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The crown jewel trail of the Sacramento Ranger District.


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Map Key

23.2

Miles

37.3

KM

93%

Runnable

9,282' 2,829 m

High

8,348' 2,544 m

Low

3,088' 941 m

Up

3,088' 941 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

48%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Rim Trail is open all year but becomes difficult to run during the winter. Visitors may enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter.

Overview

This section of the Rim Trail from Cloudcroft to Karr Canyon is the most popular segment with easy access from the Villafe of Cloudcroft.

Need to Know

This run can be completed as a full 22-mile out-and-back, or runners can leave a retrieval vehicle at one of the access points like the nearby Upper Karr Recreation Area.

Description

To access the trail, take NM130 south .8 miles. Turn left onto FR24B to find the trailhead. Other access points and trailheads can be found along the way.

The trail, which was the first USFS trail in New Mexico to gain the National Recreation Trail designation, is a combination of old homestead trails, logging routes, railroad grades, and Indian paths linked together. Much of the trail is located at elevations around 9,000 ft., so you may have to stop to catch your breath along the way.

This section of the trail has some rolling hills as you'll be gradually and steadily climbing along the way. The majority of the trail heads through shaded stands of pine, fir, and aspen which are particularly scenic during the fall. Along the way, runners will enjoy views of the Tularosa Basin below.

There are some primitive dispersed (road-side) camping sites along the route, mostly where the trail crosses open roads.

Flora & Fauna

Pine, fir, and aspens all dot the way.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mark Wancho

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#1

in Cloudcroft

#3472

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Cloudcroft

#42

in New Mexico

#3,472

Overall
9 Views Last Month
3,271 Since Apr 16, 2016
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Photos

Incredible view down into White Sands National Monument!
Oct 31, 2017 near La Luz, NM
Rim Trail Out-and-Back
Feb 15, 2023 near La Luz, NM
Rim Trail out-and-back
Feb 15, 2023 near Alamogordo, NM
Rim Trail (T105)
Feb 15, 2023 near Alamogordo, NM
Rim Trail out-and-back
Feb 15, 2023 near Alamogordo, NM
Rim Trail (T105)
Feb 15, 2023 near La Luz, NM

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

May 17, 2019
Tori P
Super easy trail, well marked, mostly shaded, a little rocky in places. 8.8mi — 1h 31m
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