Nearby Visits

Here's list of places you should check out

White Sands is not to be missed.

White Sands National Park: Located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Cloudcroft, White Sands National Park is a must-visit destination. Take a scenic drive through the dunes or hike the Alkali Flat Trail to experience the park's natural beauty. Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Less than 3 hours from Cloudcroft, Carlsbad Caverns is a stunning natural wonder. Take a self-guided tour through the caverns or join a ranger-led tour to learn more about this underground world.

Ruidoso, NM: Only 45 minutes from Cloudcroft, Ruidoso is a charming mountain town with plenty of outdoor activities. Go skiing, hiking, or fishing, or take a scenic drive along the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway.

Alamogordo, NM: Just over an hour from Cloudcroft, Alamogordo is a great place to explore the history and culture of the area. Visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History or the Toy Train Depot for a fun day trip.

Lincoln, NM: About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cloudcroft, Lincoln is a small town with an extensive history. Explore the historic buildings and learn about the infamous Lincoln County War at the Lincoln Historic Site.

El Paso, TX: Just under 2 hours from Cloudcroft, El Paso is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art, explore the Plaza Theatre, or walk along the Rio Grande.

Trinity Site, which is the location of the first atomic bomb test. However, please note that the site is only open to the public twice a year, on the first Saturdays of April and October. During these open house events, visitors can drive to the site and take a guided tour of the ground zero area, as well as the McDonald Ranch House, where the bomb was assembled.

To attend the open house event, visitors must enter through the Stallion Gate entrance to White Sands Missile Range, located on US Highway 380 between San Antonio and Carrizozo, NM. Visitors should bring a government-issued photo ID and allow extra time for security checks.

Outside of the open house events, the Trinity Site is located within the White Sands Missile Range, an active military installation that is not open to the public. However, visitors can view the site from outside the perimeter fence.

Las Cruces is 45 minutes northwest of El Paso, Texas. With a population of approximately 101,000, it is the second-largest city in the state after Albuquerque.

One of Las Cruces' most notable features is its location in the Mesilla Valley, which provides stunning views of the Organ Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape. The city also enjoys a mild, arid climate, with over 300 days of sunshine annually.

Las Cruces has several cultural attractions, including the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, the Las Cruces Museum of Art, and the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Whole Enchilada Fiesta, the Renaissance ArtsFaire, and the Southern New Mexico State Fair.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Las Cruces is an excellent base for outdoor activities, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping in the nearby mountains and desert. The city is also just a short drive from the White Sands National Park, which features miles of pristine white dunes.

Las Cruces is also a thriving center for agriculture, with a significant portion of the city's economy driven by chile peppers, pecans, and cotton production. Finally, the city is home to New Mexico State University, which provides educational opportunities and cultural events to the local community.

Tularosa is a small town in south-central New Mexico, about 12 miles east of Alamogordo. The city has a population of approximately 2,800 and is known for its rich history, charming downtown area, and stunning natural surroundings.

One of the main attractions in Tularosa is the historic district, which features numerous well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These include the Tularosa Basin Historical Society Museum, housed in a former schoolhouse, and the Old Dowlin Mill, once used for grinding flour and now serves as a community center.

Tularosa is also located near the southern edge of the Lincoln National Forest, which offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, camp in the forest, or explore nearby attractions such as White Sands National Park or the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.

One of the town's most unique attractions is the annual Tularosa Basin Balloon Festival, which takes place each September and features colorful hot air balloons floating over the surrounding landscape. The event includes live music, food vendors, and other family-friendly activities.

Ruidoso is home to Ruidoso Downs, a horse racing track and casino. Ruidoso Downs is a popular destination for horse racing fans and offers live racing events during the summer months and simulcast racing year-round. The track is known for hosting several major races, including the All-American Futurity, one of the world's richest Quarter Horse races. Ruidoso Downs also has an on-site casino offering slot machines, table games, and other gambling options.

Skiing and Snowboarding: Ruidoso is home to the Ski Apache ski resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

Hiking and Biking: The area has many hiking and biking trails, including the Grindstone Trail System and the White Mountain Wilderness.

Golfing: The area has several golf courses, including the Links at Sierra Blanca and the Cree Meadows Golf Course.

Museums and Art Galleries: Ruidoso has several museums and art galleries, including the Hubbard Museum of the American West and the Ruidoso River Museum.

Casinos: Ruidoso has several casinos, including the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.