(Cloudcroft NM)
Just before town, going up the canyon, there was a pullout to view the Mexican Canyon Trestle. It has been restored, and now functions as part of a hiking trail that was accessible further up on a side road.
Mexican Canyon Trestle
Originally, the trestle was used by trains that hauled timber out of the mountains to the valley below; and later, passengers that would come up to the mountains in the summer to escape the heat.
Trestle with Mountain
Canyon near the Tunnel
About a third of the way coming up US-82 from Alamogordo, there was a pullout just before a tunnel. A rugged canyon view, and a vista of Tularosa Basin with the White Sands National Monument in the distance.
Cliffs in the Canyon
Looking toward distant White Sands
The drive up to Cloudcroft was an increase of over 4,300ft in about 15 miles. The grade was not too bad, but was mostly continuous. My small class C motorhome Tardis had no problem. But, consider your rig when taking this route.
Camp: Pecos River boondock
Scene: Mountains, railroad trestle
Excellent report Pleinguy. I went up to the tunnel, to check on my rig, and decided that the continuous grade would be too much for my wimp truck. Coming down from Cloudcroft would be even scarier.
Yeah; I thought it could be a problem for some. It was the most direct route for me, and I had driven it previously with no issues.
Are you on your way to the Ranch in Lakewood? It’s a really friendly park.
No. I did consider it as I passed by, though. Others have said the same. I’m way behind on my posts; so, well beyond there now.
Pleinguy, how did you know the Tardis would be able to handle that grade up to Cloud croft?
I had driven this route with Tardis in the past. So, I knew it could be done.