XTERRA World Championship in Ruidoso, The Gail Fire, and More: Your Wednesday Update
Wednesday Review: The Reader keeps you informed
XTERRA World Championship Off-Road Triathlon Treks into Ruidoso, New Mexico
In partnership with Ruidoso, New Mexico, XTERRA announced on Tuesday, March 25th, that the village will host the brand’s 2026, ‘27, and ‘28 World Championship off-road triathlon for elite outdoor athletes.
XTERRA racers compete worldwide at sites like Australia, China, Europe, South Africa, Hawaii—and now Ruidoso’s Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park.
Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford officially announced the big news at the riverside Downshift Brewing Company. He called hosting XTERRA a "boon" for Ruidoso, especially in light of last year's tragic Salt and South Fork Fires, which affected the village and surrounding areas.
The XTERRA World Championship will be held in Ruidoso starting in 2026, and the event will sustain its impact on outdoor tourism for the following three years. For 2025, a qualifier race will be held on August 15th- 17th.
XTERRA U.S. Tour Manager Steve Andrus says the championship race will attract between 1,000 and 1,500 athletes, their families, and friends. He estimates up to 7,000 visitors in total for each World Championship event.
Mayor Crawford expects the event to add more than 12 million dollars to the economy…
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like Ski Cloudcroft:
The Village of Cloudcroft Council meeting was rescheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 27th, at 6:00 p.m. in the village chambers.
On the docket: an upcoming film in the area, village finances, adjusting the contract for village attorney Zack Cook’s professional services, potential hires for a village clerk, police officer, library director, and more.
The Reader will attend and report—see you there.
The Gail Fire: Your Friday Morning Update
At 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25th, the Gail Fire near Mayhill, New Mexico, is listed at 103 acres and 94% containment.
The Cloudcroft Reader checked in with Gail Fire Incident Commander Caleb Finch at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21st. Here’s what we learned…
Former Bigfoot Museum Opens New Chapter
Cloudcroft’s eccentric Bigfoot Enterprises, formerly home to a unique cryptid-themed attraction in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, is transforming under new ownership.
Locals Michael Adams and Kelsey Worthan recently purchased the rustic yet relatively new build adjacent to Future Real Estate along the James Canyon Highway.
The new proprietors are reimagining the expansive layout, though some elements, like the lobby shooting target game, remain. Adams and Worthan are excited to supply outfitter retail goods that cater to hunting and camping needs, sell homemade fudge, and more.
The Village of Cloudcroft Enters New Fire Restrictions: What You Need to Know
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like Dusty Boots:
Cloudcroft Classifieds
Community
Western Horseback Riding Lessons
Intro to western riding and horsemanship lessons for ages five and up. Located in Tularosa, close to Horseman’s Park. Please get in touch with us for more information.
801-678-4838 | robyn.vanvalkenburg@gmail.com
Cloudcroft Fitness
A small fitness studio offering group fitness classes, including barbell, circuit training, spin classes, and more!
https://cloudcroftcycling.punchpass.com/
Lenten Lunches
Each week will feature a guest speaker and a free soup lunch. Lenten Lunches begin at noon every Wednesday through April 9th. Hosted by Cloudcroft United Methodist Church, 50 Chipmunk Avenue. All are welcome!
575-682-2266 | cloudcroftumc.org
Trails & Rails Race
Saturday, June 7th: Come and run in the Beautiful Sacramento Mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, on the historic 1800s railroad beds and the old 1930s highway—at just under 9,000 feet. The races start and finish at the Trestle Recreation Area at the intersection of Highways 82 and 130, where the depot is located.
Register before March 31st for these special rates (plus taxes and fees): 8-mile $45; 3-mile $35; and the Kid’s 1-mile Dash $15.
Diabetic Education Classes for the Community
If you are Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic you can take charge of your health and your own diabetic care.
575-682-3022 | mtnseniors.org | cbrn1cu@gmail.com
Beginning Alcohol Ink Classes
Spring/Summer & Fall beginning Alcohol Ink classes in Cloudcroft. 2 hr class $40, all supplies included.
575-640-7906 | cloudcroftgirl52@gmail.com
Cloudcroft Art Society
The first 2025 CAS meeting will be at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9th ath the Michael Nivison Public Library/Old Red Brick Schoolhouse.
To find out about membership and apply to CAS: ccartsociety@gmail.com
Jobs
Friends of Camp Mary White
Camp Mary White is seeking a Camp Health Supervisor (Camp Nurse). Dates: June 14 - July 8. Preferred qualifications: (RN, LVN, LPN, Dr., EMT) and experience working with children, competent with handling medical emergencies, and can quickly learn to use record-keeping software.
