Ruidoso in Autumn: Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Foliage Adventures
Welcome to Ruidoso, where the crisp air and vibrant hues of autumn create an enchanting backdrop for your fall getaway.
Ruidoso Fall Color Travel Guide
Discover Ruidoso’s fall foliage from late September to mid-October. Golden aspens light up the high peaks, while oaks, maples, and cottonwoods brighten the canyons. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, this guide highlights the best trails, drives, and scenic spots to enjoy autumn in the Sierra Blanca Mountains.
Best Time to Visit
Fall color in Ruidoso typically peaks between late September and mid-October. Timing can vary with elevation, but plan your trip for the last week of September through the first half of October to catch the brightest displays across the mountains and valleys.
Tip: Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds on scenic drives and popular trails. Higher elevations change first, with valleys reaching peak color a bit later.
Types of Fall Foliage by Elevation
The variety of trees and shrubs in and around Ruidoso means every elevation offers a different fall color palette. As you explore the mountains, here’s what to expect:
• Higher elevations (9,000 feet and above): Groves of aspen dominate, joined by Bebb willow, cliffbush, wolf currant, and western snowberry.
• Mid-range elevations (7,000–9,500 feet): A brilliant mix of rocky mountain maple, Gambel’s oak, wavy-leaf oak, narrowleaf cottonwood, Arizona walnut, dogwood, velvet ash, sumac, and others. Aspen also brighten mid-elevations with their signature gold.
• Lower elevations (4,200–7,000 feet): Warm hues from gray oak, chinkapin oak, scrub oak, smooth sumac, manzanita, Fremont barberry, Texas mulberry, canyon grape, Virginia creeper, Fremont cottonwood, black willow, and coyote willow.
This diversity ensures that no matter where you roam — from high ridgelines to low canyons — you’ll encounter a spectacular display of fall color.
Top Spots for Fall Foliage
1. Lincoln National Forest: Smokey Bear Ranger District
(Peak period: September 25 – October 10)
The Smokey Bear Ranger District offers some of the most spectacular fall color. From scenic drives lined with glowing aspens to high-country trails that open into golden meadows, this area is worth the short trip.
White Mountain Area
Scenic drives and trailheads with sweeping views and bright aspen groves.
Scenic Roads
State Highway 532 to Ski Apache (Ski Run Road) – A paved mountain drive with big-sky views.
Forest Service Road 117 to Monjeau Lookout – Unpaved but passenger-car friendly, leading to Monjeau Lookout.
Forest Service Road 107 to Argentina Trailhead – Unpaved, suitable for most passenger vehicles.
Forest Service Road 108 to Nogal Peak Trailhead – Dirt road requiring a high-clearance vehicle.
Forest Service Road 400 to FS 108 intersection – Unpaved, passenger-car accessible with beautiful forest scenery.
Trails
Crest Trail (T-25) – Ski Apache to Nogal Peak, with sweeping ridgeline color.
Argentina Canyon Trail (T-39) – From Argentina Trailhead to Argentina Spring, passing through aspen stands.
Aspen Trail (T-36/35) – A local favorite for golden groves, accessible from Argentina Trailhead.
Turkey Canyon Trail (T-40) – Turkey Trailhead to Turkey Springs.
Nogal Peak Trail (T-26/25) – From Nogal Peak Trailhead to the summit, connecting with the Crest Trail.
Skull Canyon Trail (T-41) – Skull Canyon to Crest Trail T-25, with rugged beauty.
Nogal Canyon Trail (T-48) – From Nogal Canyon Trailhead to Trail T-54.
Pennsylvania Canyon Trail (T-51) – Pennsylvania Trailhead to Trail T-52.
Tortolita Canyon Trail (T-54) – Accessed from Pennsylvania Canyon T-51 and Gaylord Canyon Trail T-52.
Capitan Mountain Area
With rugged backroads and sweeping summit views, the Capitan Mountains offer a rich mix of fall color — glowing oaks and maples at mid-elevations, and cottonwoods and mulberries brightening the lower canyons.
Scenic Roads
State Highway 246 to Pine Lodge turnoff – A paved route with wide mountain vistas.
Forest Service Road 130 – Dirt road requiring a high-clearance vehicle.
Forest Service Road 56 – Leads to the Summit Communication Towers with expansive views.
Trails
Summit Trail (T-58) – From Summit Trailhead to Capitan Peak, a rewarding high-elevation hike.
Padilla Trail (T-59) – Connects to South Base Trail T-57, winding through mixed conifer and aspen.
2. Grindstone Lake Trails
Located just minutes from Midtown, Grindstone Lake offers a mix of lakeside color and forested canyon trails. These well-marked routes are popular among both hikers and mountain bikers, providing easy access to golden aspens and cottonwoods in the fall.
Trails
Grindstone Lake Loop – A scenic 6.7-mile loop circling the lake with great fall color.
Grindstone Lake to Winchester Road – A 3.4-mile trail connecting the lake to Winchester Road with open views.
Grindstone Mesa Trail – A 3.6-mile route offering wide vistas of the surrounding mountains.
3. Hondo Valley
Location: Along Highway 70, east of Ruidoso
Highlights: A scenic drive through the Hondo Valley provides sweeping views of cottonwood trees in full autumn splendor. Stop by local fruit stands and galleries along the way.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in and around Ruidoso, from easy walks to challenging hikes, all offering stunning views of fall colors.
Biking: Rent a bike and ride through scenic routes like the Grindstone Lake Trails or Cedar Creek Trails, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn.
Fishing: Enjoy peaceful fishing spots at Alto Lake and Grindstone Lake, surrounded by the vibrant hues of fall.
Horseback Riding: Experience the changing seasons on horseback with guided tours that take you through the heart of the fall foliage.
Local Events and Festivals
AspenFest
Held in early October, AspenFest features a parade, arts and crafts fair, and a car show, celebrating the arrival of autumn in Ruidoso.
Ruidoso Oktoberfest
Enjoy traditional German food, music, and beer at this lively festival, perfect for a fun-filled fall weekend.
Tips for Visiting
Dress in Layers: Fall weather in Ruidoso can be unpredictable. Be prepared for cool mornings and evenings with warmer afternoons by dressing in layers. Discover the best places to stock up on outdoor gear for backcountry outings in Ruidoso
Stay Hydrated: Even in cooler weather, it's important to stay hydrated while hiking or participating in outdoor activities.
Check Road Conditions: If you plan to explore the higher elevations, check road conditions and be prepared for possible closures due to early snowfall. Some roads are unpaved and may require a high-clearance vehicle. Always bring water, dress in layers, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. For the latest conditions, contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District at 575-257-4095.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the season and create lasting memories in our enchanting mountain town. Plan your memorable fall foliage trip to Ruidoso today!