Grindstone Lake: All You Need To Know
Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas. Located just minutes from downtown Ruidoso, Grindstone Lake offers hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and disc golf.
Grindstone Lake is close to downtown Ruidoso and offers the widest range of activities.
Address: 111 Wiggins Way, off Resort Drive
Information: Ruidoso Parks and Recreation (575) 257-5030
Grindstone Lake Webcam. Enjoy your favorite view from home.
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GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
Pets must be on a leash.
Visitors age 12 and older must have a valid New Mexico fishing license.
Ruidoso Lakes Parking Passes (Summer and High-Volume Holidays only)
Non-motorized boats (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats) are allowed.
Village of Ruidoso Local Season Pass: $10
Lincoln County Residents Season Pass $20;
NM Residents Season Pass $30;
Shore Fishing Hours: 5:00 am to 11:00 p.m.
Vessel Fishing Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Boat Permits:
Day Pass= $5 | Annual Pass= $20 (calendar year)
Boating permits are required and can be obtained by contacting Ruidoso Parks & Rec at 575-257-5030.
Learn more about Grindstone Lake rules, regulations, hours, etc. at RuidosoParksandRec.com.
GRINDSTONE NEWS & INFORMATION
Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake is Ruidoso’s floating, inflatable summer attraction—perfect for family fun, groups, and special events. Spend the day tackling the on-water obstacle course, then enjoy Grindstone Lake’s other recreation options like picnicking, fishing, boating, and disc golf nearby.
Looking for the best hiking and biking trails in Ruidoso? The Grindstone Lake Trails System offers 18 miles of year-round adventure just minutes from Midtown. Explore lakeside loops, mesa climbs, and scenic ridge views—perfect for families, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Home to XTERRA events, Grindstone combines stunning landscapes with trails for every skill level.
Head to the water for a day of paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and more. The Dam House at Grindstone Lake is open for boat and bike rentals, fishing equipment, food, and drink at Grindstone Lake from May to September.
Ruidoso's Grindstone Lake Trail System now has even more opportunities for recreation. Hike and bike brand-new trails located in Ruidoso, off of Carrizo Canyon road at Mud Canyon Rd. Constructed by EcoServants, the connector trails provide free access to the existing Grindstone Lakes Trail System.
Enjoy the Ruidoso experience from beautiful Grindstone Lake via a live HD streaming tourism webcam from its scenic location at Ruidoso’s most popular recreation area.
Grindstone Lake Recreation Area returns to low-season operations effective September 6, 2022. Open 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, weekend reservations are no longer required, and while the WIBIT Water Park is closed for the season, you can still kayak, paddleboard, hike, bike, horseback ride, picnic, and enjoy disc golf.
From pristine high-mountain lakes and streams to sparkling reservoirs and meandering rivers, discover the best places to cast a line in Ruidoso.
Climb Sierra Blanca, hike through alpine meadows, alongside the Rio Ruidoso, explore a forest on horseback? You decide! Thanks to over a million acres of National Forest and wilderness areas, virtually every corner of Ruidoso is waiting to be discovered. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are plentiful.
"The climb to Grindstone Mesa can be painful, but the payoff is anything but: Views of Sierra Blanca and surrounding mountains are spectacular." — AAA NEW MEXICO JOURNEY magazine
With courses at Grindstone Lake and Ski Apache, add disc golf to your list of fun things to do in Ruidoso. Better yet, bring your own disc and it’s free fun for the whole family.