Explore the best rated trails in Ruidoso, NM, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Salado Canyon Trail and Grand View Trail . With more than 4 trails covering 6 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I did the Mexican Canyon trestle trail twice this summer. The second time I took two friends with me, who enjoy hiking and history. This trail is a mile long, with one short descent and ascent around a patch of private property, making this NOT a near-level trail. Historic plaques and views of the White Sands in the distance, make this worth experiencing.
While one can do this trail as a quick two-mile out-and-back trail, this trail is part of a network of trails in the Trestle Recreation Area. Grab a map at the replica depot and create your own four, six, or even eight-mile hike around historic former railroad grades.
In the three days we spent around Cloudcroft, we also hiked the Switchback trail, Old Cloudcroft Highway, and the Osha trail, all easily accessible near Cloudcroft.
If you plan on parking at the Replica depot, remember that it's closed for the season from I October to 1 March, but all trails are still accessible via other trail heads. The replica depot parking area closes at 6pm during the season, so if you plan on a long hike, park in town and walk in. The hosts promptly close the parking lot at 6pm.
Beautiful scenery, well-marked trail, great for hiking with few, if any, bikes. The trestle is historical and interesting.
April 2013 we rode (mostly walked) our mountain bikes in the Trestle trail section by the Depot Replica just southwest of Cloudcroft NM. This trail has wonderful access to the Mexican canyon and "s" trestles. Having ridden close to 30 rail trails in the USA I was not expecting the trail bed to be primarily loose golf ball size rock. Far more conducive to hiking than biking for the average family. Perhaps in the past the surface was less loose rocks but there is a drought in the area and it likely may have taken its toll on the trail bed.
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
Drove out to the Trailheads on Fresnal Canyon Rd. Upper Trailhead is an obscure winding path to the RR Grade. Lower Trailhead ( N32.95819 W105.85229 ) has parking but stile over fence. No Access for Tri-Cruiser. See photo. Noel Keller 19 May 09
"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"
The Grandview Trail is an easy walk and has outstanding views of pinon covered mountains and canyons. There is a covered resting area and only light traffic along the trail. What a find only minutes from the High Rolls General Store on the old Fresnal Canyon Road.
"Easy hike, spectacular view of the Tularosa Basin on the old Alamogordo/Sacramento Mountain Railway roadbed, steepest standard gauge railroad in the world, visit
www.toytraindepot.homestead.com for pictures."
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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