. Again there's a sign explaining it all. A wonderful trail for a short day hike.

Small off the road town with beautiful scenery. Nice trails and great BBQ at Mad Jacks. Had a great visit stopped at the local candy shop to grab some homemade fudge, salted caramels, and peanut brittle.

There are actually two access points to see the trestle. One off of Hwy 82, which provides wonderful views down the canyon to White Sands, and one further up the highway which gives access to a hiking trail. From that end you can hike down closer to the trestle.

We enjoyed a 3 mile morning hike In Cloudcroft and the scenery was fantastic! Be sure to wear closed toe shoes since part of the trail is gravel.
Hike was challenging but you’re rewarded with a fabulous historic trestle bridge at the end!

We were lucky enough to go through the historic route, which isn't always open. Bonnie, the woman who owns the land was on her front porch, and we enjoyed talking with her. It was a beautiful hike, easy enough for our three-year-old and five-year-old. There are also clean bathrooms and nice picnic areas on site.

Access to this exceptionally well-preserved & renovated site is primarily on US82, either Eastbound (uphill) from AlamogordoNM or Westbound (downhill) from CloudcroftNM. You can also hike/bike a trail from the old railway station/park on the edge of CloudcroftNM, which is less convenient due to more difficulty. Regardless of how you access, the site is an enchanting reminder of long ago, during the time of steam trains and when they were the primary means of traveling. The all-weather highway is mostly a steep climb from Alamogordo (or a quick descent from Cloudcroft), and is fairly safe for most vehicles--including my Doublevision, although it took a long time! As most visitors view it from the US82 turnout, the site has been immensely improved with a separated Eastbound pullout, very handicap friendly, and excellent displays of the history. Not only have I pedaled this route, I will stop here when motoring into the Sacramento Mountains. Quite interesting and safe, highly recommended!

This is one of my favorite trails. It is 1.2 miles down and 1.2 miles back. The last .5 mile is all down (and then all back up). The end of the trail is the Mexican Trestle - an old railroad bridge. We did the walk in the rain, and it was fun. It is a beautiful walk in every season.

To see the effort and work that went into bringing a railroad up to 9000 feet, spanning several canyons and nearly impossible grades was awe inspiring.
I wish the train still ran, I would have loved to arrive by steam train!

An amazing volunteer group that does wonderful things. Several sections of trails are open to the public across the US, and the hike at High Rolls is no exception. Keep up the good work.

We visited and were not impress with the place ,we think that it needs more information and easier access to enter and exit the site from the opposite side of the road ,is a dangerous entry and exit if you are not on the same side of the road of the place's entrance..

From the Depot, I hiked a combination of the T5001, 5001C and 5002 trails to/from Cloudcroft. In general, the trail(s) are well marked. The Mexican Canyon Trestle overlook provided a nice view of the trestle. Trees were changing color, a couple deer passed across the trail and distant views of the valley and White Sands - provided for an enjoyable hike. The trail is easy/moderate. 5002 was generally uphill (going back towards Cloudcroft / the Depot) and exposed while the 5001 trails were generally tree covered and had a few switchbacks.

Wonderful hike, we went early in the morning and the weather was wonderful. The trail is nicely maintained and easy to navigate.

On the way to Cloudcroft the views from this scenic pullover were breathtaking. The engineering and building of this railroad track - on the side of a mountain- must have been by fearless men. There was a lookout area that stuck out over the forest that was great for picture taking. If you are afraid of heights you might have an issue here. It was very warm when we left Alamagordo, 70's, and got chilly fast on the way to Cloudcroft, 50's. This was our second stop going up to Sunspot observatory and I am glad we had hoodies in the car.

