Ruidoso Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ruidoso
Walk in the footsteps of Billy the Kid while discovering the natural beauty of one of New Mexico’s most popular resort towns.

Stroll along the streets where Billy the Kid walked, enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and discover frontier history in the scenic town of Ruidoso. Surrounded by the snow-peaked Sierra Blanca mountains, Lincoln County and the Lincoln National Forest, Ruidoso is southeastern New Mexico’s primary resort town.

Experience pioneer history at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, and then head to the Flying J Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show. Take the kids on a pony ride, have cowboy coffee, shoot on a pistol range and enjoy a traditional cowboy dinner. Sit inside a tepee, see Native American artifacts and learn about Native American culture.

Outdoor adventurers will enjoy the fresh mountain air of Fort Stanton, Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and the Lincoln National Forest. Camp, hike or feel the thrill of high-altitude bicycling. In the winter months, Ski Apache, with its smooth runs, tubes, jumps and rails offers ski slopes with something for every skier and boarder. Nearby Ruidoso Winter Park even has bobsled curves.

Ruidoso offers an array of entertainment and activities. Mine for gemstones and discover fossils and geodes at Fox Cave with its 300-million-year-old sedimentary rock. See a touring Broadway show at the Spencer Theater or live music at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, a Las Vegas-style casino. Listen to country and western music in a local bar. See artwork by renowned artists, N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, at the Hurd La Rinconada Gallery. Browse the folk art and admire the 100-year-old adobe building at the Hondo Iris Farm. If you are a horse racing enthusiast, time your visit for the annual All American Futurity, a quarter horse race at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

Situated in New Mexico, Ruidoso is accessible by car, bus or plane. It is a three-hour drive from Albuquerque. For an authentic Western experience, time your visit with one of these festivals: Ruidoso Art Festival, Festival of Lights, Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally, the Mountain of Blues Festival or the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium.

Where to stay in Ruidoso

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Ponderosa Heights

While Ponderosa Heights isn't home to many top sights, The Links at Sierra Blanca and Grindstone Lake are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ponderosa Heights
MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
3 out of 5
107 Sierra Blanca Dr, Ruidoso, NM
The price is AU$262 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$262
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"They had Posole on Sunday for breakfast!!!!!"

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
Ruidoso Mountain Inn
Ruidoso Mountain Inn
2.5 out of 5
25971 US Highway 70, Ruidoso, NM
The price is AU$154 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$154
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"everything is accessible"

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2024

Ruidoso Mountain Inn
Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca Ruidoso, Ascend Hotel Collection
Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca Ruidoso, Ascend Hotel Collection
3.5 out of 5
25980 US Highway 70, Ruidoso, NM
The price is AU$151 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
AU$151
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"The jacuzzi was amazing!"

Reviewed on 27 Oct. 2024

Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca Ruidoso, Ascend Hotel Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Village Lodge Condos
Village Lodge Condos
3 out of 5
1000 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (286 reviews)
"Easy check in and out"

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

Village Lodge Condos
Casey's Cabins
Casey's Cabins
3 out of 5
2640 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Wingfield Park and Cree Medows Public Golf Course are ...
7.6/10 Good! (38 reviews)
Close to town / clean.
"Close to town. Clean. Quiet. Good stay. Will be back."

Reviewed on 3 Oct. 2024

Casey's Cabins
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
3 out of 5
215 Main Road, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (297 reviews)
"Very comfortable"

Reviewed on 27 Oct. 2024

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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