White Sands National Park
The World's Largest Gypsum Dunefield
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders -- the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Just 45 minutes from Cloudcroft, White Sands offers surreal photo opportunities, sunset sledding down pristine dunes, and ranger-led programs including Full Moon Hikes and Lake Lucero Tours.
Distance
~45 minutes from Cloudcroft
Entrance Fee
$25/vehicle, $15/person
Hours
Opens 7AM daily, closing varies
Must Do
Sled the dunes at sunset
White Sands National Park
High Rolls & Mountain Park
Orchards, History & Route 66 Charm
Nestled in the Lincoln National Forest, High Rolls and Mountain Park are charming mountain communities with deep railroad roots. The area is famous for its apple and cherry orchards, celebrated each year with popular festivals that draw visitors from across the region.
Don't miss The Old Apple Barn -- a beloved roadside attraction that welcomes 50,000+ visitors annually. The area also offers excellent hiking, including trails to Bridal Veil Falls and the historic Mexican Canyon Trestle.
- The Old Apple Barn (featured on Ozzy & Jack's World Detour)
- Annual Cherry Festival & Apple Festival
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail
- Mexican Canyon Trestle historic site
- Tunnel Vista Trail with waterfall & swimming hole
Distance
10 minutes from Cloudcroft
Known For
Apple & cherry orchards
High Rolls Mountain Park
La Luz
The Oldest Village in the Tularosa Basin
Founded in 1705, La Luz ("The Light" in Spanish) is a quiet historic village just 4 miles north of Alamogordo. This artistic enclave is home to painters, writers, and craftspeople who share a passion for creating art and living close to the land.
The village plaza is surrounded by adobe homes and artist studios worth browsing. History buffs will enjoy exploring the La Luz Pottery Company ruins, where workers created distinctive glazed pottery from 1930 to 1955.
- Historic adobe village plaza founded 1705
- La Luz Pottery Company ruins & tours
- Artist studios and galleries
- Gateway to Oliver Lee State Park
- Near Tularosa Basin Museum of History
Distance
25 minutes from Cloudcroft
Known For
Historic pottery & art community
La Luz Village
Timberon
Mountain Golf & Peaceful Retreat
Timberon is a peaceful retirement and resort community nestled at 7,500 feet in the Sacramento Mountains. Surrounded by Lincoln National Forest, this tranquil enclave offers a true escape from everyday life.
The community's 9-hole golf course offers 360-degree views of the Sacramento Mountain Range. Beyond golf, Timberon features a lodge, community pool, restaurant, fishing ponds, and even a private airstrip.
- 9-hole mountain golf course with panoramic views
- Community pool, lodge & restaurant
- Fishing ponds & hiking trails
- Dark sky haven for stargazing
- Private airstrip for fly-in visitors
Distance
35 minutes from Cloudcroft
Elevation
7,500 feet
Timberon Golf Course
Mayhill
Dark Skies & Ranching Heritage
East of Cloudcroft on Highway 82, the small community of Mayhill has become a haven for astronomers and stargazers. At 6,600 feet elevation, the area offers some of the darkest skies in the continental United States.
The New Mexico Skies Astronomy Enclave near Mayhill is a private community specifically designed for astronomy enthusiasts, with HOA covenants restricting light pollution and multiple observatories nearby.
- New Mexico Skies astronomy community
- Exceptionally dark skies with minimal light pollution
- Historic ranching community since the 1880s
- James Canyon hiking & camping
- Wildlife: mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, raptors
Distance
20 minutes east on Hwy 82
Known For
Dark sky astronomy community
Mayhill Dark Skies
Alamogordo
Gateway to the Sacramento Mountains
Sitting at 4,350 feet with a population of ~32,000, Alamogordo serves as the gateway between the Tularosa Basin and the cool pine forests of Cloudcroft above. White Sands National Park is just 15 minutes away, and the city offers world-class museums and full services.
From the Space History Museum with its IMAX Theater to the Alameda Park Zoo (oldest in the Southwest, 250+ animals), there's plenty to explore. Full shopping, dining, and medical services available.
Distance
30 minutes from Cloudcroft
Elevation
4,350 feet
Alamogordo & White Sands
Sunspot Observatory
Where Science Meets the Sky at 9,200 Feet
Journey 16 miles along NM-6563, the Sunspot Scenic Byway, to one of the world's premier solar research facilities. The Dunn Solar Telescope has studied our sun since 1947, and nearby Apache Point Observatory hosts the 3.5-meter ARC telescope and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.
Visitor Center open 9am-5pm. Tours Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 12-2pm. Call ahead: (575) 437-6822.
Distance
16 miles via NM-6563
Elevation
9,200 feet
Sunspot Solar Observatory
Plan Your Day Trip Adventures
Make Cloudcroft your home base and explore all the wonders of the Sacramento Mountains and beyond.