Trails around Ruidoso

Trails, trails and more trails. Ruidoso is surrounded by a million-plus acres of National Forest and wilderness, therefore hiking, mountain biking, and horseback trails are plentiful.  Included here are several of the more popular trails.

There are over 200 miles of multi-use trails in the Smokey Bear District of the Lincoln National Forest. For more detailed information on the trails to be found in the area, see this PDF of hiking trails in the Smokey Bear District or visit their website.  

Fort Stanton Recreation Area (managed by the BLM) has over 90 miles of horseback, mountain biking, and hiking trails that wind through open meadows and canyons. The trails offer great views of the surrounding Lincoln National Forest, and the Sacramento and Captain Mountains. The majority of the trails start at the Horse Trails Parking Lot on NM 220 where you will find hitching rails, water for your animals and a bathroom. In addition, 20 miles of roads are open for motorized use.  To visit for more information on BML lands around the area please visit the BLM webpage for Fort Stanton or for a pdf of the Fort Stanton Roads and Trails map, please click here.