Cloudcroft is a town in Southeast New Mexico, high in the Sacramento Mountains. The population is less than a thousand. The village was started as a mountain resort (a glorified camp site) at the beginning of the 20th century by Alamogordo businessmen. During the summer temperatures get as high as the 70s with lows in the 40s. During the winter the range is from the 40s to the teens.
Cloudcroft is located at the junction of Highways US 82 and NM 244. The nearest airport with commercial air service is in El Paso, Texas, about 96 miles away. Commute to Cloudcroft from nearby Alamogordo entails going through New Mexico's only Tunnel and driving through High Rolls/Mountain Park.
Cloudcroft has no public transportation, except horse and horse-drawn carriage rentals. The town itself is tiny and easy to navigate on foot. For outlying areas, plan to drive and know that 4-wheel drive is helpful in the winter.
The high altitude, low humidity and dark sky ordinance for the village, make Cloudcroft a popular site for day and night sky viewing. It is home to two observatories.
Sunspot Solar Observatory and Apache Point Observatory - Sunspot has a visitor's center and offers guided and unguided tours during most of the day, Apache Point has grounds tours only during daylight hours. [1]. Both observatories are located about 16 miles south of Cloudcroft on Highway 6563, the Sunspot Highway: this can be a challenging drive when snow is present.
Rebecca's at The Lodge. One Corona Place, +1 866 595-6343. Exquisite dining featuring wonderful chefs, live pianists, old-fashion feel, beautiful views and, a rich and mysterious history.
Big Daddy's Diner, 1750 James Canyon. A local favorite with a laid back atmosphere.
Jamocha Bean Coffee House & Cafe', 505 Burro Ave. (south end of the Burro Street Exchange), ☎ 575-682-2332, [3]. Fresh coffees, espressos, cappuccinos and smoothies. Very good sandwiches and desserts made on the premises. The grill closes at 3:00, earlier on Sunday, but coffees and desserts are available until closing. Comfortable environment and free wireless, but you'll have to ask for the key.edit
High Rolls Hideaway - +1 575 682-2953, [11]. Mountainside cottage, one bedroom, one bath, kitchen. Wifi available, comfortably sleeps 4. Open year round. $110 per night, 2 night minimum (3 on holidays).
Abandoned railroad trestle, Lincoln National Forest
Most of Cloudcroft is above 9000 ft and one of the most likely problems is Altitude sickness. One should also understand the risks of mountain forest were there are wild animals and potentiall harmful/poisonous plants. Emergency services use the standard 911 system.
Lincoln National Forest, +1 575 434-7200, [17]. It has hiking, camping galore, horse back riding, biking, four wheeling, hunting, cross country skiing, inner-tube rides, skating, and snow-mobiles!
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