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Traveling to Cloudcroft

 

The closest airport to Cloudcroft is in El Paso TX which is an easy hour and a half drive up to Cloudcroft.  The alternative airport is in Albuquerque; however, it is a nearly four hour drive to Cloudcroft.

 

The closest Amtrak station is in El Paso.

 

Note on driving in New Mexico:

  • Drivers are required to carry not only proof of insurance but also their vehicle's registration document (the registration tag on the windshield is not sufficient).

  • "Texting" while operating a vehicle is prohibited statewide.  

  • Occasionally, there will be sobriety-check roadblocks at random locations.  

  • The Border Patrol operates two checkpoints South of Alamogordo on US 70 and on US 54 in which they quiz drivers and passengers on their citizenship.

 

Driving Directions from the El Paso Airport to Cloudcroft (click here for Google Maps Directions):

  • From the Airport, go to Airway Blvd, and continue onto Airport Rd going North.

  • Stay on Airport Rd (Fort Bliss is on the left) for about 2 miles, get in the left lane, and stay left at the fork to enter Texas SPUR 601 (Liberty Expressway) ramp on the left.

  • Continue on Spur 601 to Hwy 54 North (Patriot Freeway).

  • Continue North on US 54 (be sure to mind the speed limits at the border and all throughout New Mexico, especially when passing through the old mining town of Orogrande and Alamogordo).

  • South of Alamogordo is an INS checkpoint. They will ask you if you're a citizen of the US, and maybe more nosey questions that they really aren't supposed to ask. No documentation is required, though if you appear "non-native" it might be good to have some kind of proof of US Citizenship (a passport is ideal).

  • Continue to Alamogordo.

    • If you do not need to stop for supplies in Alamogordo (there is very limited shopping in Cloudcroft), turn right on the "Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route" which bypasses Alamogordo.

    • If you need to stock up on food or drink or other sundries, continue on to "South White Sands Blvd" and turn right. Turn right on 1st Street to go to the Walmart. There's a Walgreen's at 10th Street (955 N White Sands Blvd). Lowe's Grocery is on 10th Street (675 10th St). Best selection of beer, wine and liquor is at Lowe's and Walgreens while Walmart carries only the basics.

  • Continue North on either White Sands Blvd or the Relief Route, to the intersection with Highway 82.

  • Turn onto Highway 82 up to Cloudcroft (watch the video below).

  • When you enter the village, continue to the "Texas Barbecue" restaurant (across from the Alsups' on the left).

  • Turn right onto Swallow at the Texas Barbecue, and continue up Swallow past the stop sign to the intersection with Bat Row/Fox Ave (wide spot in the road with dumpster on the right). St. Brigid's Rest is to the immediate left on Bat Row (there's a sign on the stairway landing). Pie in the Sky (408 Swallow) is adjacent - park in either the circular drive close to the intersection, or continue up a bit to the parking area by the front door.

 

 

Below are some suggested driving routes from Central Texas.  Then follows a couple of videos of the ascent to Cloudcroft on Highway 82.

Fort Stockton Route

Generally the most direct route, especially from Central or South Austin, this route goes through Fredericksburg, past the Caverns of Sonora, through Ft. Stockton to Pecos, Carsbad and Artesia NM.  Stops along this way could include the Caverns of Sonora and Carlsbad Caverns.  Disadvantages are the monotony of I-10 and the oil drilling traffic along US 285.  Typical drive time is 9 hours.

Abilene Route

An alternate route, especially for those living in Central or North Austin.

San Angelo Route

Actually 25 miles less than the Fort Stockton Route, the drive time is about 9 1/2 hours.  

El Paso Route

The longest route, both in time and distance, the advantage is staying on I-10 thereby avoiding the oil drilling traffic on US 285, and allowing the option of a stayover in El Paso before proceeding to Cloudcroft.  Another option would be an overnight stay at the Balmorhea State Park the location of the San Solomon Springs pool - the world's largest spring fed swimming pool.

 

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