If you’re hanging around Alamogordo and suddenly think, “I could really use some shade and cooler air right about now,” Lincoln National Forest is ready to deliver. One minute you’re sweating in the desert heat, the next you’re winding your way into pine forests where the temperature drops it like it’s hot. On our June visit, the thermometer went from the mid-90s in Alamogordo to the mid-60s near Cloudcroft, and honestly? That alone makes this place worth the drive.
Lincoln National Forest sprawls across southern New Mexico, but the section closest to Alamogordo is the section we explored (besides a later side trip to Sitting Bull Falls in the eastern portion). Expect to find dramatic elevation changes, scenic drives, hidden waterfalls, and more forest roads than you could explore in a single trip.
From Desert Floor to Mountain Forest
The magic of Lincoln National Forest near Alamogordo is how quickly everything changes. As you climb toward Cloudcroft, the hot, scrubby desert gives way to towering pines, cool breezes, and the kind of fresh air that makes you roll the windows down or go topless (on the car, of course).
This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place:
- Want a quick scenic drive? Done.
- Feel like wandering down a forest road just to see where it goes? Plenty of options.
- Craving waterfalls and cool canyon hikes? Keep reading.
Mexican Canyon Trestle (a.k.a. the Cloudcroft Trestle)
One of the most fascinating stops near Alamogordo is the Mexican Canyon Trestle, also called the Cloudcroft Trestle. This historic wooden railroad trestle once carried trains climbing their way up to Cloudcroft—a true engineering feat considering the steep terrain.
It’s an easy stop with a big payoff, especially if you enjoy a mix of history and scenery. Even if trains aren’t your thing, standing near that massive wooden structure is enough to make you appreciate the effort it took to tame this landscape.
Bluff Springs Falls: A Forest Surprise
Yes, there are waterfalls here. In southern New Mexico. Let that sink in.
Bluff Springs Falls is one of those places that feels like a reward for knowing where to look. Tucked into a shaded canyon, the dirt road leads you through cool forest before revealing a seasonal waterfall that feels wildly out of place—in the best way possible.
Things to know:
- The trail to the falls is short and manageable
- Water flow depends on recent rain and snowmelt. Our pictures are from early June
- Even when the falls are light, the canyon itself is worth the walk
It’s a refreshing change from desert hikes and a reminder that New Mexico is way more diverse than most people expect.
Forest Roads, Everywhere
Lincoln National Forest near Alamogordo is crisscrossed with forest roads, which means adventure is pretty much guaranteed. Some are well-maintained gravel roads perfect for scenic cruising, while others are rougher and better suited for high-clearance vehicles. We spent several hours wandering the forest roads in our Jeep.
These roads are great for:
- Scenic drives and photography
- Finding dispersed camping spots
- Escaping crowds and creating your own itinerary
Tips:
- Check conditions before you go
- Bring or download a map (cell service can be spotty)
- Keep an eye on the weather—mountain storms like to appear without much warning.
Why Lincoln National Forest Belongs on Your Itinerary
If you’re visiting White Sands, Alamogordo, or southern New Mexico in general, Lincoln National Forest is the perfect counterbalance to the desert. It’s cooler, greener, quieter, and full of unexpected gems—from historic trestles to hidden waterfalls.
It’s the kind of place where:
- You pack layers because the temperature actually changes
- You plan one stop and end up making five
- You realize New Mexico refuses to be put in a single box
And honestly? That’s exactly why we love it.
