Cloudcroft

History

High in the Sacramento Mountains, the village was started as a mountain resort (a glorified camp site) in 1899 by the coming of the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad.

Climate

During the summer, temperatures go above and lows are between and . During the winter, the range is from the 40s Fahrenheit 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. 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.

• Sunspot Solar Observatoryhas a visitor's center and offers guided and unguided tours during most of the day

• Apache Point ObservatoryHas grounds tours only during daylight hours.

Most of Cloudcroft is dedicated to forest and mountain activities, although it does have golf courses and resorts.

• Sacramento Mountain Historic Museum and Pioneer Village

  phone: +1 575 682-2932
  Located on 2.7 acres, there are two museum buildings plus eleven buildings in the pioneer village.

• The LodgeOne of the highest altitude golf courses in the nation. 18-hole golf course.

• Ponderos Pines Golf Course

  phone: +1 575 682-2566
  address: 878 Cox Canyon Highway
  Nine-hole golf course.

• Zenith ParkThe west end has ice skating (and rentals), during the winter.

Burro Avenue has several lovely shops featuring friendly service.

• Instant Karma

  phone: +1 575-682-2651
  address: 302 Burro Ave
  Wonderful yoga-studio and shopping experience for clothing, accessories and books.

• Rebecca's at The Lodge.

  phone: +1-866-595-6343
  address: One Corona Place
  Exquisite dining featuring wonderful chefs, live pianists, old-fashion feel, beautiful views and, a rich and mysterious history.

• Big Daddy's Diner

  address: 1750 James Canyon
  A local favorite with a laid back atmosphere.

• Jamocha Bean Coffee House & Cafe'

  phone: +1 575-682-2332
  address: 505 Burro Ave.
  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.

• The Western Bar and Restaurant

  phone: +1 575 682-2445
  address: 300 Burro Ave
  Friendly staff, friendly locals and the local watering hole.

There are a variety of places to sleep in Cloudcroft.

B&B

• Burro Street Boarding House

  address: 608 Burro Ave
  A log home overlooking Cloudcroft. Queen beds, private bathroom.

• The Crofting

  address: 300 Swallow Pl
  An old boarding house nestled into the forest.

• Waterfall Lodge

  phone: +1 575 682-5454
  address: 56 Lodge Spring Rd
  Six miles outside of Cloudcroft in the forest.

Cabins

• Alpine Alcove

  phone: +1 575 647-9778
  Modified A-Frame cabin, sleeps 6. Two bedrooms, two baths, washer and dryer.

• Bear County Cabins

  phone: +1 575 682-3298
  address: 108 Curlew Pl
  Duplex cabins, $95.

• Bear Lake Premier Cabins

  phone: +1 435 565-6006
  address: Bear Lake, Garden City, Utah
  Eagles Roost sleeps 24 people (28 max). Unlimited parking in the summer months next to the cabin and parking for up to 8 cars/trucks including trailers in the winter where there is parking in a lower area designated specifically for Eagles Roost. 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 levels. 6,200 square feet.

• Cabins at CloudcroftOffers a variety of cabins ranging in capacity from 2 - 10.

• Daisy's Lodge

  address: 43 Silver Cloud Dr

• High Rolls Hideaway

  phone: +1 575 682-2953
  Mountainside cottage, one bedroom, one bath, kitchen. Wifi available, comfortably sleeps 4. Open year round. $110 per night, 2 night minimum (3 on holidays).

• Quality Times Cabin LLC

  phone: +1 575 921-6878
  Mountain cabins.

• Spruce CabinsOffers a variety of cabins, one of which is handicap accessible.

Hotels & Motels

• Alta Vista Chalet Motel

  phone: +1 575 682-2221
  address: 1605 Highway 82
  Offers six different rooms holding up to eight people each.

• Summit InnOne block away from downtown Cloudcroft.

Resort

• The LodgeOne Corona Place.

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 potential harmful/poisonous plants. Emergency services use the standard 911 system.

• Lincoln National Forest, +1 575 434-7200, . It has hiking, camping galore, horse back riding, biking, four wheeling, hunting, cross country skiing, inner-tube rides, skating, and snow-mobiles!