Surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, the village of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, is the closest mountain getaway to El Paso. With a population of only 750 full-time residents, it’s still a small town in every way.

High mountain meadows and cool air are a welcome relief from the the scorching heat of the surrounding desert. Warm summer days are sprinkled with showers and evenings, with cool breezes. In the winter, expect frequent snow falls since the town is located 9,000 feet above sea level. Outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, golf, fishing, horseback riding, alpine and Nordic skiing, snow tubing and snow mobiling.

Cloudcroft also hosts several special events, festivals and art shows each year. The downtown area offers numerous shops and restaurants for a pleasant day of relaxation and shopping.