Need a mountain escape packed with adventure and charm? Head to Ruidoso! As a mountain lover, I couldn't get enough of this charming town is set in the Sierra Blanca mountains. You can go in the winter for skiing, summer for hiking, and plenty of fun in the spring and fall. As an added bonus, Ruidoso has a thriving arts scene and many great places to eat. Whether you crave outdoor thrills, cozy cabin stays, or Southwestern vibes, Ruidoso is a unique place I enjoy visiting.
Ruidoso, NM Highlights:
- Watch live horse racing and place your bets at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
- Stroll through Midtown Ruidoso where you'll find restaurants and shops
- Swim, kayak, hike, and fish at Grindstone Lake just minutes from downtown.
- Go hiking in Lincoln National Forest
- Hit the slopes at Ski Apache
Where to Stay in Ruidoso, NM
- MCM Elegante Lodge & Resorthas an indoor pool.
- Hotel Ruidoso - Midtown is near Midtown shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Ruidoso, NM
I like to visit in the summer and fall (June through October) for hiking, lake activities. If you are a skier, winter (December–March) is the best time to go.
How to Get to Ruidoso, NM
- If you are traveling by car: Ruidoso is located off U.S. Route 70. The drive takes 3 hours from Albuquerque or 2.5 hours from El Paso, Texas.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are in Albuquerque (ABQ) and El Paso (ELP).
- By Shuttle: Shuttle services are available from Albuquerque and El Paso airports directly to Ruidoso. Greyhound offers daily bus service as well.
Best Things to Do in Ruidoso, NM
1. Step Into the Old West and Explore Historic Fort Stanton - FREE
Rating: ★★★★★
I discovered that Fort Stanton was originally built in 1855 as a military garrison.
I highly recommend exploring the Fort Stanton Museum. Walking through it gives you a deep appreciation for the fort’s layered history.
You’ll enjoy how the exhibits preserve the stories of those who lived and worked here over the decades.
I especially liked that admission is free.
104 Kit Carson Rd Fort Stanton, NM 88323
2. Hike and Discover Hidden Wonders at Snowy River Cave Conservation Area
When you explore Fort Stanton Cave, you’ll be amazed! I saw only a fraction of the cave since it stretches over 31 miles. I learned that it's one of the longest cave systems in both New Mexico and the entire country.
Many bats live there that live there, that's why big parts of the cave are off limits.
I did some hiking above ground too. Don't forget to pack a picnic lunch!
Fort Stanton, NM 88323, Phone: 575-627-0272
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Fish, Paddle, and Relax by the Scenic Shores of Grindstone Lake
Grindstone Lake is a scenic lake up in the mountains. You can make use of over 18 miles of trails by foot, bike, or horse, and the lake is great for swimming, kayaking or canoeing, boating, and fishing, with an abundant population of rainbow trout, catfish, and smallmouth bass.
There is even a 27 hole disc golf course at Grindstone Lake, where friends and families can navigate the heavily wooded course for a fun game.
For my friends who travel with pets, I always point out that leashed dogs are allowed here. There are many great trails you can explore. Grindstone Lake has plenty of parking as well as public bathrooms that you can use.
4. Drive or Hike to Sweeping Mountain Views at Monjeau Lookout
In 1936, Monjeau Lookout was built in Lincoln National Forest as a lookout tower for forest fires. Today, this tower is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for visitors during the summer months due to some steep and seasonal roads.
From the tower, visitors can get an amazing view of the surrounding forests and ridged mountain formations. It’s a great spot to get a 360 degree panoramic view, and is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. Monjeau Lookout is accessible by car, but there are also several scenic hiking trails that lead to the top for the more adventurous visitors looking for a hike.
5. Challenge Yourself with High-Flying Fun at Adventure Mountain
Whether you’re bonding with family, celebrating a birthday with friends, or going on a date, thrilling activities await you at Adventure Mountain. This popular entertainment spot offers several entertaining indoor and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages to safely enjoy.
Outside, the park has activities such as batting cages, a rock-climbing wall, along with a ropes course suspended 12 feet off the ground. Inside, park-goers can play unique games such as Bazooka ball—a hybrid game of laser tag and paintball. Other indoor activities include a 9-hole miniature golf course with black lighting, a mirror maze, and flipping bumper cars. The park also has an arcade filled with games to play to your heart’s content.
1056 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345, Phone: 575-808-8773
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Zoom Down Snowy Slopes and Tube All Day at Ruidoso Winter Park
Every year during the snowy months, Ruidoso Winter Park provides a fun and exciting place for visitors to spend a day and play in a winter wonderland. Up to six guests can zip down snowy, wooded trails and hills in a giant inflatable tube, or a linked train of tubes that can get as long as your imagination and determination allows it. There’s also a great zip line experience so guests can see the slopes from a different perspective, and a Kidz Korral with gentle slopes for little ones and beginners. Groups of up to six can rent a VIP igloo for the day, which provides a warm respite from the chilly outdoors, with seating, pizza, hot cocoa, and even marshmallows for roasting.
121 Ski Run Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345, Phone: 575-336-7079
7. Carve Fresh Powder and Ride High Elevations at Ski Apache
When people visitors head to Ruidoso, Ski Apache is probably one of the first items on their list of things to do, depending on the season. This huge resort is the southernmost ski area in the United States, and it’s a great place to get some warm weather skiing in. With over 55 runs and trails over 750 skiable acres of land, 11 lifts, and slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers, and also experts, Ski Apache has something for everyone. During the summer, visitors can still get in on the fun by taking a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, or taking a zip line tour on the way down, starting at over 11,000 feet. There are also some amazing trails for hiking and mountain biking.
1286 Ski Run Rd, Alto, NM 88312
8. If You’re Craving Homestyle Comfort, Grab Lunch at The Village Buttery
The Village Buttery is a classic Ruidoso spot to enjoy a meal.
This comfortable and laid back restaurant and cafe offers delicious sandwiches, soups, and quiches to its customers, and it has been named the Best Lunch in Lincoln County many times by a number of sources. It’s a favorite for tourists and locals alike, and features a delectable selection of not only entrees, but also homemade desserts and baked goods such as pies, cookies, cakes, and more. They are best known for Granny Guthrie’s Buttermilk Pie, but their sticky caramel pecan cheesecake and perfectly baked gourmet cookies are fantastic as well.
2107 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345, Phone: 575-257-9251
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