Cloudcroft is a quiet town high up the Sacramento Mountains. This serene place sits majestically at about 9,000 feet (2,743.2 meters) above sea level or as the locals say, “9,000 feet above stress level.” Not very populated, it offers all the comfort and privacy of a secluded mountaintop village and much more. Blessed with natural beauty, Cloudcroft has almost 500,000 acres (2,023.42 square kilometers) of pure, lush forest vegetation, making it an excellent destination for outdoor lovers who love hiking/camping trips. There are also beautiful rivers, gorgeous lakes, and scenic waterfalls in Cloudcroft. It doesn’t just stop there; the region also boasts of having an incredible museum as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and unique businesses. Book a stay at the best Airbnb or pet-friendly cabins in town for a fantastic hilltop getaway. Continue reading to explore some of the top things to do in Cloudcroft, New Mexico.
1. Indulge in delicious pastries and treats from Burro Street Bakery
Burro Street Bakery is renowned for its mouthwatering cinnamon rolls, a beloved treat that draws patrons from near and far. Their lemon bars offer a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, providing a refreshing burst of flavor. If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, the bakery’s breakfast burritos are a must-try, with generous portions and delicious fillings. If you are seeking something savory, choose their beef picadillo burrito.
And if you’re in the mood for something a bit more traditional, their rhubarb pie is the epitome of homemade goodness, with a flaky crust and just the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
Burro Street Bakery
Address: 505 Burro Ave #106, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Burro Street Bakery
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
2. Have dinner at Rebecca's
Rebecca’s at The Lodge in Cloudcroft offers a delightful dining experience in a serene mountain setting. This charming restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, making it a perfect choice for any time of day. On weekends, they also feature a special brunch menu. The establishment maintains a resort casual dress code, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
For lunch, you can savor mouthwatering options such as the zesty orange cayenne chicken strips, the classic and flavorful homemade Reuben, or the delectable toasted turkey pesto sandwich. As the sun sets, Rebecca’s dinner menu tempts guests with dishes such as the 14-oz ribeye steak, the indulgent bacon-wrapped filet mignon, the delightful pistachio fried steak offering a Southern twist, and the grilled king salmon for seafood lovers.
Rebecca's
Address: The Lodge, 601 Corona Pl, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Rebecca’s
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 5pm - 9pm; Wed - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 9pm
3. Have some outdoor fun at The Lodge Golf
Don’t know what to do in Cloudcroft? The Lodge golf course is one of the popular attractions in this quaint town. The site boasts of a large, green, well-tended, and plush course that will interest any golfer. Even if you are not a regular player, this open spot will make you pick up a golf club and urge you to challenge yourself to a game. There are golfing gears to rent, including carts. The green surfaces of the course are easy to navigate, and as a bonus, you may get to see an exotic animal passing by or a bird flying over as you take your shot.
The Lodge Golf
Address: 601 Corona Pl, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: The Lodge Golf
Price From 20 USD
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4. Shop for souvenirs at the historic Burro Avenue
Burro Avenue has been the town’s leading hub for shopping and trading since the 1880s. This historic place still stands today and is the number one location for premium shopping. The street is lined with shops, stalls, trading posts, restaurants, and other businesses. On this avenue, you can shop for all kinds of items, from brand-new clothes to second-hand clothes, local craft items, and even souvenirs. This area is also home to some of the best restaurants in Cloudcroft, New Mexico.
5. Rent a bike at High Altitude
The opportunity to explore a wide array of outdoor activities in Cloudcroft abounds for tourists. It is a paradise for those who love to hike up mountains, walk through forest areas, and camp in the middle of nature before retiring to one of the cozy cabins with a hot tub. If you are in any of those categories of people and you are in this town, then you will be thoroughly satisfied with what the location offers. And if you want to go on adventurous mountain trails for hiking or biking trips, the best place to get (rent) your bike and gear is High Altitude.
High Altitude
Address: 310 Burro Ave Cloudcroft, New Mexico 88317
Website: High Altitude
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 6:30pm; Sun: 9am - 5:30pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 5:30pm
6. Catch a stage performance at Cloudcroft Light Opera Company
Since it opened in 1991, Cloudcroft Light Opera Company has been the number one entertainment destination in the town. This beautiful and historic Cloudcroft attraction had its first show almost 30 years ago and it is still being used regularly. It offers everyone a place to enjoy watching hilarious musical comedy performances, heartwarming children’s productions, and several other types of entertaining stage performances throughout the year. It is a beautiful place to visit with a romantic partner.
Cloudcroft Light Opera Company
Address: 801 James Canyon Hwy Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Website: Cloudcroft Light Opera Company
7. Go ice skating at Cloudcroft Ice Rink
Cloudcroft Ice Rink is the only natural ice rink in the entire southwestern region. Located in the heart of the town, this ice rink offers you a place to have fun on ice while on your vacation. The spot is covered and is usually open – except on days of high temperature. Whether you want to skate for fun, or you want to use it to celebrate an occasion, this skating rink is just perfect for you. If you get hungry while having fun, there is a snack bar on site that serves hot drinks and yummy snacks.
