Trestle Recreation Area Trail System (Cloud Climbing/Trestle Trail):
New Mexico
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Description:
The Trestle Trail (1.3 miles) is a moderate trail along portions of the abandoned Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad grade. It offers fabulous views of the canyons, foothills, Tularosa Basin, including White Sands and the San Andres Mountains on the far side of the valley. It also passes through shady old-growth forest and offers a close look at the landmark Mexican Canyon trestle.
The Cross-Over Trail (0.3 miles) allows the user to create a loop hike by combining the Trestle Trail with a return to the Depot along the Old Auto Road. It begins at the lowest point on the Trestle Trail and descends to an intersection with the old highway to Cloudcroft.
The Old Auto Road Trail (1.0 miles) is a scenic, moderate trail along the old Alamogordo to Cloudcroft highway. This trail may also be used to access the Switchback Trail if one continues downhill beyond the Cross-Over trail intersection.

The trail surface is primarily dirt, except for a half-mile section that is paved from the Depot parking area to the overlook. This short section is suitable for wheelchairs and in-line skaters.

For more information, contact: NM Rails-to-Trails, P.O. Box 44, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, 575-682-3040, or www.nmrailstotrails.org.
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Trestle Recreation Area
By twirlymaker in May, 2009
Nice area with Replica Railroad Depot, Water Fountain, Picnic & Port-A-Potties.
( N32.95742 W105.74996 ). An excellent, short asphalt loop trail, 0.25 mile, that leads to the “Devil’s Elbow Overlook” and view of “White Sands Missile Range”. Access to Trestle Trail is to steep and rough for Tri-Cruiser. Noel Keller 19 May 09
Cloud-Climbing Rail Trail
By Bob Medley in February, 2006
"As a member of the El Paso Ridgewalkers, I have hiked this trail many times. There are many photos of this trail, both summer and autumn. I have photos of the Mexican Canyon Trestle, and the collasped S-Trestle. The web address is http://www.elpasoridgewalkers.com"
Cloud Climbing Trail
By mitchell in July, 2001
We have just returned from the Cloud-Climbing Trail in Cloud Croft. I was so pleased with our trip and the trail. It is one of the best trails that I have been on. The sights were just simply awesome. I was so pleased to be on a Rails to Trails. I hope to go on more trails such as this one.
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