Best Lodging Ruidoso NM

Things to do while in Ruidoso

Ruidoso is a majestic gem of a mountain getaway. Frequently stepped over by travellers from California to Texas and much shorter road trips. People come here for leisure and pleasure, or as a base camp to Southern New Mexico’s national parks and sights.

1. Ski Apache
A top ski, snowboarding and tubing destination for any tourist, Ski Apache is great for any time of the year! Warm weather activities include hiking, mountain biking and gondola rides up and down the more than 12,000 foot Sierra Blanca Peak. Ski Apache is located at 1286 Ski Run Road in Alto, New Mexico. Hotel Ruidoso provides internal packages of ski apache for it’s guests.

2. Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Place yourself on the horses and compete against friends while enjoying a drink or something to bite on. It is a beautiful racetrack and the best part is that the race is free. Shaded seats are available on a booking fee. There are a lot of casinos around for a more traditional gambling environment. Racing starts at the end of May and continues throughout September, Friday to Monday. The Race Track is located at 26255 US Highway 70 East in Ruidoso Downs, NM.

3. White Sands National Monument
The White Sands Monument gives visitors an experience unlike any other! Rent a sled at the Visitor Center and slide down the sandy hills or just walk barefoot! White Sands National Monument is a great place for photos and enjoying the surrounding Oscura Mountains. It has a feasible entry price for a memorable experience.

4. ‘Billy the kid’ Scenic Trail
In order to experience all of Ruidoso and many of the stops on this list, take the Billy the Kid Scenic Trail. There are plenty of scenic stops to take pictures along the way. The trail is a loop on Highways 48, 380, and 70. To drive the entire route is about an hour and a half through five different towns. Horse riding is also available from a few hours to the entire length of the trail.

5. Lincoln, New Mexico
To truly understand the birth, life and death of Billy the Kid, visiting his birthplace in Lincoln is a must! The town of Lincoln organises an annual festival in August every year, enacting Billy The Kid’s Escape. Though experiencing this western town along with informative museums is available year round. Lincoln is a 40 minute drive from Ruidoso along the trail of Billy the Kid.