Information and application: 214-240-7965 | Linktr.ee/campmarywhite
Services
Extended Protection for Vehicles UTVS ATVs Motorcycles RVs & Homes
Protection plans from a nationwide insurer and customized by a local Cloudcroft resident.
480-252-8119 | james@sureguardwarranty.com
A quaint family-owned and operated mountain ranch offering short-term boarding for pack mules and horses—ideal for hunters. Foundation Quarter Horse breeding, sales, and stallion services.
979-676-3996 | hcecloudcroft@gmail.com
Crystal Tompkins Photography
Professional photography services include headshots and personal branding, Portraits of Women (POW), Families, Couples, and more.
Schedule today
Real Estate
3 bed 2 bath home in High Rolls, just under 2 acres
NEW PRICE REDUCED! Charming 3-bed, 2-bath mountain home in High Rolls with a spacious split floor plan, wood stove, custom kitchen island, refrigerated air, covered porch, stunning views, garage, workshop, greenhouse, pond, and nearby hiking trails! 7 Old Ranger Rd. High Rolls, NM 88325
MLS # 170107 | (575) 607-5520
3 bed 2 bath Mountain Home on 1.541 Acres
Timberon Oasis! Charming home on 1.54 acres in the Timberon Golf Course community. Features spacious decks, screened patio, hot tub, cozy fireplace, split floor plan, office, powered workshop, fenced yard, and stunning natural surroundings. 110 Oakmont Dr. Timberon, NM 88350
MLS # 170348 | (575) 607-5520
52.106 Acres in Dog Canyon, Alamogordo *No Cov or Restrictions
52 Acres of Possibilities! This unrestricted land off Highway 54 near Dog Canyon offers stunning 360° mountain views and endless potential for development, agriculture, or recreation. Seller willing to install power pole for financing ease! Oliver Rd and Dog Canyon, Alamogordo, NM 88310
MLS # 170202 | (575) 607-5520
Construction
Mountain Park Construction LLC
We can get it done right and on budget. General Building license in New Mexico.
(575) 491-0379 | PO Box 61, High Rolls Mt Pk, NM 88325
YHWH Electric service
Generators---Remodels--- New Construction---Commercial --- Residential
(575) 682-1316 | cloudcooper65@gmail.com
Retail
Sacramento Mountain Law Enforcement Stories
Books about Cloudcroft and New Mexico history from a cop’s standpoint by retired Otero County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Billy Anders. Available on Amazon and other sources. Complimentary copies in the Cloudcroft public library.
Visit www.billyandersauthor.com
Drew Gaines Fine Art
Local artist (and The Reader’s Contributing Editor) offers original oil paintings and fine art prints. Many of his works depict the beauty of the surrounding area.
(214) 934-3822 | drewgaines@sbcglobal.net
Aspen & Ivy Boutique
Boutique store and gift shop on Burro Avenue next to the Fat Rabbit and Pine Stump Mall. Shop for bespoke and organic goods, local art, and more.
Text: (512) 788-1349 | saranicole333@gmail.com
Instant Karma
Adventure Within through transformative yoga, Ayurvedic wisdom, nourishing organics, a Fair Trade boutique, and an afternoon Chai Bar. Ask about joining the Veggie Club.
(575) 682-2651 | alex@getinstantkarma.com
Off the Beaten Path
Eclectic art and gifts, just north of Burro on Glorietta Avenue. Handmade local and regional art with a focus on sustainable and recycled materials. Check out their 1Cat Trap, Neuter, and Release Program.
(575) 682-7284 | stuff@offthebeatenpathstuff.com
Food & Drink
Black Bear Coffee Shop
We keep everyone in mind when it comes to our menu. We have gluten-, dairy-, and sugar-free options. Our baristas know their stuff and do their best to make your day and drink a piece of mountaintop perfection. Located on the NW corner of Burro Ave.
(987) 654-1239 | @blackbearcoffeenm on Instagram
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Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like The Lodge, Dusty Boots Motel and Cafe, Instant Karma, Off the Beaten Path, Future Real Estate, Ski Cloudcroft, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage, High Altitude, Be in the Mountains Yoga, The Elk Shed, Otero County Electric Cooperative, and the Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative.
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From the Archives:
From Water to Roads: How One Grant Writer Shapes Cloudcroft’s Future
Lauren Groesbeck has become vital in securing money for Village projects. Meet the most valuable player in the administration you don't know—yet.