Welcome to Mystic Forest Lodge

Michael
Welcome to Mystic Forest Lodge

City/town information

At more than 110 years old, Cloudcroft still maintains an old-west charm. Burrow Street is lined with quaint shops, local art, bakeries, a coffee shop, a bar, a winery, and a brewery. Fodor's listed Cloudcroft as "One of the Top 10 Most Overlooked Destination Spots." Those who have discovered it say it's one of the best places in the whole country for outdoor enthusiasts. In and around Cloudcroft you will find golfing, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, archery, skiing, ice-skating, a museum and even a performing arts theater. You'll also find fine dining and the best barbeque in nearly 600 miles. Since Cloudcroft sits at nearly 8,700 feet above sea level, it's a great escape from the heat of the whole southwestern region, while the dry climate on either side of the Sacramento Mountain Range keeps it from becoming snow-bound for any length of time. If you like stargazing, professional observatories are nearby, and many amateur astronomers dot the mountains, proving that the skies around Cloudcroft are some of the clearest and darkest you can find. Alamogordo is just 20 minutes down the mountain from Cloudcroft and includes a space history museum, toy train museum, a zoo, a performing arts theater, golf, and still more "wining and dining" options as well as grocery stores. White Sands National Monument and the White Sands Missile Range Museum are just 15 minutes further down the road for dune-sledding, camping, stargazing, and marveling at the history of space exploration. From Cloudcroft it's about 115 miles to Roswell, NM, (for alien enthusiasts), about 160 miles to Carlsbad Caverns, and about 190 miles to The Very Large Array radio astronomy observatory. Driving from the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas, we found Cloudcroft to be an EXCELLENT stopping off point on your way to the Grand Canyon, about 560 miles away. Cloudcroft is a great place for immersing yourself in nature, going on adventures, reconnecting with friends and family, and escaping the stress and monotony of daily life.
79 locals recommend
Cloudcroft
79 locals recommend
At more than 110 years old, Cloudcroft still maintains an old-west charm. Burrow Street is lined with quaint shops, local art, bakeries, a coffee shop, a bar, a winery, and a brewery. Fodor's listed Cloudcroft as "One of the Top 10 Most Overlooked Destination Spots." Those who have discovered it say it's one of the best places in the whole country for outdoor enthusiasts. In and around Cloudcroft you will find golfing, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, archery, skiing, ice-skating, a museum and even a performing arts theater. You'll also find fine dining and the best barbeque in nearly 600 miles. Since Cloudcroft sits at nearly 8,700 feet above sea level, it's a great escape from the heat of the whole southwestern region, while the dry climate on either side of the Sacramento Mountain Range keeps it from becoming snow-bound for any length of time. If you like stargazing, professional observatories are nearby, and many amateur astronomers dot the mountains, proving that the skies around Cloudcroft are some of the clearest and darkest you can find. Alamogordo is just 20 minutes down the mountain from Cloudcroft and includes a space history museum, toy train museum, a zoo, a performing arts theater, golf, and still more "wining and dining" options as well as grocery stores. White Sands National Monument and the White Sands Missile Range Museum are just 15 minutes further down the road for dune-sledding, camping, stargazing, and marveling at the history of space exploration. From Cloudcroft it's about 115 miles to Roswell, NM, (for alien enthusiasts), about 160 miles to Carlsbad Caverns, and about 190 miles to The Very Large Array radio astronomy observatory. Driving from the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas, we found Cloudcroft to be an EXCELLENT stopping off point on your way to the Grand Canyon, about 560 miles away. Cloudcroft is a great place for immersing yourself in nature, going on adventures, reconnecting with friends and family, and escaping the stress and monotony of daily life.

