Are you looking to discover awesome new places in New Mexico? Then the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle needs to be on your bucket list.
An amazing view of the ancient railroad, the White Sands National Park and the stunning Lincoln Forest is what will await you there.
In need of some more information before you head there? I got you!
My husband and I live close by in the town of Alamogordo. We drive up to the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle frequently for a nice view and some drone flying.
To help you plan your visit, I have created this ultimate guide for you!
Let’s get to it!
Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle History
The Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle is a historic structure located in the Lincoln National Forest, near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. It is a beautiful spot that should be on your New Mexico bucket list.
It was built in the early 1900s as part of the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway. This railway was super important for transporting timber from the mountains to the desert below.
Back in the day, this was considered an architectural masterpiece. It is 60 feet tall and 323 feet long. That makes it one of the largest wooden trestles in the United States.
Today, the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle is a popular tourist attraction in Cloudcroft. You can check it out from the viewing platform or hike the adjacent trail for a different angle.
Check out our YouTube video below for some scenic views of the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle:
How to Get to Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle
Either add Trestle Vista Observation Site to your navigation or follow my detailed directions below.
To get to the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle from Alamogordo:
- Head east on US-82: From Alamogordo, take US Highway 82 (US-82) east towards the Sacramento Mountains.
- Drive through the mountains: Continue on US-82 as it winds its way up the mountains. Enjoy the scenic drive as you ascend (check out the Tunnel Vista Observation Site on your way).
- Arrive in Cloudcroft: After about 16 miles, you’ll reach the mountain village of Cloudcroft. It’s a quaint town with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views.
- Right before you hit the town of Cloudcroft, you can see the trestle Vista Observation site on your right-hand side.
Hiking Trails in the Area
There are several cool hiking trails in the area of the Mexican Canyon Trestle Railroad Trestle.
- Cloud-climbing Trestle Trail: this is an awesome, easy trail of 1.3 miles in length. It will lead you from the Trestle Recreation Area (Trail 5001A) to a viewing area of the Trestle in the south.
- Osha Trail: on the other side of the road you can find the beloved Osha Trail. It sadly does not have a view of the Trestle, but it has a remarkable view over the Tularosa Basin.
- Trestle Recreation Area Trails: The area around the Railroad has a couple of other cool trails, including the Switchback Trail and the Bridal Veil Falls Trail. They offer great views of the trestle and the landscape. I love both of those.
- Rim Trail: This is a longer trail, about 29 miles in total, but you can hike shorter sections of it as well. It’s known for its stunning views of the White Sands National Park and the Tularosa Basin.
- Bluff Springs Trail: This trail is about 3 miles round trip and leads to the beautiful Bluff Springs waterfall. It’s a bit more challenging with some steep sections, but the waterfall at the end is worth the effort.
Best Time to Visit Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle
The Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle is an awesome viewpoint you can enjoy year-round. But of course, there are a couple of considerations.
Cloudcroft typically has a lot of snow in the winter, so if you want to go hiking, you should keep that in mind. We have been up there on light snowy days, and it is still beautiful. Cold winds and snow can make it uncomfortable though.
I would say, the best time to visit the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle is during the spring or fall. The weather is a bit milder, and there are not that many tourists yet.
Spring is especially beautiful as the wildflowers are in bloom. Fall is also a great time to visit, and you’ll see some stunning fall foliage in the Lincoln National Forest.
Summer is main tourist season, so it can be a bit crowded. Luckily, it does not get too hot up in Cloudcroft (unlike down in Alamogordo).
As for time of day, I suggest visiting around sunset time. You’ll have an insane view of the sunset over the Organ Mountains and the White Sands in the distance.
Other Things To Do Nearby
There are a lot of other awesome things to do in the area of Cloudcroft if you want to combine your visit. First of all, you have to see the quaint mountain village of Cloudcroft.
In downtown Cloudcroft, you’ll have some cute shops, the famous Cloudcroft Brewery and, some awesome restaurants. Make sure to check out the Burro Street Bakery, I love that place!
Check out the Noisy Water Winery and hike the beautiful Osha Trail.
A short drive away is the city of Alamogordo. There, you can hike the famous White Sands National Park or see the Tularosa Basin Museum of History.
Check out the Tunnel Vista Observation Site for some amazing views of the Tularosa Basin.
More Pictures of the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle
If I haven’t convinced you yet to visit the stunning Railroad Trestle near Cloudcroft, I have some more stunning pics of the wooden trestle bridge for you.
Here are my favorite photos of the Trestle Depot Recreation Area:
Conclusion: Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle
The Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle is not only a stunning spot to see, but also a place to learn about history. As one of the largest railroad trestles in the US, this is a great historic monument that needs to be on your bucket list.
From the observation site, you can have an awesome view of the wooden trestle. But you might catch an even better glimpse from the Cloud Climbing Trestle Trail.
If you are not sure when to check it out, I suggest going in spring or fall. Temperatures are mild and the wildflowers will make the area light up with color. Of course, there is also some stunning fall foliage in the Lincoln National Forest.
Lastly, there is also a lot to do in Cloudcroft. Check out the Cloudcroft Brewing Company and the Osha Trail for more fun in the area.
- 27 Amazing Things To Do in Alamogordo (Local’s Guide)
- 5 Awesome Hiking Trails in the White Sands National Park, NM (With Map)
- Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle, NM: Ultimate Guide
- 12 Awesome Things To Do in Ruidoso, NM
- Pine Tree Trail Las Cruces: Ultimate Hiking Guide & Review
About the Author
Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator based in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Her goal is to explore the beautiful state of New Mexico and share it on this blog. She’ll also dive deep into culture, history and other interesting facts about her new home on this blog.