Sure, there are local ways to beat the heat, such as finding a pool to dip into or just straight up staying indoors with a good book and robust air-conditioning. Catching a flight to somewhere else is an option, too, but the headache of long TSA lines, potentially cancelled or delayed flights, and spending half your rent on a plane ticket makes the heat feel that much more oppressive.
We don't blame you for wanting to make a summer escape, but we do want to make it easier on you. Texas is within reach of plenty of cooler climates, most of which can be made into ideal destinations for relatively short road trips. Check back weekly for our top picks — it's hot until damn near Thanksgiving, so there are plenty more places where this came from.
Cloudcroft and Ruidoso, New Mexico
Nothing says shade more than a forest, so you’ll be pleased you made the 561-mile drive to Cloudcroft, New Mexico, to be refreshed by cooler temps in the Lincoln National Forest, where this tiny village is located. As is Mother Nature’s little joke, the coolness of the forest is tricked out with its 8,676 feet-high elevation, so leave that gasping-for-oxygen shtick at the forest’s metaphorical doors.Cloudcroft is the ideal spot for a variety of summer outdoor activities, including tennis, hunting, fishing, biking and horseback riding.
If you're a golfer, you'll want to rest those lungs. Lodge Golf Course, a nine-hole course that can be played twice for 18 holes, was built in 1899 and is 9,000 feet above sea level. Not only can you play golf at The Lodge, but you can also stay overnight at The Lodge in one of its 59 guest rooms that feature antiques or antique reproductions. Another place to hang your hat overnight is The Lodge Retreat, located across the street from The Lodge.
Hiking enthusiasts, meanwhile, will appreciate the scenic views as they venture through the two main trails. The Rim Trail features a 13-mile loop, while the Osha Trail offers something a little more beginner-friendly with its 2.5-mile loop.
Trekking isn't the only attraction here, though. In addition to ice skating at the James Sewell Ice Rink, visitors to Cloudcroft can get in on some high-quality summer tubing on the mountain through Ski Cloudcroft. The Sacramento Mountains Historical Society & Pioneer Village is a great way to learn more about the town’s history, as well as the surrounding locales. The retreat is a cozy cabin, which features four sumptuous private suites and a common shared area with a large dining table, a full kitchen, foosball and a pool table. At night, you can get cozy with a fire pit outside.
Just an hour away from Cloudcroft is the picturesque town of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Home to Triple Crown horse racing, the town hosts Ruidoso Downs Horse Track and Billy The Kid Casino, which offer gambling, of course, but also delicious dining and entertainment experiences.
During the summer months, Ski Apache, located on the slopes of the Sierra Blanca, offers a full menu of summer programming for residents and visitors. Sierra Blanca Peak is the highest mountain in southern New Mexico, clocking in at nearly 12,000 feet. Still snowcapped, the mountain’s mesmerizing vistas provide visitors with a contrasting view of the desert below, allowing for the best of both worlds in the sweltering summer months. Gondola rides, zip lining on the Apache Wind Rider ZipTour (reservations required), mountain biking and hiking are a few summertime activities available through Ski Apache.
Also available are The Cabins at Cloudcroft, which have earned a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor and feature one- and two-bedroom cabins with full-sized kitchens and bathrooms. One recent guest commented on TripAdvisor that their stay was rustic and peaceful in the mountains amongst the tall evergreens. Another guest offered that The Cabins were convenient to nearby dining and shopping venues.
Pro tip: Pencil in the trip to Ruidoso and Cloudcroft for a four-day weekend instead of a three or two-day respite, because the drive is an eight-hour trek west of Dallas.
