Old Cloudcroft Hiway Trail #5002, NM

At the turn of the century (...into the 1900's) The Cloud Climbing Railroad (Alamogordo and Sacramento Railway) was placed into service, giving access to the high mountain reaches of the Village of Cloudcrfot, for the logging industry and the growing tourist interests. The alternative approach to reach this mountaintop retreat was Pine Valley Drive, a narrow, winding road cut through the forest and along a natural bench, occasionally augmented by blasting out some of the obscuring cliffside ridge. Long closed down as a roadway, this old path now composes Forest Trail 5002, providing access to a variety of connecting trails in The Cloudcroft area. The lower end of the trail terminates along Hiway 82, connecting with the Switchback Trail (T 5004) at a pedestrian overpass over the Hiway. Unfortunately there is no available parking at that point, so the trail is defined as an up/down loop. More likely, any hike will include any variety of connections with adjacent and connecting trails adding some very interesting variety to the day's outing.

The lower section of the trails drops down through a pleasant meadow area, leaving the dense pine and hardwood forest. Wildfower seasonal arrays can be impressive along this section.

When planning a hike over this route be sure to consider including T5004 (Switchback Trail), T5001 (Cloudclimbing Trestle Trail) and the networks of T5001A, T5001B, and T5001C. These trails include the remnants of the old railway, including the one remaining trestle still standing (Mexican Canyon Trestle) and the ruins of one of the more impressive trestles (S-Curve Trestle) along with a variety of descriptive/informative displays.

This trail begins right in the Village of Cloudcroft. Remember to stock up on fresh baked goods from the Mercantile before you head out.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2009-05-04 imike