at a glance:
- Race Date: June 13, 2026
- Race distances: 1 Mile Kid’s Dash / 3 Miler / 8 Miler
- Race Location: Cloudcroft, New Mexico
- Cut-off times: 12:00 pm for the 3- and 8-mile courses
- Start time: 8:00 am (Kid’s Dash) | 8:30 am (8-miler) | 8:40 am (3-miler)
Who this race is for: This event is perfect for first-time trail runners or casual racers wanting a scenic high-elevation experience. It offers manageable distances (3 miles) and a fun introductory option (the 1-Mile Kid’s Dash), while giving more experienced runners a solid challenge in the 8-mile race.
Trails & Rails
Imagine starting your run at 8,676 feet up in the pines of the Sacramento Mountains and descending toward breathtaking views of the Tularosa Basin 4,000 feet below. That’s the backdrop for the Trails & Rails race in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, where old railroad beds, a 1930s highway, and forested singletrack combine into one unforgettable run.
Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series
Trails & Rails is the first event in the inaugural Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series
Set among the towering fir and spruce of the Sacramento Mountains, just above the Tularosa Basin, this series takes you into one of New Mexico’s most beautiful and dramatic landscapes. Over three distinct summer-to-fall events based out of Cloudcroft (elevation ~8,676 ft), you’ll experience crisp mountain air, high-elevation single-track, historic rail-bed trails, and views that stretch from the desert floor to cloud-kissed ridges. Sign up once, commit to the full season, and race your way through memorable terrain.
Register for the full series and save on your race entry! Register Here
Course Description:
Your start and finish line is the Trestle Recreation Area at the junction of Hwy?82 and 130, right next to the replica depot.
The 8-mile course features approximately 1,350?feet of elevation gain and loss. You’ll begin on a short paved loop (shared with the 3-miler) to prevent bottlenecks, then head onto a mix of wide, historic railroad grade, old highway segments, and a few rolling singletrack sections.
The 3-mile course is no slouch either, with 576?feet of elevation change and equally great views. Both routes give runners stunning overlooks of the Tularosa Basin and the feel of running through a living museum of Cloudcroft’s railroad past.
Aid Stations & Support:
The 8-mile course has two water stations.
The 3-mile course is cup-lessrunners must carry their own hydration.
Expect pre-race pastries and post-race snacks at the finish line to keep spirits high.
Runner Experience:
You’ll run through shaded mountain trails with crisp, pine-scented air and an intimate, small-town race vibe. The altitude adds a touch of challenge, but the energy and scenery will carry you. Age-group awards and overall prizes bring a competitive edge, while the community feel, kids’ dash, and historic surroundings make it friendly for families and newcomers alike.
- Custom designed shirts
- Unique finisher medals
Kid's Dash
Parents do not need to register for the Kid's Dash in order to run with their kiddos! You are free to run/push/carry your racer for their 1 Mile Dash!
Cut off Time
We do have a cut off time for the 8 and 3 mile courses of 12:00pm. At that time, you are on your own.
Shirts
Register Early to guarantee your shirt size. I have to pre-order the shirts so, if you wait until the last minute you will be out of luck.
Practical Details
- Registration is non-refundable
- Distances: 8-mile, 3-mile, 1-mile Kid’s Dash (ages 10 & under). Strollers allowed in Kid’s Dash
- Start times: 8:00 am (Kid’s Dash), 8:30 am (8-mile), 8:40 am (3-mile)
- Cup-less race: Bring your own bottle or cup
- Altitude: ~8,676 ft - arrive early if you’re coming from sea level
- Location: Trestle Recreation Area, Hwy 82 & 130, Cloudcroft, NM
- Shirts guaranteed with early registration
- Awards for top 3 in each age group: under 10, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Registration
- 8-Mile $50 through Dec 31, 2025 | $60 Jan 1 – May 10, 2026 | $65 May 11 – June 13, 2026
- 3-Mile $40 through Dec 31, 2025 | $50 Jan 1 – May 10, 2026 | $55 May 11 – June 13, 2026
- 1-Mile Kid’s Dash $15 through Dec 31, 2025 | $20 Jan 1 – June 13, 2026
Wanderlust Running
This event is organized by Wanderlust Running, hosts of premiere endurance events across the American Southwest. Learn more at wanderlust.run.
Event's current local time: 4:46 AM MT