Additional Accommodations

Recommendations to guests for additional / alternate options for accommodations in Cloudcroft should the guest require larger or smaller arrangements now or in the future.
Accommodating 6 to 8 guests, Mystic Mountain Lodge is a secluded, very private mountain-top, 3-story log cabin, with 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths plus bonus room. 16 minutes to the village of Cloudcroft. (Listing ID: 2377530) https://airbnb.com/h/mystic-mountain-lodge
21 Rawlins Ridge Rd
21 Rawlins Ridge Road
Accommodating 6 to 8 guests, Mystic Mountain Lodge is a secluded, very private mountain-top, 3-story log cabin, with 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths plus bonus room. 16 minutes to the village of Cloudcroft. (Listing ID: 2377530) https://airbnb.com/h/mystic-mountain-lodge
The 4-bedroom Mystic Woodlands Lodge allows up to 8 guests to enjoy all the beauty, spaciousness, and family adventures of Mystic Forest Lodge (4.9+ stars, 15 guest capacity), yet in cozier luxurious comfort. https://airbnb.com/h/mystic-woodlands-lodge
23 Cam Del Lun, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
The 4-bedroom Mystic Woodlands Lodge allows up to 8 guests to enjoy all the beauty, spaciousness, and family adventures of Mystic Forest Lodge (4.9+ stars, 15 guest capacity), yet in cozier luxurious comfort. https://airbnb.com/h/mystic-woodlands-lodge

Food scene

Where to eat
The best barbeque in 600 miles! Get there early as they often run out of food by mid-afternoon (they're just that good).
44 locals recommend
Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue
105 James Canyon Hwy
44 locals recommend
The best barbeque in 600 miles! Get there early as they often run out of food by mid-afternoon (they're just that good).
Great barbeque and steaks in a rustic dining atmosphere. We love this place.
Brother-N-Law BBQ
209 James Canyon Highway
Great barbeque and steaks in a rustic dining atmosphere. We love this place.
When you just don't feel like making breakfast (but you've already had your Black Bear coffee)!
11 locals recommend
Dusty Boots Cafe
1317 James Canyon Hwy
11 locals recommend
When you just don't feel like making breakfast (but you've already had your Black Bear coffee)!
White tablecloth dining in a 'Resort Casual' atmosphere. Get drinks at the bar once owned by the notorious Al Capone.
17 locals recommend
Rebecca's At the Lodge
601 Corona Pl
17 locals recommend
White tablecloth dining in a 'Resort Casual' atmosphere. Get drinks at the bar once owned by the notorious Al Capone.
Great pizzas and live music and more.
48 locals recommend
Cloudcroft Brewing Company
1301 Burro Ave
48 locals recommend
Great pizzas and live music and more.
We often stop in here after a long day of driving to Cloudcroft to get their catfish, chicken strips, and a huge brownie.
19 locals recommend
Big Daddy's Diner
1705 James Canyon Hwy
19 locals recommend
We often stop in here after a long day of driving to Cloudcroft to get their catfish, chicken strips, and a huge brownie.
You may get fat just walking past this place! Go early because they start selling out. It's all really good.
13 locals recommend
KennaBelle's Kreations Bakery
308 Burro Ave
13 locals recommend
You may get fat just walking past this place! Go early because they start selling out. It's all really good.
Great New Mexico wines.
Noisy Water Winery
Great New Mexico wines.

COFFEE

Sweet elixir of life.
Perfectly roasted beans from artisan roasters in New Mexico. Absolutely the best coffee. We use their special blend of whole beans at Mystic Mountain Lodge in our Italian De'Longhi coffee/espresso machine. Coffee Shop Hours 200 Burro Ave. Cloudcroft, NM 88317 Wednesday 8:00-4:00 Thursday 8:00-4:00 Friday 8:00-4:00 Saturday 8:00-4:00 Sunday 8:00-3:00 We are closed Monday & Tuesday. *check social media for holiday hours and updates
13 locals recommend
Black Bear Coffee Shop
200 Burro Ave
13 locals recommend
Perfectly roasted beans from artisan roasters in New Mexico. Absolutely the best coffee. We use their special blend of whole beans at Mystic Mountain Lodge in our Italian De'Longhi coffee/espresso machine. Coffee Shop Hours 200 Burro Ave. Cloudcroft, NM 88317 Wednesday 8:00-4:00 Thursday 8:00-4:00 Friday 8:00-4:00 Saturday 8:00-4:00 Sunday 8:00-3:00 We are closed Monday & Tuesday. *check social media for holiday hours and updates

