cloudcroft

March-April 2021 Hikes

Here’s a glimpse of my hikes through May 1, 2021. Thanks for following along. I’m sharing brief, less wordy summaries and more photos. To me, it’s all about the experience and the photos capture it better than my words can in this format. Happy hiking!


Hike 6 - Lincoln National Forest (no specific location)

  • Found a small canyon on the side of the road

  • Explored about a mile in the canyon, walking through a dry creek bed

  • Discovered plenty of desert plants and fun rocks

  • Enjoyed a break from the extreme wind in the area (thanks canyon)


Hike 7 - Guadalupe Mountains National Park

  • Hiked through McKittrick Canyon to Pratt Cabin

  • The trail is well marked and visible; it’s mostly gravel

  • Pratt Cabin has shady pines and good views

  • Take plenty of water and wear a hat!

  • There are many trail options, but this particular hike is perfect for someone looking for a pretty, quick, and easy day hike


Hike 8 - Oliver Lee State Park

  • This was less of a formal hike and more of a little romp with the dogs along the creek

  • The park has a big trial that goes much higher, we just weren’t quite feeling it

  • Camping and hiking with great views of vastness in New Mexico


Hike 9 - Lincoln National Forest (Zinker Canyon)

  • This canyon is a sunny, tree-lined path up in elevation (it’s gradual)

  • I went in the evening, and the golden sun just made it feel like magic

  • So many big trees along the way

  • Definitely elk territory; we ran up on some and turned back

  • Multi-use trails - so be courteous to one another

  • Dog friendly and kind of secluded, hardly anyone out in that area


Hike 10 - Lincoln National Forest (Osha Trail)

  • Easy to get to, just west of Cloudcroft, NM

  • The trail is rocky, but not too bad and good for dogs

  • There is shade and some open spots with great views of White Sands

  • A great day hike if you’re headed to Cloudcroft and want to get a little exercise


Hike 11 - Lincoln National Forest (Upper Karr Canyon)

  • This hike was more of a stroll through a snowy forest than following a trail

  • We had a few inches of fresh snow, blue skies, and sunshine

  • The trees were tall and plentiful, as were the moments of enjoyment

  • There may have been a trail, but I’m not sure, and don’t care (I know there are marked trails in the area)

  • Can’t beat a cool, crisp day in the forest

  • This would be a great place to escape the desert heat below in the summer time and is dog friendly