A Premier Outdoor Recreation Destination
Perched at 9,000 feet in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, Cloudcroft is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, the village offers an extraordinary range of recreational activities — from world-class hiking trails through ancient ponderosa pines to some of the darkest skies in the country for stargazing.
Whether you are casting a line for rainbow trout, teeing off at the highest golf course in the United States, shredding trails on a mountain bike, or lacing up your skates at Zenith Park in winter, Cloudcroft delivers adventure in every season. The cool mountain air and stunning alpine scenery make every outing unforgettable.
Cloudcroft Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Activities
From forest trails to frozen rinks, Cloudcroft offers something for every adventurer. Explore our favorite ways to enjoy the mountain outdoors.
Hiking
Explore miles of trails through the Lincoln National Forest, from easy nature walks to challenging summit routes with panoramic views of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands.
☀️ Year-RoundFishing
Cast for rainbow trout at Silver Lake, Bonito Lake, and mountain streams like the Rio Peñasco. Stock schedules keep the fishing fresh from spring through fall.
🌿 Spring – FallDisc Golf
Play the top-rated Cloudcroft Community DGC — an 18-hole course winding through pine forests at 9,000 feet with stunning basin views. Free to play, open dawn to dusk.
☀️ Year-RoundPickleball
Free outdoor courts at Zenith Park, open 24/7 with lighting for evening play. Join the Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft (PAC) for open play sessions, clinics, and tournaments.
☀️ Year-RoundMountain Biking
Ride single-track and forest roads through the Sacramento Mountains. Rim Trail, Osha Trail, and surrounding forest roads offer terrain for every skill level, with cool mountain temps even in summer.
🌿 Spring – FallHorseback Riding
Saddle up and explore the Sacramento Mountains on horseback. Local outfitters offer guided trail rides through pine forests and mountain meadows — a quintessential New Mexico experience.
🌿 Spring – FallBird Watching
The diverse habitats of the Sacramento Mountains host hummingbirds, jays, woodpeckers, hawks, and migrating songbirds. The Sunspot Scenic Byway and forest trails are prime birding spots.
🌿 Spring – FallStargazing
Cloudcroft sits beneath some of the darkest skies in the country. Visit the Sunspot Solar Observatory for daytime solar viewing, then return after dark for extraordinary stargazing — the Milky Way is stunning here.
☀️ Year-RoundIce Skating
Lace up at the Zenith Park outdoor ice rink each winter. This community rink is a beloved Cloudcroft tradition, perfect for families and a magical experience under the mountain sky.
❄️ WinterSkiing & Snow Sports
Ski Cloudcroft offers family-friendly slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. When fresh powder blankets the mountains, the surrounding forest becomes a winter wonderland for snow play and snowshoeing.
❄️ WinterGolf
The Lodge Golf Course is the highest golf course in the United States at over 9,000 feet. This historic 9-hole course offers a uniquely challenging round surrounded by towering pines and mountain vistas.
🌿 Spring – FallCamping
Pitch your tent or park your RV at campgrounds throughout the Lincoln National Forest. Sites like Sleepy Grass, Silver, Saddle, and Deerhead offer a range of amenities from primitive to developed camping.
🌿 Spring – FallSeasonal Highlights
Every season brings new reasons to get outside in Cloudcroft. Here is what to look forward to all year long.
Spring
Wildflowers emerge, trails dry out, and trout stocking begins. Spring is the perfect time to hike, bird watch, and enjoy the forest as it comes alive after winter.
Summer
Escape the desert heat at 9,000 feet. Summer highs average in the mid-70s, making Cloudcroft ideal for mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, and all-day outdoor play.
Fall
Golden aspens blaze across the mountains in one of New Mexico's most stunning fall displays. Crisp air and thinner crowds make autumn the locals' favorite season.
Winter
Snow transforms Cloudcroft into a winter playground. Hit the slopes at Ski Cloudcroft, glide across the ice at Zenith Park, or snowshoe through quiet, snow-dusted forests.
Plan Your Adventure
Tips and essentials to help you make the most of your Cloudcroft outdoor experience.
Altitude Preparation
At 9,000 feet, the air is thinner. Take it easy your first day, drink plenty of water, and allow time to acclimate before strenuous activities. Altitude sickness is rare but possible for visitors from lower elevations.
Weather Awareness
Mountain weather changes quickly. Summer afternoons often bring brief thunderstorms, so start hikes early. Temperatures can drop 30+ degrees from day to night — always bring layers, even in summer.
Gear Essentials
Pack sunscreen (the UV is intense at altitude), a hat, plenty of water, and sturdy footwear for trails. In winter, bring warm layers, waterproof boots, and hand warmers for outdoor activities.
Family-Friendly Picks
Disc golf, pickleball, ice skating, and the shorter hiking trails are all excellent for families with kids. Zenith Park is a central hub for family recreation year-round.
Connectivity
Cell service can be spotty in the forest and on remote trails. Download offline maps before heading out, and let someone know your plans if venturing into the backcountry.
Leave No Trace
Help preserve Cloudcroft's natural beauty. Pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, respect wildlife, and follow fire restrictions — especially during dry summer months when fire danger is high.
Your Mountain Adventure Starts Here
From forest trails to frozen rinks, Cloudcroft has something for every outdoor enthusiast. Start planning your mountain getaway and discover why this village at 9,000 feet is southern New Mexico's ultimate outdoor playground.