Sightseeing

Pick maps to all the hiking / biking trails (89 Miles of trails) in and around Cloudcroft here.
USDA Forest Service - Sacramento Ranger District
4 Lost Lodge Road
Pick maps to all the hiking / biking trails (89 Miles of trails) in and around Cloudcroft here.
One of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. It is completely enclosed by the White Sands Missile Range. Sledding, hiking, driving Dunes Drive, camping, and spectacular sunsets.
20 locals recommend
White Sands Visitor's Center
19955 US-70
20 locals recommend
One of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. It is completely enclosed by the White Sands Missile Range. Sledding, hiking, driving Dunes Drive, camping, and spectacular sunsets.
The National Solar Observatory (NSO) is the national center for ground-based solar physics in the United States and is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation Division of Astronomical Sciences.
11 locals recommend
National Solar Observatory
3001 Visitor Center Rd
11 locals recommend
The National Solar Observatory (NSO) is the national center for ground-based solar physics in the United States and is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation Division of Astronomical Sciences.

Museums

SACRAMENTO MOUNTAINS MUSEUM & PIONEER VILLAGE Winter – weather permitting 10:00 AM -4:00 PM Friday & Saturday Summer – Regular Hours effective Memorial Day 10:00 AM -4:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday CLOSED Sunday & Thursday Adults $5.00 Children 6-12 $3.00 Military with valid ID will receive $1.00 discount per person Visit the Cloudcroft Museum today, where history comes alive on 2 1/2 wooded acres in beautiful Cloudcroft, New Mexico, 9,000 ft. above stress level.
6 locals recommend
Sacramento Mountains Museum
1000 US-82
6 locals recommend
SACRAMENTO MOUNTAINS MUSEUM & PIONEER VILLAGE Winter – weather permitting 10:00 AM -4:00 PM Friday & Saturday Summer – Regular Hours effective Memorial Day 10:00 AM -4:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday CLOSED Sunday & Thursday Adults $5.00 Children 6-12 $3.00 Military with valid ID will receive $1.00 discount per person Visit the Cloudcroft Museum today, where history comes alive on 2 1/2 wooded acres in beautiful Cloudcroft, New Mexico, 9,000 ft. above stress level.
Features a wide variety of space related exhibits including an interactive space shuttle simulator, a Moon rock brought back on Apollo 17 by New Mexico Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, and special tributes to Dr. John Paul Stapp and Dr. Robert Goddard. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday Noon to 5pm, Closed Tuesdays
13 locals recommend
The Museum of Space History
3198 State Route 2001
13 locals recommend
Features a wide variety of space related exhibits including an interactive space shuttle simulator, a Moon rock brought back on Apollo 17 by New Mexico Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, and special tributes to Dr. John Paul Stapp and Dr. Robert Goddard. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday Noon to 5pm, Closed Tuesdays
THE TOY TRAIN DEPOT IS PROBABLY THE MOST UNIQUE TRAIN MUSEUM YOU’LL FIND ANYWHERE… There’s a little something for everyone; young, old, history buffs, train enthusiasts, south west adventurers, and souvenir seekers. SUMMER HOURS 11-4 Thu. – Sat. 12-4 Sundays
8 locals recommend
Toy Train Depot
1991 N White Sands Blvd
8 locals recommend
THE TOY TRAIN DEPOT IS PROBABLY THE MOST UNIQUE TRAIN MUSEUM YOU’LL FIND ANYWHERE… There’s a little something for everyone; young, old, history buffs, train enthusiasts, south west adventurers, and souvenir seekers. SUMMER HOURS 11-4 Thu. – Sat. 12-4 Sundays
White Sands Missile Range Museum Admission Free Hours Monday 0800 1600 Tuesday 0800 1600 Wednesday 0800 1600 Thursday 0800 1600 Friday 0800 1600 Saturday 1000 1700 Sunday Closed Closed on Federal Holidays
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Wsmr P Rt 1
White Sands Missile Range Museum Admission Free Hours Monday 0800 1600 Tuesday 0800 1600 Wednesday 0800 1600 Thursday 0800 1600 Friday 0800 1600 Saturday 1000 1700 Sunday Closed Closed on Federal Holidays