Cloudcroft Ice Rink
Address: 751 James Canyon Hwy Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Website: Cloudcroft Ice Rink
8. Hike up the shaded path at Osha Trail
If what you are looking for is a beautiful and scenic trail to go hiking on, then you should head straight to Osha Trail. This trail is located in Lincoln National Forest and is about 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) long. One good thing about this spot for Cloudcroft activity is that it is easy to navigate so less experienced hikers will not have any problems walking its length. The trees shade most of the route so you can enjoy your walk without worrying about the sun. Some benches line this trail, providing spots for you to rest a little during your hike.
Osha Trail
Address: Us Hwy 82, Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft, NM
9. Taste homemade beers at Cloudcroft Brewing Company
If you have a taste for beers, you should not miss visiting this spot. Cloudcroft Brewing Company is the best brewery this town has. Famous for its variety of excellent beers, this establishment offers a chance to explore its environment and enjoy tasting some great beverages. They also provide delicious pizzas as well as other deliciously made small meals.
Cloudcroft Brewing Company
Address: 1301 Burro Ave, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Cloudcroft Brewing Company
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun - Mon, Wed - Thu: 11am - 9pm (closed on Tue)
10. Learn about the town’s history at Sacramento Mountains Museum and Pioneer Village
This local museum is more than just a museum; it is an embodiment of the town’s rich history. This place offers you the opportunity to learn the story of the location with impressive and well-preserved artifacts and historical buildings on display. Pioneer Village is set up in a way that makes you see, learn, and experience how the town lived on farming and ranching back in the days. Stroll along the museum’s grounds; see the historic old log cabins and other unusual things on display here.
Sacramento Mountains Museum and Pioneer Village
Address: 1000 US-82, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Sacramento Mountains Museum and Pioneer Village
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 USD
11. Fish for rainbow trout at Silver Springs Fishing Pond
Silver Springs Fishing Pond is a great fishing spot that has been in this town for years. This venue also offers the best campground area in the entire city. Sitting in the heart of this mountain top town, Silver Springs offers a 1-acre (0.4-hectare) pond blessed with a high population of natural rainbow trout for you to catch and enjoy. They also provide all the fishing gear you need (on a sub-charge) and is the best place for you to fish.
Silver Springs Fishing Pond
Address: 449 NM-244, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Silver Springs Fishing Pond
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
12. Have a picnic at Trestle Recreation Area
Trestle Recreation Area is a great place to have a picnic. Featuring an overlook that gives you beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, the spot also gives you the perfect place to stretch out and enjoy the scenery. This area is not usually crowded because, aside from its observation platform, there is no other impressive feature. However, Its shaded spots are ideal for picnicking with friends or family.
Trestle Recreation Area
Address: E Little Mexican Rd, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Trestle Recreation Area
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
13. Enjoy a yummy breakfast at Western Bar & Cafe
Western Bar & Café is one of Cloudcroft’s most famous restaurants. This appealing dining location is known for its great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. Dine with a beautiful and warm atmosphere at this eatery. The menu is extensive and it even includes burgers, sandwiches, traditional Mexican food, and other homemade dishes. Rugged and charming, this restaurant is also the go-to place for good live music and karaoke, interacting with locals, and meeting new people.
Western Bar & Cafe
Address: 304 Burro Ave, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Western Bar & Cafe
Opening hours: Sun: 7am - 12am; Mon - Sat: 7am - 2am
14. Shop till you drop at Burro Street Exchange
Right in the heart of the town lays the principal place to enjoy unique shopping experience. Burro Street Exchange is filled with an eccentric mix of eateries, retail shops, offices, and exchange stores. Here, you can shop for everything you may need. From traditional clothing to trendy chic clothes, locally made jewelry, beautiful home decoration items, locally made lotions, and even candles, there is something for everyone. You can also enjoy a cup of your favorite beverage on site.
Burro Street Exchange
Address: 505 Burro Ave, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Burro Street Exchange
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
15. Test your marksmanship at Cloudcroft Archery
Looking to try out your aiming skills? This venue has something for you. Cloudcroft Archery gives you a chance to hone your aiming and targeting prowess. Providing a full-service shop – offering bow sales, pro shop, and seven indoor shooting lanes for archery, this venue is a must-visit. Aside from arrows, you can even rent a gun and take out all the targets you want.
Cloudcroft Archery
Address: 100 Little Glorieta Ave, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Cloudcroft Archery
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 4pm - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
16. Discover wonderful local art at Off the Beaten Path
Hidden away in a small mountain village is a place to escape all the hustle and bustle of the crowd. Off the Beaten Path is a road less traveled, where you can live everyday life and still see something different. This spot showcases the unique art and craft works of artists, mostly local artists’ pieces and a few foreign inputs. If you love art and you want to appreciate different types, then add this venue to your itinerary.
Off the Beaten Path
Address: 100 Glorietta Ave, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, United States
Website: Off the Beaten Path
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 5pm; Tue, Thu - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Wed)
Explore true mountaintop lifestyle
The mountaintop town of Cloudcroft is blessed with a unique mix of the natural landscape, shops, trails, and of course, water bodies. A place rich in tradition and culture, it offers an opportunity to spend quality time relaxing, exploring the rivers and lakes, and experiencing how life is at 9,000 feet (2,743.20 meters) above stress level. Just be sure to book an Airbnb or cabin rental for your accommodation needs. With so many interesting and exciting things to do in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, you can’t have a single dull moment.
Should you also decide to venture out further into the neighboring villages and cities, you will find plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals in Alamogordo, which is only a short drive away.