Cloudcroft NM’s “Waterfall” Hike!

So, I know what you guys are thinking…”wow, the waterfall hike…what an original name!” That’s what I thought, anyway, when I saw the below sign as I was driving down the Sunspot Highway in Cloudcroft:

Apparently, someone wasn’t having their most creative moment…but since I don’t think that I would’ve done much better, I’ll forgive them.

So I’m not gonna lie to you and say that this is the most amazing hike or waterfall ever, BUT you are in beautiful Cloudcroft and it is a very short and sweet hike that would make a nice excursion!

Directions: (from Cloudcroft/Hwy 82) At the end of town, right before you begin your descent down the mountain to Alamogordo, there is a turn off to the left, with signs for Weed and Timberon (Hwy 130). Take a left at this intersection (if you end up passing the Trestle then you have gone too far). Drive down this Hwy 130 for a short ways and then turn right onto the Sunspot Hwy/6563 which will have signs for Timberon. Follow the Sunspot Highway/6563 until you see the above sign. (I don’t know the exact mileage but it’s a good distance. If you hit Timberon you missed it)

Tips: 

• You will be passing a multitude of hiking trails along the Sunspot Highway, so I encourage you to bring your hiking A-game! This trail will by no means max you out!
• There was a picnic table and a trash can when I was last here (2016), so bring lunch and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
• Be aware that there is a lot of wildlife in this area, so be alert and keep an eye on your children
• The hike begins with a very brief series of switchbacks and then levels out for the rest of the hike. Shouldn’t be too taxing, but I would say it’s not handicap friendly.

The above sign is at the base of the brief series of switchbacks that come down from the parking lot

The trail leads you by this picturesque spot right before you get to the waterfall. I think it would make a great spot for a family photoshoot!

As you can see, it’s just a baby waterfall compared to other Falls that I’ve blogged about, but it’s still worth seeing! It could do with a cleanup of the fallen logs around it though…

You can tell that this area is not as highly trafficked as Bluff Springs Falls or the Mexican Trestle, so those of you that like a little more solitude would prefer not only this hike, but many others along the Sunspot Highway.

Y’all don’t have to tell me how super cool my hat is, cause I already know.

Well, that’s really all there is to it folks. I couldn’t really find information about this trail, so I don’t know the exact length but I would definitely estimate it’s a mile or under. It’s worth a pit stop if you are on the Sunspot Highway!

Dont forget to leave me a comment and let me know what y’all think!

Until next time!