What to do in Cloudcroft after a day of fishing!

So, you've spent a great day or two fishing or learning to fish with us, and now you have a few days in the Cloudcroft area. What are you going to do?

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

This will come as no surprise to those who have met me, but I (Justin) don't often miss a meal! Luckily, there are some amazing restaurants in Cloudcroft.

Cloudcroft Brewing offers fantastic locally brewed beer (and root beer), some fantastic cocktails made with their own line of spirits, plus live music many nights. But the real star is the pizza, with a chewy crust, great toppings, and housemade sauce. My personal favorite menu item is their housemade cheese bread dipped in housemade serrano ranch dressing!

It may sound like hyperbole to say it, but Mad Jack's Mountain Top BBQ is the best barbecue in New Mexico, and is truly some of the best BBQ in the country. This is true central Texas-style barbecue, defined by tender, moist brisket with a perfect smoke ring, sausage that snaps, and a sauce that, though it isn't needed, has the right balance of sweet and spice to make a sandwich pop. Their sides are fantastic, and the service rocks. On weekdays you can usually pop in for lunch, but if it's a weekend, plan to show up very early and enjoy hanging out in line ahead of opening time. It's worth the wait, and the camaraderie of the line is half the fun! Just don't plan to enjoy Jack's BBQ and fishing with us on the same day.

Other Outdoor Activities

Didn't get enough mountain air while fishing? That's okay, there are amazing trails in the Cloudcroft area. We particularly enjoy the Rim Trail for the views year-round, and the OSHA Trail in the fall for autumn colors. The Lincoln National Forest holds many trails and areas to get out and enjoy the sun, sky and wildlife on foot, on a bike, or with a mountain drive.

The Sacramento Escarpment.

In the winter, Ski Cloudcroft is a great ski hill, and when there is enough snow, cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy the winter wonderland. Tubing is also a blast, especially for kids, or those who aren't ski addicts but want a little downhill adrenaline.

Big game and turkey hunting are great ways to experience the Sky Islands, with public land opportunities for elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lions, and Merriam's turkeys. New Mexico is a draw state for elk and deer, so plan well ahead for those, or plan to talk to a landowner or outfitter to get a landowner tag for elk. Bear and lions can be pursued with hounds, and turkey season in the spring is all the fun of an elk hunt in the bugle with a lot less work. Plan ahead to put together a cast and blast trip, as the early spring and fall can be great times to fish as well as chase winged and furred game.

Gear on the Rim Trail.

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