Reviewed by: Jim , from Alamogordo

Summary:
Over 3200 feet of drop in less than 10 miles. The vegetation changes from aspen and mixed conifer to desert. Fast single track, technical jeep roads, dry wash. Many technical spots. Do not do this alone, in the summer, or without a good map.

Recommended Route:
South from Cloudcroft to Lower Karr Canyon Rd. Park and ride down road about 1/4 mile to Rim Trail. Go left (south ) on Rim Trail about .5 mi to road which goes west to Alamo Peak. Turn onto Trail 109 on the south side of the road shortly before the radio site at the end of the road. The trail drops fast off the mountain and brings you out at West Side Rd in less than 3 miles. You can stop here or continue to Alamogordo. To go on, turn rt. on West Side and go a couple hundred yards. Turn left (west) where a metal gate blocks access to a jeep road which follow a City water supply line. The road drops fast for about 1.5 miles then climbs up a steep rocky stretch for about .5 miles. At the top of the climb the jeep road continues cross-country paralleling the waterline. About 200 yards before the point where the waterline drops sharply off the ridge and into the canyon, you will need to climb down a vague cow trail to the bottom of the canyon. The cow trail heads south from near a concrete watering trough next to the steel water line. When you get to the bottom of the canyon continue down the drainage until you hit a gravel road which will take you into Alamogordo. Get maps and more detailed info from the guys at High Altitude bike shop in Cloudcroft.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Rim Trail, Switchback, Lucas Canyon, Benson Canyon, Hubbell Canyon, Old Auto Road, and many more seldom used routes in the Sacramento Mountains