Trestle Recreation Area Trail System (Cloud Climbing/Trestle Trail)

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.