Top 26 Things To Do In Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso, NM a majestic gem of a mountain getaway. Frequently on the list of stopovers from California to Texas and much shorter road trips. Come here for leisure and pleasure, or as a base camp to Southern New Mexico's national parks and sights. There's a reason Neil Patrick Harris calls this mountain mecca home!

1. Ski Apache

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Ski Apache is known as the southernmost ski resort in the United States. 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.

For hours of operation and pricing of activities, visit www.skiapache.com. Ski Apache is located at 1286 Ski Run Road in Alto, NM.

2. Ruidoso Downs Race Track

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The Ruidoso Race Track is another great option that everyone will love! Place your bets on the horses and compete against friends while enjoying a drink from one of the three dining options. It is a beautiful racetrack and the best part, it's free! Shaded seats are available for a fee. For a more traditional gambling environment, the Billy the Kid Casino is right next door.

Racing is Friday through Monday starting the end of May through September. The Race Track is located at 26255 US Highway 70 East in Ruidoso Downs, NM.

3. Zip Lining

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Just outside of the Inn of the Mountain Gods is the new Apache Eagle Ziprider. Soar over the beautiful Lake Mescalero and receive a bird's eye view of the surrounding mountains.

Not far away at Ski Apache, is the even longer Wind Rider, fourth longest zip line in North America and at the highest elevation.

4. Inn of the Mountain Gods

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This Resort and Casino offers travelers a place to stay with breathtaking views, gaming, shows, a zipline and much much more! Guests will find plenty of restaurant options are available in the hotel and casino as well as golfing, big game hunting, music and comedy shows.

Inn of the Mountain Gods is located at 287 Carrizo Canyon Road in Mescalero and approximately 25 minutes from Ruidoso.

5. White Sands National Monument

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The White Sands Monument give visitors an experience unlike any other! Located in the Tularosa Basin, this monument was formed from the erosion of gypsum leading to the soft, white sand dunes you see today. 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.

White Sands National Monument is $3 for adults, and free for those 15 years and under. It's located a little over an hour south of Ruidoso.

6. Grindstone Stables

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Go back into the Old West by seeing Ruidoso on horseback at Grindstone Stables! They also have carriage rides downtown and sleigh rides in the winter. The trails give a wonderful view of wildlife, and there are plenty of spots to take pictures.

The cost is $30 per horse, per hour. Children under 5 are free and can ride with an adult. The stables are located minutes away from Ruidoso. Check online for specific directions and times.

7. Flying J Ranch

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The Flying J Ranch seems to have it all! Experience the Wild West culture like never before with gunfights, chuckwagon food, wranglers, pony rides, gold panning, music and more in their very own wild west town! The Flying J Ranch is family friendly with lots of activities to catch a glimpse of the old western lifestyle without the danger.

It is advised to make reservations online before going. The Flying J Ranch is open nightly at 5:30 and closed on Sundays. Tickets are $27 for adults, $15 for Ages 4 through 12, and Free for 3 and under. The Ranch is in Alto, New Mexico which is about a 15 minute drive from Ruidoso.

8. Lincoln National Forest

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With hundreds of different trails ranging in length, the Lincoln National Forest has a multitude of hiking options ensuring visitors will see plenty of NM wilderness. The park has several camping options and picnic areas if you do choose to stay overnight.

Besides hiking, there are trails for biking and horseback riding, rock climbing and spelunking. No matter what activity you choose, the views are sure to be breathtaking! Come to see the wildlife, even bears! In the winter months, Lincoln National Forest also offers sporting activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.

The District Office is located at 901 Mechem Drive in Ruidoso. There you will be able to find out where you can drive and park in the National Forest. They also have maps that you can purchase for $10 that outline the trails.

9. Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts

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From the outside, the Spencer Theater has an eye-catching architecture, but once inside, browse some of the top glass art in the world from Dale Chihuly. If a tour of the art gallery isn't your thing, attend the regularly scheduled theatrical performances.

Shows premiere in the evening, and tours are Tuesdays and Thursdays. The tour is free, but ticket prices for shows vary from $10 to $100. A short 15 minute drive from Ruidoso, the Spencer Theater is located at 108 Spencer Road in Alto, New Mexico.

10. Billy the Kid Scenic Trail

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In order to experience all of Ruidoso and many of the stops on this list, take the Billy the Kid Scenic Trail. Drive through the mountains and be transported back into a time of cowboys, Indians and outlaws.

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 back riding is also available from a few hours to the entire length of the trail.

11. The Links at Sierra Blanca

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Even if you aren't a fan of golf, the views from the Links at Sierra Blanca are sure to please. Golf with stunning mountain vistas or hit up the driving range. Located at 105 Sierra Blanca Drive in Ruidoso.

12. Hubbard Museum of the American West

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For those of you who like to learn while traveling, The Hubbard Museum is an informative stop for the entire family. The museum focuses on three key areas of wild west history featuring thousands of artifacts- American pioneers, Hispanic and Native American cultures.

The museum is open from 9am to 5pm, but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays - located in Ruidoso Downs at 26301 Highway 70 West.

