RUIDOSO TRAILS: Where To Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride in Ruidoso
From lakeside paths and forest trails to mountain biking, trail running, and horseback riding, Ruidoso offers plenty of ways to explore the mountains on foot, bike, or horseback.
Trail access and conditions can change with weather, wildfire recovery, forest restoration work, and seasonal closures. Use this guide to choose where to explore, then check current conditions before heading out.
Check Trail Conditions Before You Go
Conditions on mountain and forest trails can change quickly. Before hiking, biking, running, or riding, check current trail and forest conditions and respect all posted closures.
During periods of changing weather, visitors should also be aware of wildfire conditions and the potential for rapid flash flooding following heavy rainfall over wildfire burn scars.
Explore Ruidoso Area Trails
Grindstone Lake Trails
Just minutes from Midtown Ruidoso, Grindstone Lake Recreation Area offers an extensive multi-use trail system for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Routes range from lakeside outings to longer climbs through the surrounding forest and mesas.
EXPLORE GRINDSTONE LAKE & TRAILS
Alto Lake & Recreation Area
For an easy outing close to town, Alto Lake offers scenic walking and hiking opportunities around the lake and surrounding recreation area. Combine a trail walk with fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, or a picnic by the water.
Cedar Creek Trails
Cedar Creek Recreation Area provides access to an extensive Lincoln National Forest trail system near Ruidoso. Wildfire recovery, flood impacts, restoration work, and temporary Forest Service closures may affect access to trails and recreation areas.
Check current Forest Service conditions and closure information before planning a visit.
Moon Mountain Trails
Moon Mountain offers multi-use trails close to the Village, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and scenic mountain views.
For current access and trail information, check with Ruidoso Parks & Recreation before your visit.
EXPLORE RUIDOSO PARKS & RECREATION
Lincoln National Forest Trails
Ruidoso is surrounded by Lincoln National Forest, where the Smokey Bear Ranger District provides access to an extensive network of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and other multi-use trails.
Forest conditions, seasonal restrictions, restoration projects, and temporary closures can affect access. Check current Lincoln National Forest information before heading into the forest.
CHECK LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST CONDITIONS
Find More Trails Around Ruidoso
Looking for more places to hike, bike, run, or ride?
Explore Discover Ruidoso’s trail guides for local recreation areas, multi-use trails, trail-running routes, hiking ideas, and other ways to experience Ruidoso’s mountain landscape.
Travel Smart in the Mountains
Mountain weather can change quickly. Carry water, dress for changing conditions, stay on designated trails, respect closures, and let someone know where you are going when heading into more remote areas.
During monsoon conditions or periods of heavy rainfall, understand the risk of flash flooding and burn-scar flooding before heading outdoors. Visitors can also sign up for Ruidoso emergency alerts during their stay.
Plan ahead, respect the landscape, and choose trails appropriate for your experience and current conditions.
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Explore the scenic mountain lakes of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Grindstone, Alto, and Bonito Lakes offer trout fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and peaceful alpine views. Find out which lake is closest to downtown, where boating is allowed, and what permits you need before you go.