Cloudcroft Day Trip

New Mexico is the land of enchantment. Cloudcroft is coined “The most enchanting part of the land of enchantment.” The historic mountain community is a wonderful place to get away from the Sun City (El Paso) heat. It is located near Lincoln National Park and is in the heart of the Sacramento Mountains. Crave winter fun? You do not have to travel to the East Coast. Cloudcroft is the perfect winter wonderland for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice skating. Most winter attractions are only open Friday thru Sunday. Cloudcroft is not a “spur of the moment” destination for a winter day trip.

The suggested route is not set for a specific attraction within Cloudcroft. The mountain village’s physical address is 1001 James Canyon Highway, Cloudcroft, NM 88317. It is northeast of El Paso. The duration of the drive is about one-hour and 50 minutes. Visitors headed from El Paso to Cloudcroft may take N Kansas Street to E Paisano Drive. Take the ramp to TX Route 375 Loop E. Look for Exit 58 toward Interstate 10 West/US Route 54 East. Continue on US Route 54 East for 48 miles. Turn right on to US Route 54/Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route. Continue straight onto US Route 82 East for 17 miles. Overall, the suggested route is 110 miles.

Year-round Attractions:

The Lincoln National Forest is over 1-million acres with an elevation range of 4,000 to 11,500 feet. The edge of the forest starts near the Texas Border and spreads across several counties in New Mexico. The national forest is southwest of Cloudcroft. It is divided into the following districts: Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe. Temperatures vary from 40 degrees to 85 degrees. During the summer, the temperature is generally 10 degrees higher at the lowest elevations (4,000 to 6,000 feet). Before heading out, visitors should keep an eye on Cloudcroft’s weather forecast. Typically, visitors spend a few hours bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, enjoying seasonal activities, learning about the outdoors and scenic driving. Several camp sites and cabins are available for overnight stays as well. Most activities are free, but it is important to review https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lincoln/passes-permits for Lincoln National Forest’s latest rates.

Sacramento Mountains Museum is a local historical attraction that features a live-action pioneer village. Guided tours take place within a two and a half acres village. Two weeks’ notice and reservation is required for a guided tour. Did you know a chapel is available for small weddings and events? The Episcopal Church donated the chapel to the museum in 2004. It fits perfectly with the village, because it was built by El Paso and Northeastern Railroad in 1899. It is one of New Mexico’s unique venues. 

The museum is located at 1000 Highway 82, Cloudcroft, NM 88317. During the summer, it is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Summer Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. During the winter, the museum is only open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Visitors with Military ID will receive $1 off each person. By the way, the pioneer village becomes a haunted village in October. Volunteers are welcome to join the annual fall fun. For more information, contact the Sacramento Mountain Museum by phone at 575-682-2932 or email smhsmuseum@yahoo.com.

The Lodge Resort & Spa is home to one of the oldest golf courses in North America. The course was established in 1899. It is 9,000 feet above sea-level, which makes it the seventh highest course in the world. Technically it only has nine holes. The course is governed by Scottish Tradition. As a result, visitors must play twice for 18-hole round. Tee times is available April thru October. Visitors may book a tee time by phone at 575-682-2098.

Green fees vary by season. The course’s high season is July and August thru Labor Day weekend. High season rate with cart is 9-hole for $35 and 18-hole for $54. Fees do not include tax and gratuity. Although golf packages are available, they are not recommended for day trips. Each package includes a one-to-two-night stay. They are designed for relaxation and weekend getaways. There are other ways to save. Twilight golfing starts after 2 p.m. Golfers can play 9-hole for $20 and 18-hole for $35. Although tax and gratuity are not included, twilight golfing is still cheaper than low season golfing

You do not have to fly or drive northeast for winter fun. Cloudcroft is New Mexico’s winter wonderland! The first snowfall starts in late October thru early November. Typically, the winter season ends around February. However, some attractions utilize artificial snow.

Ski Cloudcroft  is a small family owned and operated ski area with an on-site restaurant. Thanks to snowmaking, visitors can ski, sled and snow tube year-round. Ski and snowboard rentals are available for children and adults. The snow tubing rate is $25 for 2-hours. Full lift rate is $50 for adults and $40 for children. Half lift rate is $10 off and starts at 1 p.m. Group and private lessons are available as well. Ski Cloudcroft is open Friday thru Sunday. The ski area is located at 1920 1/2 U.S. Highway 82, US-82, Cloudcroft, NM 8831. Visitors may contact staff by phone at 575-682-2333.

Cloudcroft Ice Rink is the only natural ice rink in the Southwest. Since it is a natural ice rink, it is only open during the winter. Ice skate rentals, snow tubes and sleds are available. Visitors can rest and purchase food at the snack bar. The ice rink is located at 1000 Highway 82, Cloudcroft, NM 88317. It is open Friday thru Sunday. It is the center of the mountain community and sits across from the local high school. Cloudcroft Ice Rink does not have an official website, but customers can contact staff through Facebook Messenger or call 575-682-2932.

The Lodge Resort & Spa is an excellent resort with a spooky past. A fire destroyed the original structure. Many visitors come for the haunting presence throughout the grounds. The resort’s physical address is 601 Corona Place, NM 88317. On-site dining is available. The menu is limited, but unique. The resort golf course is praised for its scenery and friendly staff. Although the resort closed for remodeling, it is projected to reopen July 1. Gift certificates are available. There is no purchase limit. Gift certificates are redeemable for all lodge purchases. Instead of putting money aside for a future visit, you can prefund your next trip to the resort.

Before You Head Home, do not forget to take a piece of Cloudcroft with you. Off the Beaten Path  is a gift shop that features pieces from local artists. Berle Van Zandt and Donna Randen ensure visitors feel welcomed and see the best Cloudcroft has to offer. The local treasure has provided a brick and mortar for hand-crafted goods. Off the Beaten Path address is 751 James Canyon Hwy, Cloudcroft, NM 88317. The shop is located one block north of the main shopping district (Burro Avenue) at 100 Glorietta Ave. Visitors may contact the co-owners by phone at 575-682-7284 or email stuff@offthebeatenpathstuff.com. 

While you prepare for you day trip to Cloudcroft, remember your favorite real estate team, PCS El Paso.

Chasity Rosales, PCS El Paso

915-873-2772

chasity@pcselpaso.com

Lifestyle post written by Patricia Streeter, lifestyle blogger.