The Osha Trail in Cloudcroft is an amazing hike for beginners that you can’t miss on your trip to New Mexico.
This stunning trail will lead you to some impressive viewpoints and through a beautiful forest area.
Whether in summer or winter, the Osha Trail is worth a visit.
Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know before you go hiking in Cloudcroft.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name: Osha Trail T10, Sacramento Ranger District
Length: 2.2 miles
Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 hour
Osha Trail Cloudcroft Directions
To get to the Osha Trail in New Mexico, head to the village of Cloudcroft. It’s in the Lincoln National Forest. Once in Cloudcroft, follow Highway 82. You’ll see a sign for the Osha Trail parking area.
You can also park directly in the village of Cloudcroft and walk a couple of steps down Muchachita Avenue until you reach the parking spot and the trailhead. It is super easy to find.
There is plenty of parking available at the Osha Trail Trailhead.
Trail Description
The Osha Loop Trail in Cloudcroft is pretty easy to complete, it takes about an hour. You’ll navigate some hilly terrain, and good shoes are recommended.
We completed the hike within a little more than an hour because there was a lot of snow on the ground. You’ll wander through the beautiful Lincoln National Forest.
The highlight of the trail is the stunning viewpoint, from where you can see the White Sands National Park and the Tularosa Basin.
All in all, the trail has an elevation change of about 400 feet. Luckily, there are quite a few benches along the way for a good rest.
The trail is a loop, and it is easy to find. There are helpful trail markers along the way.
Best Time To Hike The Osha Trail
The best time for hiking in Lincoln National Forest is usually from late spring to early fall, around May to October. This period offers milder temperatures and less snow.
Just remember, summer in New Mexico can get pretty warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the heat.
Keep in mind that this is high season for hikers, so the trail might be really busy. We prefer going in the winter months, because it is extremely quiet in the forest. Also, the snow is super beautiful.
If you plan on seeing more of the area around the White Sands, I suggest going in spring or fall, since it gets too hot in summer.
Lodging Near Osha Trail
If you are looking to stay overnight near the trail, there are a couple of great options. The village of Cloudcroft has lovely apartments and hotels.
Here are my favorite options for lodging near Osha Trail:
Other Things To Do Near Osha Trail
If you have some more time in the area, there are quite a few things you can do. The village of Cloudcroft and the nearby town of Alamogordo have plenty to offer.
Here are my favorite activities in the area:
- See the Old Apple Barn and drink some cider
- Sample wine at the Noisy Water Winery
- Check out the cute shops in Cloudcroft town
- Have BBQ at Mad Jack’s Mountain BBQ
- Grab breakfast at the Burro Street Bakery
- Visit the Cloudcroft Brewing Company
- Go skiing
- Check out Alamogordo and the White Sands National Park
Conclusion: Osha Trail Cloudcroft
To sum it up, the Osha Trail in Cloudcroft is a great hike for beginners that offers amazing views over the valley. It takes about an hour to complete and has a couple of medium-steep parts.
If you have some more time in the area, make sure to check out the village of Cloudcroft and the cute little stores and restaurants. The small mountain paradise is ideally visited in spring or fall, but I found it equally charming in winter.
I hope you enjoy this trail as much as I did. If you need some more info on New Mexico, keep on reading:
Is New Mexico in Mexico? Everything You Need to Know
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.