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.

Join us for the inaugural Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series & earn your commemorative Series Finish Award at the finish line of Cactus to Cloud!

Limited to 50 runners!

Series Options

Skyline Series (LONG)

• Trails & Rails – 8 Miler
• Cloudcroft Ultra – 53K
• Cactus to Cloud – 50K

King and Queen of the Sacramento Mountains

The top overall male and female finishers of the Skyline Series (LONG) will earn the coveted titles of King and Queen of the Sacramento Mountains. These titles come with serious bragging rights—and possibly a top award! To claim the crown, you'll need consistency, strength, and grit across all three races.

Ridgeline Series (SHORT)

• Trails & Rails – 8 Miler
• Cloudcroft Ultra – 9.5 Miler
• Cactus to Cloud – 32K

Trails & Rails (June 13, 2026)

This shorter mountain outing launches at the Trestle Recreation Area in Cloudcroft and follows historic railroad beds, an old highway grade, and some single-track through the forest, offering spectacular views of the Tularosa Basin 4,000 ft below. Past editions list ~1,350 ft of elevation gain and loss for the 8 mile course. Ideal as an introductory mountain trail race, it gives you a taste of altitude, forest trails, and the scenic setting.view race registration website

Cloudcroft Ultra (August 15, 2026)

A mid-season test on the Rim Trail (T105) and surrounding single-track through fir, pine, and aspen forests above Cloudcroft at ~8,600 ft. Previous versions show the route starting and finishing at Zenith Park in Cloudcroft, with shaded forest trail and dramatic basin views. Expect more sustained climbs, technical footing, and the sensation of being “above the clouds.view race registration website

Cactus to Cloud (October 17, 2026)

A true mountain-ultra feel: starting from the desert (Oliver Lee State Park) and ascending via the Dog Canyon trail up to Cloudcroft, gaining up to ~9,000?ft of elevation in some editions. Cactus to cloud trail run Terrain includes juniper and piñon at lower elevation, moving into pine and aspen near the top, culminating in a finish in the village of Cloudcroft. The contrast of desert start and mountain finish makes it spectacular.View race registration website

Shuttle is included for free in the Sacramento Mountains Endurance Series registration

Runner Experience

Each race offers its own slice of the region’s character: forest canopies, open ridge views, historic rail-bed trails, and high-altitude running. Given the elevation of the village (~8,676 ft) and the ascent from the desert floor in the 50 K, altitude acclimatization is something to keep in mind.

From start to finish you’ll be immersed in that high mountain vibe: running above 8,000 ft, through historic railroad corridors and old forest roads, into pine and fir stands, with views down to desert basins and White Sands in the distance. The village of Cloudcroft, nestled in the Lincoln National Forest, gives a charming base with restaurants, lodging, and the feel of a mountain town after a day of running. The series format (three races under one registration) adds a community feel: you’ll see familiar faces across events, build momentum, and finish the season strong. Because you race at altitude and descend and ascend significantly, good pacing, training, and gear choices matter.

Registration

Ridgeline Series

• $220 – through December 31, 2025
• $260 – after January 1, 2026

Skyline Series

• $310 – through December 31, 2025
• $350 – after January 1, 2026

Event's current local time: 12:21 AM MT