13. Fort Stanton Historic Site

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With 88 historic buildings to explore, this old military base saw the likes of Billy the Kid, Kit Carson, and the Buffalo Soldiers. Today at Fort Stanton you can watch reenactments, dancers, and storytellers share a part of New Mexico history.

The museum is free and open to the public from 10am-4pm Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 12am-4pm. Fort Stanton is 30 minutes north of Ruidoso.

14. Art Galleries

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Ruidoso is the hot spot in Southern New Mexico for art! There are so many different art galleries that represent local artists to the Annual Ruidoso Arts Festival. You can check out more annual art events in the area at www.discoverruidoso.com/Art-in-Ruidoso.

15. Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

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The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the largest petroglyph sites in the Southwest. The thousands of glyphs are ancient carvings of various plants and animals created by the Jornada Mogollon people almost 3,000 years ago! Hiking trails at the site allow visitors to see many of the glyphs, and, camping spots are available to those wanting to see the night sky in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert.

The park opens at 8am and closes around dinner time (5-7pm). A day pass is $5 per vehicle and the petroglyph site is about an hour from Ruidoso.

16. Fort Stanton Snowy River Cave Recreational Conservation Area

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The Fort Stanton Cave is the second largest in NM at around 31 miles long! At Fort Stanton Conservation Area there are a myriad of activities: hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, and spelunking. Cavers must provide their own equipment and have a permit. There are historical buildings you can view at Fort Stanton National Conservation Area as well.

Directions and hiking trails can be viewed on their website.

17. Mountain Annie's

Come to Mountain Annie's for a one-of-a-kind dinner and show! Mountain Annie's has a variety of concerts and special events. Currently, the restaurant features a circus dinner theater with mimes, aerialists, clowns and dancers!

Located in uptown Ruidoso at 2710 Sudderth Dr, prices vary from $15- $35. Visit their website for more information about their showtimes and reservations.

18. Hondo Iris Farm and Gallery

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The Hondo Iris Farm is one of the most spectacular gardens in all of New Mexico. Enjoy the many varieties of irises, lilies, and wildflowers or view the hummingbirds as you rest on the Hummingbird Porch. If you find flowers that you like at the farm, you can purchase bulbs for your own garden. Or visit their Jewelry Factory and find a gift for those back home!

The Iris Farm is open June through September from Tuesday through Friday: 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.

19. Lincoln, NM

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The Town of Lincoln, NM is a 40 minute drive from Ruidoso and follows the Billy the Kid Trail. To truly understand the birth, life and death of Billy the Kid, visiting his birthplace in Lincoln is a must!

Lincoln holds an annual festival in August reenacting Billy The Kid's Escape. Although the entire town is designated as a New Mexico Historical Landmark and experiencing this western town along with informative museums is available year round.

20. Free Spirits at Noisy Water

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Contrary to the name, there is no noisy water at this outdoor exhibit, although there are free spirits! Free Spirits at Noisy Water is an outdoor compilation of bronze equine sculptures. Enjoy a variety of different wines and cheese at scheduled tastings, even green chile wine is available in the garden area. Free Spirits is located at 9432 Hwy 70 in Ruidoso.

21. Thunder Horse Gallery

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The Thunder Horse Gallery is one of Ruidoso’s best art galleries. They have a wide selection of artwork and sculptures from top artists in the area. Visit Thunder Horse Gallery to see what local artists are doing and how they are capturing the Southwest culture. The gallery is located on 200 Mechem Dr. in Ruidoso.

22. Valley of the Fires

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The Valley of Fires has remarkable views of ancient lava fields. Whether you decide to drive by the Valley of Fires or stop and take a hike, you will definitely enjoy the alien landscape.

The Valley of Fires is about a 40 minute drive from Ruidoso, and there is a small fee for vehicles. It is often hot and windy in the summer because of the desert climate.

23. Smokey Bear Historical Park

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Learn all about the bear who is a national mascot for preventing forest fires. The visitor center includes information about preventing forest fires and Smokey the Bear. Outside you can view the different habitats of New Mexico and vegetation.

The Historical Park is open every day from 9am to 4:30pm except on major holidays. Pricing is $2 for adults, $1 for ages 7 through 12, and Free for children 6 and under. The Historical Park is located in Capitan which is about 30 minutes from Ruidoso. You can get directions and learn more information at www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/SmokeyBear/SmokeyBearPark.html.

24. Fox Cave and Gem Mine

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Go inside Fox Cave and uncover treasures that lie within the Gem Mine. This is a unique gift shop, built inside of a cave. Local artwork can be found in the Fox Cave too. Fox Cave is open from 10am to 5pm every day and is located at 26897 US Highway 70 East in Glencoe which is about a 15 minute drive from Ruidoso.

25. St. Anne's Chapel

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This is not your average tourist stop, but a beautiful chapel that is sure to be a hidden gem of your trip to Ruidoso. Learn the history of the church, and tour the quaint building. The church is located at 27455 Highway 70.

26. Old Dowlin Mill

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Close to 150 years old, the Old Dowlin Mill was built when Ruidoso first became a town. Visit The Old Dowlin Mill to see how early settlers lived, worked and were fed. The mill is located at 313 Spring Road in Ruidoso.