We live in Arizona and love the predictable sunshine. The desert offers a unique soul-enriching beauty.
However, it’s normal to crave the change of seasons. There is something magical about experiencing the crisp fall air, and each October we go in search of Fall scenes.
This year we found ourselves in the charming mountain town of Cloudcroft, New Mexico.
The Best Things to Do in Cloudcroft in the Fall
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Visit Cloudcroft in the Fall
- Visit the Shops on Main Street
- Go Hiking in the Lincoln National Forest
- Get a Slide of Apple Pie at the Old Apple Barn
Why You Should Visit Cloudcroft in the Fall
This relatively unknown town is a best-kept secret with unmatched beauty and very few tourists.
We learned about this spot while visiting my sister in El Paso, it is one of her family’s favorite escapes.
Nestled in the Sacramento Mountains, this little slice of heaven has earned the nickname, “city in the clouds”. Locals refer to life in Cloudcroft as living “9,000 feet above stress level”.
Visit the Shops on Main Street
The idyllic main street is lined with shops and cafes. Stroll along Burro Avenue where the wooden storefronts will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to the old west.
Pop into one of the unique stores, like The Bird House, where you can see hummingbirds. And be sure to grab a Green Chile Cheeseburger at the Western Bar & Cafe (cash only), or pick up a sweet treat at the Burro Street Bakery.
MAD Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue is also a favorite among locals and tourists as well.
Go Hiking in the Lincoln National Forest
The surrounding Lincoln National Forest offers plenty of hiking trails and the opportunity to soak in the magic of aspen leaves turning a golden yellow in the fall.
Our favorite hiking trail, and one of the most popular, is the Cloud-Climbing Trestle Trail.
At the beginning of the trailhead, you’ll find picnic areas, restrooms, and a replica railway depot.
The 1.3-mile (one way) trail gradually descends through trees, stopping at a viewpoint with panoramic views to the distant White Sands National Monument and the San Andreas Mountains.
The trail continues past the remains of the “S” trestle. The old timbers that once made two 30-degree curves resembling an “S” in the railway.
My boys loved playing here and using their imaginations to create forts and battle scenes.
The end of the trail opens up to reveal the Mexican Canyon Trestle. This six-story high wooden trestle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There is also an overlook just off the main canyon road with a parking lot, viewing platform and posted information.
It is beautiful any time of year, but particularly in the Fall when you can see bursts of yellow aspen and red oak mixed with the Ponderosa Pine.
Another recommended hike is the Willie White Spur trail where a short .6-mile hike will lead you to the Bluff Springs Waterfall.
The 2-mile round-trip Osha Trail is also popular for viewing wildlife, and the 1.5-mile round-trip Rim Trail offers scenic panoramic views.
Get a Slide of Apple Pie at the Old Apple Barn
And you can’t visit Cloudcroft without a stop at the Old Apple Barn for some fresh apple cider, hand-dipped caramel apples, homemade fudge or a slice of freshly baked apple pie.
My kids were in heaven sorting through all the trinkets to find the perfect souvenir. The model train track suspended from the ceiling was also a big hit.
The employees are so warm and friendly, there is just an air of good old-fashioned hospitality and charm.
If you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds and relish in the Fall scenery, consider visiting Cloudcroft!
And while you’re in the area, be sure to make time to visit the surreal White Sands National Monument only 40 minutes away!
Other Posts You Might Like:
- 7 Unique Things to Do in Gallup, NM
- 5 Things to Do in Santa Fe with Kids
- First Time Guide to Old Town Santa Fe
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Any info on Bonito lake and camping ares.
Unfortunately we haven’t been there before so I don’t have any information, sorry!
Love this area. We came through one day with fog on each side of the mountains. We saw Apple trees and some old cabins that looked like they were from the 1920’s.
Hopefully we could go back again.
What a beautiful landscape and memorable experience! It really is such a great place to escape the stress of daily life, I hope you can make it back there too!