White Sands National Monument
White Sands National Monument rises from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and created the world's largest gypsum dune field. Monument preserves a major portion of this unique dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment. You are welcome to walk anywhere within the park as long as you use an established pullout or parking area. It is recommended, though, that you start with the 6.2 miles (10 km) of marked trails. Before hiking anywhere, orient yourself to natural and human-made landmarks, such as the different mountain ranges and water towers.
New Mexico Museum of Space History
A visit to the New Mexico Museum of Space History is a trip into the origins of our nation's space exploration program. The facility has grown to become one of the Southwest’s most popular attractions. Enjoyed by tourists and locals alike, the facility features an IMAX Theater and Planetarium—the only one in New Mexico.
For information about the center and schedules please call (575) 437-2840 or visit online at www.nmspacemuseum.org
Desert Lakes Golf Course
Desert Lakes Golf Course Desert is a quality public facility that is located at the base of the Sacramento Mountain range in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The course features four sets of tees to cater to all levels of play. The front nine is a tree-lined, parkland-style layout that highlights large greens with subtle undulations. The back nine, "the desert nine", is cut out of the southern New Mexico desert. The large, subtle greens make for a unique coupling of contrast and consistency. The course also features numerous water hazards that come into play on 11of the18 holes. This makes the course challenging yet interesting and fun to play for all levels of golfers. Alamogordo delights in year-round golf, with summer temperatures in the 90’s and a mild fall and winter. The course is an ideal host for all golfing events, specializing in tournaments and outings, and features a full service golf shop with expert club repair, club fitting as well as a comprehensive instruction program directed by PGA Professional Grant Dalpes. To get a tee time or for more information, please call (575) 437-0290 or visit online at www.desertlakesgolf.com.
Cloudcroft, NM
Cloudcroft, New Mexico is located on U.S. Hwy. 82 and is easily accessible from both east and west. The western approach from Alamogordo (north of El Paso, Texas, on U.S Hwy 54) is a steep 16 mile climb of nearly 5,000 vertical feet that takes travelers through a variety of climate zones. The charming mountain village of Cloudcroft owes its existence to the beauty that surrounds it. In 1898, an El Paso-Northeastern Railroad crew was laying out the route for the famous Cloud Climbing Railroad and stopped to rest on the summit of the Sacramento Mountains. Standing under the tall, cool pines, the crew looked west to the vibrant slash of Whites Sands almost 5,000 feet below and picked their resting place as the site of the railroad’s lodge. Impressed by the white clouds slipping by at almost ground level, it was a young Englishman in the party who chose the name of Cloudcroft, meaning a cloud in a field.
Cloudcroft New Mexico is located on U.S. Hwy. 82 and is easily accessible from both east and west. The western approach from Alamogordo (north of El Paso, Texas, on U.S Hwy 54) is a steep 16 mile climb of nearly 5,000 vertical feet that takes travelers through a variety of climate zones. The charming mountain village of Cloudcroft owes its existence to the beauty that surrounds it. In 1898, an El Paso-Northeastern Railroad crew was laying out the route for the famous Cloud Climbing Railroad and stopped to rest on the summit of the Sacramento Mountains. Standing under the tall, cool pines, the crew looked west to the vibrant slash of Whites Sands almost 5,000 feet below and picked their resting place as the site of the railroad’s lodge. Impressed by the white clouds slipping by at almost ground level, it was a young Englishman in the party who chose the name of Cloudcroft, meaning a cloud in a field. Beautiful scenery and spectacular unspoiled vistas are encountered at every turn of the highway. In particular, the view from the overlook near New Mexico’s only tunnel and the graceful old wooden Mexican Canyon trestle that nestles in a canyon just outside of the village should not be missed. This much photographed remnant of the old logging and excursion railroad has come to be a kind of unofficial symbol of Cloudcroft. High mountain meadows and cool air are a welcome relief from the surrounding desert on either approach. Warm summer days are sprinkled with mountain showers that come and go quickly but which leave behind a variety of wildflowers that blanket the meadow and line the roads. Summer temperatures reach the upper 70’s but the nighttime lows remain in the cool 40’s and 50’s. Cloudcroft is a quiet, relaxing and scenic village with year round activities.
The Chamber hosts a full calendar of events that attract thousands and thousands of visitors annually. With four lovely seasons and an old country way of life Cloudcroft has something for everyone and we will make you feel right at home. To get more information about this exciting community please call the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-874-4447 or (575) 682-2733 or visit online at www.cloudcroft@cloudcroft.net. At 9,000 feet above sea level, The Lodge Golf Course is one of the highest and most unique courses in North America. Built in 1899, the course is governed by the Scottish tradition of playing different tees and separate flags on each hole. This exquisite nine-hole course, when played twice, becomes a challenging 18-hole round. In addition to golf, The Lodge offers activities for all seasons. Onsite amenities include: swimming, dry sauna, hot tub, spa services, exercise room, snowmobiling, snow tubing, hiking, cross country skiing, lawn games, mountain biking, and shopping.
