WHAT MOVES YOU?
A small village with a big personality, Ruidoso has bucket-loads of experiences to offer when it comes to vacations – so how will you know where to start?
Don’t fear – we’ve lined up an array of itineraries to help you plan your ideal Ruidoso trip, be that a weekend, a week, or a longer remote work stay.
A Taste of Ruidoso
If you love to discover a place food-first, a great way to get started is with a visit to these Best of Ruidoso People's Choice Awards winners!
Ranging from cafes to fine dining, these Ruidoso eateries offer foodies experiences to savor. This three-day itinerary showcases a few insider favorites, plus insider tips for places to sip.
Slow Travel Suggestions
Travel slowly and give special moments the time they deserve. We have some top suggestions for ideas well worth your time and energy.
Discover Ruidoso's vibrant autumn with our fall foliage guide. Explore top spots like Alto Lake, Grindstone Lake, Lincoln National Forest, and Ski Run Road. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and more amidst stunning fall colors. Visit during peak season from mid-September to late October, and don't miss local events like AspenFest and Oktoberfest.
Discover the perfect skip-gen getaway in Ruidoso! This scenic mountain town is ideal for grandparents and grandchildren to connect through outdoor adventures, cozy cabin stays, and family-friendly fun. Plan your multigenerational escape today and create lasting memories in one of New Mexico’s most charming destinations. Start planning your Ruidoso adventure today!
Escape to Ruidoso's winter serenity in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Relax with peaceful strolls on snow-covered trails, breathe in crisp air, and enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rejuvenate with spa treatments that soothe the spirit, and cozy up by the fire as night falls. Surrounded by stunning scenery and local charm, Ruidoso is the ideal mountain retreat for a tranquil winter getaway.
The Ultimate 2-Day Getaway
Planning a short break in Ruidoso? Discover the best of Ruidoso in 2 days. Between year-round outdoor adventures, shopping, plus a vibrant food, drink and live music culture, it’s possible to spend every vacation in Ruidoso and discover something new each time. If you only have a couple of days, however, you can still drive away with a well-rounded Ruidoso experience.
Money-Saving Ideas
Discover the best free things to do in Ruidoso! From stargazing and wildlife watching to forest walks, playground adventures, and scenic photo ops, this mountain town offers unforgettable experiences that won’t cost a dime. Perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers looking to enjoy nature and fun on a budget.
Looking for a relaxing spot during your Ruidoso vacation? Visit the Ruidoso Public Library. Whether you need free WiFi, a quiet place to work, or a chance to connect with the community, the library enhances your Ruidoso travel experience. Here are a few reasons why the municipal library deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Area Explorations
Take time to travel around the region and discover the diversity of local communities. Get involved in events, meet new people, and experience what life here is really like.
Ruidoso is known for its stunning landscapes, forested paths, and mountain charm, but the adventure doesn’t stop at the village limits. Explore the Southeast Regional Trail Network with dozens of scenic hiking, biking, and walking routes across southeast New Mexico. View the interactive map and download the official guide at snmedd.com/trails.
History and Heritage
Delve into the captivating past of Lincoln County, New Mexico. From the historic Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Lincoln and Fort Stanton Historic Sites, history buffs can embark on a journey of discovery during a Ruidoso visit.
Discover Ruidoso’s rich history at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum, a beautifully restored 1920s home. Once a family residence and business hub, it now features curated exhibits on early settlers, Native cultures, and the town’s evolution. Explore preserved rooms, uncover local traditions, and connect with the stories that shaped Ruidoso’s past and present.
Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, NM, near Ruidoso, honors the legacy of Smokey Bear, the iconic symbol of wildfire prevention. The park features indoor and outdoor exhibits on forest health, fire safety, and black bears. Visitors can explore Smokey’s tranquil grave, enjoy a family-friendly playground, and take a stroll through climate zone replicas. Day-use only; service dogs allowed.
Lincoln, the most widely visited historic site in New Mexico, is part of a community frozen in time—the 1870s and 1880s. The historic site includes 17 structures and outbuildings, four of which are open year-round and two more seasonally as museums.
Family Fun
Plan a family holiday with these itineraries and ideas packed with activities and attractions from historic sites to adventure parks.
Dust off your skates! The outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park returns for the 2025-2026 winter season. Opening day is Saturday, November 29, 2025. A visitor Day Pass is $20, $12.00 for customers with their own skates, and a $20 season pass for Ruidoso residents. Here’s everything you need to know.
Looking for the best place to see the stars in 2026? Escape city lights and experience the breathtaking dark skies of Ruidoso. From constellations and the Milky Way to dazzling meteor showers, this mountain getaway offers unforgettable stargazing. Plan your trip around the top 2026 meteor shower dates for the ultimate night-sky adventure.
Discover Halloween in Ruidoso with family-friendly events and spooky fun in the mountains. Trick-or-treat through Midtown, join costume contests, watch pumpkin rolls, or explore haunted happenings. Perfect for kids and adults, Ruidoso’s Halloween celebrations blend small-town charm with festive thrills—plan your fall getaway today.
During the winter holiday season, there are sleigh rides through the historic upper canyon with Grindstone Stables. No snow is required to enjoy a crisp winter evening and the holiday decorations of Ruidoso's oldest neighborhood.
Seasonal Suggestions
Discover the magic of the holidays in Ruidoso, New Mexico! From sleigh rides and ice skating to twinkling lights and festive parades, this mountain village offers endless seasonal cheer. Enjoy Christmas in the Park, the Flying J Christmas Show, and the Festival of Lights Parade—plus cozy shops, scenic views, and warm welcomes all winter long.
Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 29, 2025! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners have a chance to receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.
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.
Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, NM, near Ruidoso, honors the legacy of Smokey Bear, the iconic symbol of wildfire prevention. The park features indoor and outdoor exhibits on forest health, fire safety, and black bears. Visitors can explore Smokey’s tranquil grave, enjoy a family-friendly playground, and take a stroll through climate zone replicas. Day-use only; service dogs allowed.