clueless finding trails in Cloudcroft

[Q Smith]

BACKGROUND:
I have no luck finding "maps of trails". It is easy to find trail maps, but not maps that show how the trails intersect (so I can plan my own loops, etc.). For select places like Weminuche, no problem, but most places it is tough. Any clues?

PROBLEM: I have poured through books and scoured the web for trails in the Cloudcroft NM area and have zilch. Anybody got any trail info or sources of info?

SOME FACTS:
1. trip will be in june (hot in texas)
2. 2 old men (55 but look like 70 and feel like 90))
3. 2 or 3 nights
4. seek backcountry (don't want to dodge 4 wheelers, etc.)
5. drive from san antonio tx

SOME CONSIDERATIONS:
1. heat is bad (guadalupe mts are awesome but to hot in june)
2. water in the field is good (packing water is not wonderful)
3. we want shortest drive (Gila is a tad far, Ruidoso is ok, Cloudcroft nicer…)

[John S.]

You should be able to buy the Sacremento Ranger District map from them. The Smokey Bear District used to have a map online, but it is gone now. They may be trying to improve, but a trail map certainly is more useful.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lincoln/recreation/hiking/?recid=34166&actid=51

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5291372.pdf

http://www.sangres.com/newmexico/national-forests/lincoln/trails/index.htm

[HkNewman]

The area is multiuse with private inholdings all over the place. There is a very long Crest (or Rim) trail with connecting fire roads and TH near campsites with a view of White Sands peeping from the forest. Also Apple valley IIRC. A couple rails-to-trails long dayhikes which could become backpacks. Likely you will see dayhikes and mountain bikers (maybe even ORVs) in this multiuse area. One of the more complete New Mexico trail guides can help.

[Q Smith]

i ordered some maps. kind of had to do it blindly though…

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