Outdoors / Activities

For hiking and mountain biking, see the 'Sightseeing' category
At an elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level, The Lodge Golf Course offers a year-round escape from the world. From its classic design to its breathtaking views, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more exhilarating and rewarding setting for a round of golf. The Lodge Golf Club opened its doors for the first time in 1899 and now serves as the highest course in North America! One of New Mexico’s best golf courses offers an unforgettable view of Sierra Blanca Peak, with all 18 holes playing across beautiful fairways. It boasts rolling terrain and is playable for golfers of every skill level with its many strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. It's accessible every day, from April until October.
15 locals recommend
The Lodge Golf Course
601 Corona Pl
15 locals recommend
At an elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level, The Lodge Golf Course offers a year-round escape from the world. From its classic design to its breathtaking views, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more exhilarating and rewarding setting for a round of golf. The Lodge Golf Club opened its doors for the first time in 1899 and now serves as the highest course in North America! One of New Mexico’s best golf courses offers an unforgettable view of Sierra Blanca Peak, with all 18 holes playing across beautiful fairways. It boasts rolling terrain and is playable for golfers of every skill level with its many strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. It's accessible every day, from April until October.
Authorized PSE and Vortex Dealer, 6 Indoor Shooting Lanes, Apparel, Archery Accessories, Pro-Shop. Authorized PSE and Vortex Dealer, 6 Indoor Shooting Lanes, Apparel, Archery Accessories, Pro-Shop, Caters to all Ages.
Cloudcroft Archery
100 Little Glorieta Avenue
Authorized PSE and Vortex Dealer, 6 Indoor Shooting Lanes, Apparel, Archery Accessories, Pro-Shop. Authorized PSE and Vortex Dealer, 6 Indoor Shooting Lanes, Apparel, Archery Accessories, Pro-Shop, Caters to all Ages.
A typical mountain fishing pond. Clean and safe with ducks wandering around to delight the kids. A beautiful and peaceful setting. It does cost (pay by the inch for every fish you catch), but you can save some money if you take your own fishing gear and bait. They clean and bag your fish for you.
SilverSprings RV Park And Trout Pond
449 NM-244
A typical mountain fishing pond. Clean and safe with ducks wandering around to delight the kids. A beautiful and peaceful setting. It does cost (pay by the inch for every fish you catch), but you can save some money if you take your own fishing gear and bait. They clean and bag your fish for you.
Founded in 1898, the Alameda Park Zoo is one of the oldest attractions in the Southwestern United States. The zoo is home to over 200 animals from 90 different species—you can stroll through the facility dedicated to connecting humans with animals. Aside from meeting the animals, you can also enjoy a picnic day out in their picnic area and let the youngsters have their time in the shaded play area.
19 locals recommend
Alameda Park Zoo
1021 N White Sands Blvd
19 locals recommend
Founded in 1898, the Alameda Park Zoo is one of the oldest attractions in the Southwestern United States. The zoo is home to over 200 animals from 90 different species—you can stroll through the facility dedicated to connecting humans with animals. Aside from meeting the animals, you can also enjoy a picnic day out in their picnic area and let the youngsters have their time in the shaded play area.
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing! With a base elevation of 8400 ft. and a top elevation of 9100 ft., Ski Cloudcroft has a vertical drop of 700 ft. Something for everyone! The ski trails include 8 Beginner, 7 Intermediate, 8 Advanced and 2 Expert Only. The double chair lift, handle tow lift and rope tow lift make getting up the hill almost as much fun as coming down. CONTACT SKI CLOUDCROFT Address: 1920 1/2 U.S Highway 82, Cloudcroft, NM 88317
28 locals recommend
Ski Cloudcroft
U.S. 82
28 locals recommend
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing! With a base elevation of 8400 ft. and a top elevation of 9100 ft., Ski Cloudcroft has a vertical drop of 700 ft. Something for everyone! The ski trails include 8 Beginner, 7 Intermediate, 8 Advanced and 2 Expert Only. The double chair lift, handle tow lift and rope tow lift make getting up the hill almost as much fun as coming down. CONTACT SKI CLOUDCROFT Address: 1920 1/2 U.S Highway 82, Cloudcroft, NM 88317