Throughout the country, organizations are working to repurpose old railroads into hiking trails. The result is often a unique walking experience that pairs natural beauty with engineering ingenuity. This movement is big in New Mexico and you’ll find rail-trails in the Albuquerque area, in Santa Fe, and near our state border with Texas. However, perhaps the most impressive rail-to-trail conversion is the one in Cloudcroft. Check out this amazing abandoned railroad hike in New Mexico:

Wikimedia Commons/Edward Jackson.
This town of 674 people is located in the Lincoln National Forest.

In 1899, the Alamogordo & Sacramento Mountain Railroad was built to give lumber companies access to the abundant wood here.
Wikimedia Commons/Allen S.
Up until the 1940s, the only way of reaching Cloudcroft was via train or else by pack mule! As cars gained in popularity and roads were constructed, the railroad became redundant. It was taken apart in 1947.

One of the most extraordinary parts of the old railroad was left in place.
Flickr/J.J.
The old Mexican Canyon Trestle is the highlight of the Cloud-climbing Trestle Trail (also called T5001 or the Mexican Canyon Trestle Trail). This bridge is 323 feet across and earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wikimedia Commons/Allen S.
At the beginning of the trail, you’ll find a replica of a railway depot – a nod to the route’s history. The 1.2 mile, moderate climb to the trestle is open to both hikers and mountain bikers.

The initial half of the path is paved but, around the midway point, the surface transitions to dirt.

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Flickr/Samat Jain
Flickr/Samat Jain
As you walk, you’re surrounded by the majestic pine and fir forest that first attracted timber companies to the area.
Flickr/Samat Jain
Keep an eye out for the railroad’s "S" trestle. Although it’s now falling apart, it once incorporated two 30-degree curves.
Flickr/Amir
This hike ends at a viewing station that abuts the trestle, giving hikers a memorable look at both this feat of engineering and the sweeping forest beyond.
Flickr/Samat Jain
If you want to expand your adventure into a day hike, you can continue along another part of the rail trail loop, known as the Switchback Trail.

Learn more about the Mexican Canyon Trestle Trail in New Mexico and check trail conditions before you go on this USDA webpage.

After your hike, spend some time in Cloudcroft. This teeny town contains a haunted restaurant, succulent BBQ, and old-time diners. It’s a great base for recreational opportunities and a visit to White Sands National Monument. If you want to extend your stay, there are plenty of budget-friendly cabin rentals and campsites in the area.

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More to Explore

Abandoned Railroad Hike In New Mexico

Leah | December 04, 2020

Can I hike to abandoned places in New Mexico?

There are more than just rail to trail hikes in New Mexico that'll show you the state's abandoned sites. You can hike to an abandoned ghost town called Mogollon. It's located in the Gila National Forest and it's certainly a sight to behold. It was once a mining town and now the rotting buildings are all that is left. You can hike right to it and there is even a trail within the town that takes you to an old graveyard. You can learn more about this fascinating abandoned village hike by clicking here.

What are the most beautiful hikes in New Mexico?

Take on some of these unique hiking trails in New Mexico that are any nature lover's dream. The Slot Canyon Trail in the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is the perfect way to explore the unusual geological formations in the area. It's a convenient 3-mile loop and results in an expansive view of the surrounding area. You can hike up to New Mexico's highest peak on the Wheeler Peak Trail. It's remote and quite a trek, at over 13 miles round trip and up steep grades, but it's worth every step. The sight you'll get from the summit of the landscape is absolutely astounding.

Can I hike to historical sites in New Mexico?

It's no secret that New Mexico is full of history, and you can hike to see some pieces of it on these trails. You can take a short and easy trail to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, structures that were built over 800 years ago. They are remarkably preserved and incredible to see in person. There is an area called Three Rivers that has thousands upon thousands of petroglyphs, hand-carved into the rocks over a thousand years ago, in New Mexico. You could spend all day exploring and discovering more pictures that have been etched onto the rocks. Plus, the area it's in is quite scenic.

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Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA