Cactus to Cloud Trail Run
Join Cactus to Cloud Trail Run
Cloudcroft is a village in Otero County, New Mexico, and is within the Lincoln National Forest. Despite being located in an otherwise arid region, its extremely high elevation (8,600 feet (2,600 m); one of the highest in the U.S.) allows for a relatively mild summer that makes it a popular tourist attraction in West Texas and New Mexico. It was named by Fodors in 2002 as the Number 3 "Most Overlooked and Underrated Destination Spot." Tourism remains the primary economic driver of the village. This city also hosts the annual Cactus to Cloud Trail Run.
Follow in the footsteps of the Mescalero Apache, Spanish settlers, a French hermit, lawmen and outlaws of the wild west along the historic Dog Canyon trail. Run through the clouds, pines and aspen of the Lincoln National Forest, with views of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Monument from the Sunspot Observatory and Rim trail. Celebrate the journey at the finish line in the hamlet of Cloudcroft, NM.
The Cactus to Cloud Trail Run is a 50 kilometer race with close to 9,000 feet of elevation gain. We also offer a 10 mile race from Oliver Lee State Park to Sunpot Solar Observatory (there will be a shuttle there to transport you to Cloudcroft). The course will take you from the scrubland of the Chihuahua desert, through juniper-piñon red clay, and into the forest and clouds. Enjoy epic climbs, stellar views, small town charm and single track bliss at the first and only mountain race in Southern New Mexico.
Register at ultrasignup.com
Course details
The run begins at Oliver Lee State Park, south of Alamogordo, NM. It will then follow Dog Canyon trail to FS Rd 90B. From there, it will head up the Road Canyon trail to Sunspot Observatory Visitors Center. From that point, the course will veer north following roads around the Sunspot Observatory and visitors center to the Rim Trail
trailhead. The race then follows the Rim Trail towards Cloudcroft. About four miles outside of the village, after passing through the tunnel under the highway near the first Rim Trail Parking Area, runners will follow the Connector trail and roads (Corona Ave., Curlew Pl., Sunset Blvd, Chipmunk Ave., 4th St. and walking trail) to Zenith Park in Cloudcroft. The route is mostly single-track trail, some dirt forest service roads and some city paved and gravel roads.
Start address: Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, 409 Dog Canyon Rd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Finish address: Zenith Park, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Practicalities
Accommodation
Cloudcroft has hotels and cabins for rent and is close to the shuttle pick up and finish line. Alamogordo also has many hotel options. Some specials may be available for Cactus to Cloud runners. The Cloudcroft Hotel and the Lodge and Resort at Cloudcroft are offering a 20% discount to all race participants. Campgrounds are available at Oliver Lee State Park. There is a fee for camping in the Park. Campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis.
After Race Services
Post race food and celebration served at the finish line.
Aid Stations
Each aid station will have adequate food and drink for the runners. Drinks will consist of water and some kind of sports drink (i.e. Gatorade, Nuun, Heed). Food will consist of typical race food. This may include things such as PB&J, chips, pretzels, M&Ms, fruit, cookies, wraps, energy gels, granola bars, etc. If you prefer something specific to eat on you run then we suggest you pack it yourself.
Award Medals
Unique, hand made awards will be awarded to the top Five women and men and all finishers. As well at top 3 master's Awards 50+
Equipment Storage
Drop bags will be allowed at the Sunspot Observatory (mile 10). Please drop off your bags at packet pickup or on the morning of the race, before getting on the shuttle. You can retrieve the bags at the finish after the race.
Maximum Time
12 hrs
Parking
Must catch shuttle down to race start - you can park your car at the finish area. You are allowed to be dropped off at the start but, no parking at the start.
Transport
The Race will offer a shuttle from the race finish, Cloudcroft, to the start, Oliver Lee State Park, on the morning of the race.
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The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.