A really great hike! Not overly populated and you can feel at peace amongst the challenging hike with the trees and the cool breeze. Beautiful overlook. One of these photos is very deceptive. People are not allowed to get onto the trestle which is by itself very dangerous. A definite must do while in cloudcroft

I have heard about this railline for years and finally got to check it out. The original road bed is really step, let alone for a standard Guage rail line. There are a lot of trails zigzagging throughout the area and some of the time I was not sure which was the original rail route. My biggest complaint however, when walking the grade, and there was no doubt this portion was original roadies, there is a fence and gate blocking you from getting to Mexican canyon trestle. We'll now isn't that a load of crap. Warning signs all over and sure enough, a camera looking you right in the face. Seriously? Just sucked all the fun out of an otherwise adventurous trip. Would have gotten 5 stars but for that. ☆☆☆☆

I finally got to take my little girl to were my grandma was born and I grew up camping in the mountains. It's home to my soul.

Stopped fast to check it out, nice history, restored train tracks. Very little parking and fast traffic coming in to park so watch your kids!

Great easy hike. We enjoyed spectacular views and learned about the railroad route to Cloudcroft. Would like to continue exploring the area.

Not hard to find please ask around not hard to find from town. Lot of information signs and good exercise. The Tressel Trail was a lot of fun

If your an avid hiker this place is nice with lots of trails both long and short uphill and downhill through the woods nice scenery you can see whitesands from the high peaks and plenty of remnNts of the old train trussel.

My husband and I took the New Mexico Rails-to-Trails from Trestle recreation area (rebuilt depot building) to the old Trestle. We took the fastest route about 2 miles round trip (in and out) using Trail T5001B to T5001. There are a few trails in this area and they are marked well. We picked up a trail map at the depot just to check the trail signs with the map. We loved the trail. There is also a park/pull-out along US 82 with a view of the old Trestle. The pull-out has a short boardwalk and a very nice viewing platform. We got closer to the old Trestle by taking the trail and the trail was half the fun. Other old trestles have fallen in the woods along the trail. There are several benches along the way. Be sure to take water to drink. Pretty cool and recommended for the whole family.

The trail was well-marked and maintained.The signage was helpful in explaining what you're looking at and the history of the area. The actual trail is fairly short, but can be lengthened by adding connecting trails. Parts of the trails are quite scenic and offer views of the valleys below.

The trail follows the rail bed of the Cloud Climbing Railroad, which was used by the lumber industry. There is a downed trestle as well as the restored trestle. In spite of some of the pictures in the reviews, the public cannot walk on the restored trestle across Mexican Canyon.

I saw a complaint about chain link fence blocking the trail; the only place we saw this was not across the trail, but at the border of the forest and private property.

We hiked it in January 2017, and joined several trails (all the T5001, plus T5002, T5003 & T5004). There was boot-sucking black mud, plus some snow and ice on the trails. I understand why they recommend hiking this May - November.

This is worth an hour or so stop. The scenery is astonishing and the hikes breath-taking (literally, if you're walking, have your lungs in shape up there!) The interpretive signs are informative without being intrusive. The teens went running around of course, while we enjoyed the clean air and head-clearing vistas. Don't miss it!

well worth the effort, rewarded with stunning views but beware it is much colder up in the hills than down in the main town of Alamogordo

Nice to see this historic structure saved for future generations. Nice view of the bridge on one side and white sands on the other.

Quick stop on the eastbound route.

Worth the time!

If you're heading towards Cloudcroft, don't miss this beautiful, well-groomed hiking trail along the way, behind High Rolls, NM. This is an out and back trail built on an old railroad bed roughly 1.5 miles each way. There are two entrance points - one takes you up a short, rocky incline. The other lets you get started on a wide, slightly inclined trail. You'll see beautiful views of the Sacramento mountains and White Sands National Monument. Wildlife and geologic interpretive signs along the way. There is a shelter that is perfect for a picnic break. Visit: http://www.traillink.com/trail/grand-view-trail.aspx

This wooden railroad trestle is not only historic but very photogenic. Hiking to the viewing platform at the other end was worth the 2.5 mile (roundtrip) hike and you get great views for your trouble!