Special Places

• Mountain Bike the Cedar Creek Trail System

  

  Cedar Creek Trail System is a world-class network of trails open to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and dirt biking. The seven intertwining trails are commonly referred to as the “spaghetti bowl”. The trails start close to Ruidoso allowing for quick access from town. Looking for a short trip? Try Lower Cedar Creek Trail (1.5 miles). Up for a challenge? Try Upper Cedar Creek (Full loop is 4.5 miles). Or mix and match the trails for an even longer experience.

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• Backpack the Rim Trail

  

  Hike history near Cloudcroft, NM! The Rim Trail is the first Forest Service trail in New Mexico designated as a National Recreation Trail. It’s a combination of old Native American paths, railroads, homestead trails and logging routes linked together. The trail is shaded much of the way and is punctuated by spectacular views of the Tularosa Basin below. End-to-end the trail is 31 miles long making it popular with backpackers. However, many people hike portions of the trail as a day hike.

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• Horseback Ride in the White Mountain Wilderness

  

  The White Mountain Wilderness near Ruidoso, NM offers the chance to escape city life and be alone in nature. Wilderness areas do not allow any motorized or mechanized equipment, so only horseback riding and hiking is allowed. There are multiple trails traversing the expansive wilderness area. Two of the most popular are Argentina Trail and Bonito Trail, which start at the same trailhead.

  Argentina and Bonito Trailhead

• Camp at Historic Southfork Campground

  

  Southfork Campground is now reopened after being closed for eight years when it was destroyed in a wildfire. Forest Service staff worked for years rebuilding the historic campground which first opened its gate to the public in the 1960s. Cost to camp here is $10. The campground is open from May to October, weather dependent. Trails leading into White Mountain Wilderness leave directly from the campground.

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• Visit Monjeau Lookout

  

  Built in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Monjeau Lookout is one of the most exceptional fire lookouts in the southwest. Its unique rustic style and amazing views makes Monjeau Lookout a wonderful destination on the Lincoln National Forest. The road to Monjeau Lookout is open in the summer months, but you are welcome to hike up to the tower any time of year.

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• Picnic and Hike at the Trestle Depot Recreation Area

  

  Enjoy the day picnicking and hiking just west of Cloudcroft, NM. The Trestle Depot is a historic site where the train from Alamogordo used to drop off passengers in Cloudcroft in the early 1900s. Hike the three different railroad - turned trails, one of which leads out to the fully restored Mexican Canyon Trestle. This site is open during the day only. Sorry, no camping. Picnicking is available in the summer and fall, but is closed during winter. The trails are open year-round.

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For even more options visit our recreation page.

Highlighted Areas

Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area

This desert oasis features a series of spring-fed waterfalls that fall 150 feet (45.7 m) to a large pool of water below. There is an ADA accessible path to the falls viewing area a short distance from the parking lot, along with several hiking trails. Sheltered picnic sites with tables and grills are available, along with fresh water, trash cans, and restrooms. 

Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is 42 miles (67.6 km) west of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and can be reached via two routes. From north of Carlsbad, take Highway 137 from US 285, and then follow Forest Road 276. From south of Carlsbad, take Dark Canyon Road/County Road 408 from US 62/180, and then follow Forest Road 276.