Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series

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
• 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.

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.”

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. 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.

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