race.vacations
Trails & Rails
TrailHistoric Rail-GradeSingletrackMixed Surface

Trails & Rails

Cloudcroft, NM

A charming high-altitude mountain race steeped in railroad history. The brisk June temps and pine-scented single-track make it a standout for desert-weary Southwest runners.

When
June 13, 2026
Distances
Kids' Dash (1-Mile) · 8-Mile · 3-Mile
Surface
Mixed
Course
Unknown
Elevation gain
1,350 ft
Altitude
7,200 ft–8,600 ft
Weather
Mild
Nearest airport
ELP
Suggested trip
2 nights

Score breakdown

7.6/10

Strong. A strong destination race with real appeal.

Scenery / setting8.5· 20%
Course character7.5· 15%
Weather appeal8.5· 15%
Destination appeal7.5· 15%
Logistics practicality5.0· 15%
Difficulty clarity7.0· 10%
Data confidence9.0· 5%
Editorial judgment8.5· 5%

Also worth knowing (not weighted)

Non-runner appeal8.0
Remoteness7.0

Editorial score (v0.1) — full method on How we score. Never affected by sponsorships.

Weather

MonthAvg high / lowBand
June50–76°FMild
~0.35 in typical precipLow humidity (~34% avg RH); dry and comfortable. June has the most sunshine of the year (~12 hrs/day). Rain falls only ~4 days in June.

Historical averages for planning — not a forecast. Always check conditions before race week.

Route & course

Kids' Dash (1-Mile)

Unknown · Mixed
Elev gain
—
Elev loss
—
High point
—
Low point
—

1-mile Kids' Dash near race start area. Start-area management noted as somewhat informal in 2026 (first-hand field note).

8-Mile

Loop · Mixed · starts 8:30 AM
Elev gain
1,350 ft
Elev loss
1,350 ft
High point
8,600 ft
Low point
7,200 ft
  • Start and finish in the same area
  • Easier spectating and repeated aid access
Start · 8,676 ftFinish · 8,676 ft

Short paved opening loop to prevent bottlenecks, then historic railroad grade, old highway segments, and rolling singletrack. Primarily downhill on scenic ridgeline in early miles; a sustained ~2.5-mile climb dominates the final third. Two water stations on course. Altitude (8,676 ft) adds meaningful physiological load for flatlanders.

3-Mile

Loop · Mixed
Elev gain
—
Elev loss
—
High point
—
Low point
—
  • Start and finish in the same area
  • Easier spectating and repeated aid access
Start · 8,676 ft

Shares paved opening loop and rail-grade/singletrack sections with the 8-mile. Significant elevation change for the distance at altitude; accessible for fit hikers.

Travel

Base town
Cloudcroft
Nearest airport
ELP · 123 min
Rental car
Recommended
Rideshare
Poor
Lodging
Good
Facilities
Good
Trip length
2 nights
Travel complexity
5/10

ELP is ~104 road miles / ~2 hrs from Cloudcroft; a rental car is essentially required. Cloudcroft is a tiny village (pop. ~750) with limited lodging — book well in advance. No rideshare infrastructure.

Route from ELP typically uses US-54 N to US-82 E. Visitors from Dallas face a ~9-hour drive. Arrive at least one day early to acclimate to 8,676 ft elevation.

Best for / avoid if

Best for

  • altitude-curious runners
  • Southwest locals
  • history buffs
  • families (Kids' Dash)
  • series chasers (Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series)
  • trail enthusiasts
  • mountain runners
  • families
  • runners seeking elevation challenge

Avoid if

  • you need flat, fast PR conditions
  • altitude sickness is a concern (8,676 ft start)
  • you want a large race atmosphere
  • altitude sensitive
  • seeking flat/fast PR course

First-timer mistakes

Underestimating the altitude — arrive a day early to acclimate. The 8-mile course feels moderate until a sustained ~2.5-mile climb in the final third that most runners end up hiking.

Photos

Tap a photo to enlarge.

Where to stay, eat & explore

Local picks for the weekend.

  • Trestle Recreation AreaActivity

    Race start/finish and a scenic picnic area west of Cloudcroft; gateway to historic rail-grade trails and overlooks of the Tularosa Basin.

  • Lincoln National Forest TrailsActivity

    Extensive trail network surrounding Cloudcroft; great for pre- or post-race hiking and exploration.

  • The Lodge Resort and Spa Lodging

    Historic hotel with spa.

  • Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue Food / restaurant

    Raved-about BBQ in Cloudcroft.

  • Rim Trail Activity

    Popular hiking trail with mountain views.

Happening nearby

  • Discovercloudcroft.com Top Events Nearby event

    Local events calendar for Cloudcroft — useful for planning around race weekend.

  • Cloudcroft Beer FestivalNearby event

    Local festival held on race weekend.

Runner reports

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Race history

Race-trip notes

Base in Cloudcroft (tiny village, limited lodging — book early). Nearest major airport is ELP (~2 hrs). The race pairs well with exploring the Sacramento Mountains or tacking on the full Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series (August and October follow-up events).

Field Notes

About this race

Set in the Lincoln National Forest above the Chihuahuan Desert, this intimate small-town race starts and finishes at the Trestle Recreation Area — a landmark of Cloudcroft's 1899–1947 Alamogordo & Sacramento Mountains Railroad era. Runners traverse a mix of paved opener, wide historic rail-grade, old highway, and rolling singletrack, with a punishing 2.5-mile climb in the final third of the 8-mile course. Altitude, not heat, is the primary challenge; June race-day temps typically run in the 60s–70s°F.

Last verified June 20, 2026. Race details can change — always confirm with the official race website.

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