Fall Color Hike in Cloudcroft
Details
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (starting elevation 8,500 feet)
Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 433 feet
Time: 3 hours round-trip driving from Las Cruces, plus 1.5 hour hike, plus 1.5 hours for lunch (optional).
For this hike, we'll enjoy the fall colors along the Osha Trail in Cloudcroft. Enjoy the brilliant oranges, reds and yellows of the maples and aspens, mixed with the fragrant greens of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. Deer, elk and wild horses are often seen along the route. Portions of the trail offer glimpses of White Sands.
We will meet promptly at the trailhead at 9:30 a.m. For those who want to stay for lunch, we'll gather at Cloudcroft Brewing for beer and pizza (vegan/lactose-free cheese options are available) before heading home.
Tip: If you want more fall colors, take a slow, relaxing drive south of the village on NM-6563 for a scenic fall car ride.
Google Maps directions to trailhead
Please comment if you'd be interested in carpooling.
Caution/Disclaimer: Hikers are responsible for their own personal safety/health and of their guests when participating in Las Cruces Short Hikes activities. The organizers of Las Cruces Short Hikes are not liable for any illness, injury, accident, mechanical break-down, or unforeseen acts that may occur while you participate going to, during, or after any activity. If you have a medical condition that may be aggravated by any kind of physical activity you must make your own personal decision about attending and not hold any of the volunteer organizers liable. All organizers are volunteers and are not compensated during any activity.