Overview
Cloudcroft is a town in Southeast New Mexico with a population of less than a thousand.
2 sights · 4 things to do · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 14 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cloudcroft
Sunspot Solar Observatory
has a visitor's center and offers guided and unguided tours during most of the day
Apache Point Observatory
Has grounds tours only during daylight hours.
Sacramento Mountain Historic Museum and Pioneer Village
Located on 2.7 acres, there are two museum buildings plus eleven buildings in the pioneer village.
The Lodge
One of the highest altitude golf courses in the nation. 18-hole golf course.
Ponderos Pines Golf Course
Nine-hole golf course.
Zenith Park
The west end has ice skating (and rentals), during the winter.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Oct. Summer highs reach about 97°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby White Sands National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ROW Roswell Air Center Airport, Roswell — 74 mi away. Directions
- LRU Las Cruces International Airport, Las Cruces — 83 mi away. Directions
- ELP El Paso International Airport, El Paso — 87 mi away (major hub). Directions
Cloudcroft is located at the junction of Highways US 82 and NM 244. The nearest airport with commercial air service is in El Paso, Texas, about 96 miles away. Commute to Cloudcroft from nearby Alamogordo entails going through New Mexico's only Tunnel and driving through High Rolls/Mountain Park.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $89–$325 a night (typical $127), from 19 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$200, comfortable ~$490.
Options are grouped as B&B, Cabins, Hotels & Motels, Resort in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Sunspot Solar Observatory, Sacramento Mountain Historic Museum and Pioneer Village
- Lunch Rebecca's at The Lodge.
- Afternoon Ponderos Pines Golf Course
- Dinner Big Daddy's Diner
- Evening The Western Bar and Restaurant
Day 2
- Morning Apache Point Observatory, The Lodge
- Lunch Jamocha Bean Coffee House & Cafe'
- Afternoon Zenith Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
High in the Sacramento Mountains, the village was started as a mountain resort (a glorified camp site) in 1899 by the coming of the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad.
Climate
During the summer, temperatures go above 70°F and lows are between 40°F and 50°F. During the winter, the range is from the 40s Fahrenheit to the teens.
Get in
Cloudcroft is located at the junction of Highways US 82 and NM 244. The nearest airport with commercial air service is in El Paso, Texas, about 96 miles away. Commute to Cloudcroft from nearby Alamogordo entails going through New Mexico's only Tunnel and driving through High Rolls/Mountain Park.
Get around
Cloudcroft has no public transportation, except horse and horse-drawn carriage rentals. The town itself is tiny and easy to navigate on foot. For outlying areas, plan to drive and know that 4-wheel drive is helpful in the winter.
See
The high altitude, low humidity and dark sky ordinance for the village, make Cloudcroft a popular site for day and night sky viewing. It is home to two observatories. Both observatories are located about 16 miles south of Cloudcroft on Highway 6563, the Sunspot Highway: this can be a challenging drive when snow is present.
Do
Most of Cloudcroft is dedicated to forest and mountain activities, although it does have golf courses and resorts.
Buy
Burro Avenue has several lovely shops featuring friendly service.
Shop Instant Karma
Wonderful yoga-studio and shopping experience for clothing, accessories and books.
Eat
Eat Rebecca's at The Lodge.
Exquisite dining featuring wonderful chefs, live pianists, old-fashion feel, beautiful views and, a rich and mysterious history.
Eat Big Daddy's Diner
A local favorite with a laid back atmosphere.
Eat Jamocha Bean Coffee House & Cafe'
Fresh coffees, espressos, cappuccinos and smoothies. Very good sandwiches and desserts made on the premises. The grill closes at 3:00, earlier on Sunday, but coffees and desserts are available until closing. Comfortable environment and free wireless, but you'll have to ask for the key.
Drink
Drink The Western Bar and Restaurant
Friendly staff, friendly locals and the local watering hole.
Sleep
There are a variety of places to sleep in Cloudcroft.
B&B
Cabins
Stay Bear Lake Premier Cabins
Eagles Roost sleeps 24 people (28 max). Unlimited parking in the summer months next to the cabin and parking for up to 8 cars/trucks including trailers in the winter where there is parking in a lower area designated specifically for Eagles Roost. 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 levels. 6,200 square feet.
Stay High Rolls Hideaway
Mountainside cottage, one bedroom, one bath, kitchen. Wifi available, comfortably sleeps 4. Open year round. $110 per night, 2 night minimum (3 on holidays).
Hotels & Motels
Resort
Stay safe
Most of Cloudcroft is above 9000 ft and one of the most likely problems is Altitude sickness. One should also understand the risks of mountain forest where there are wild animals and potential harmful/poisonous plants. Emergency services use the standard 911 system.
Go next
- Lincoln National Forest, +1 575 434-7200, . It has hiking, camping galore, horse back riding, biking, four wheeling, hunting, cross country skiing, inner-tube rides, skating, and snow-mobiles!
Nearby
Lincoln National Forest
Park · 1 listings · 9 mi away
Alamogordo
City / town · 28 listings · 13 mi away
Ruidoso
City / town · 20 listings · 27 mi away
Lincoln
City / town · 1 listings · 42 mi away
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Park · 74 mi away
Las Cruces
City / town · 38 listings · 74 mi away
Roswell
City / town · 14 listings · 76 mi away
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