Bird Watching & Cloud Climbing Trails

Cloud-Climbing Trestle Trail, sometimes referred to as the Mexican Canyon Trestle Trail for the landmark feature at its end, offers a moderately challenging, but beautiful, climb through the Trestle Recreation Area in Cloudcroft. The mile-long trail begins at a replica railway depot and follows the former Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad. Its first half-mile is paved; the remainder is a dirt pathway.

As it winds through crisp firs and pines, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the White Sands dunes and distant San Andreas Mountains. Along the way, it passes the remains of the "S" trestle, which once contained two 30-degree curves. A sign displays a photograph of what the bridge once looked like.

Farther on is the Mexican Canyon Trestle, built in 1889 and on the National Register of Historic Places. At 323

feet long and the height of a six-story building, the wooden trestle is quite stunning. An overlook offers views of the trestle and surrounding Lincoln National Forest.

The trail is part of an 8-mile loop that includes another rail-trail, the Switchback Trail. For More Information:

http://www.traillink.com/trail/cloud-climbing-trestle-trail.aspx

At the Cool Pines RV Park you will also find trails and plenty of birds to watch!