Plan Your Ruidoso Getaway

Whether you're the outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, an art-connoisseur or looking for family fun, Ruidoso, New Mexico offers unforgettable experiences for all ages.

From attractions to cultural and historical sites, Ruidoso is the perfect place for travelers for all ages.

Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities, discover year-round downhill adventures at Ski Apache, or enjoy family time at Ruidoso’s alpine lakes.

Start planning your adventure today!

Explore Ruidoso’s Wide Open Spaces

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Time Your 2026 Stargazing Trip to Ruidoso with the Year’s Best Meteor Showers

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.

Hiking and Biking Trails at Grindstone Lake: Adventure in Every Season

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.

Cedar Creek Area Temporarily Closed Due to Flooding Hazards

Due to recent flooding, the Cedar Creek area on the Smokey Bear Ranger District is temporarily closed through Sept. 30, 2025. The closure includes trailheads, recreation sites, and several popular trails. The Forest Service is working with local officials on safety and recovery. Full details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts

Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake (Seasonal, Summer only). [CLOSED SUMMER 2025]

2025 Season Update: Wibit Water Park Will Remain Closed This Summer

The Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake will not open for the 2025 season. While we know this is a favorite summer activity for many, current conditions have made setup and operation unfeasible this year. We appreciate your understanding and encourage visitors to explore the lake’s other outdoor recreation options, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and more.

Top Golf Courses in Ruidoso – Scenic High-Altitude Golfing in the Mountains

Discover the best golf courses in Ruidoso, NM. From mountain views to high-elevation play, enjoy scenic golf year-round at top-rated public and resort courses in the Sierra Blanca region.

Ruidoso in Autumn: Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Foliage Adventures

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.

2025 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Ruidoso by AllTrails

Exploring the great outdoors in Ruidoso? AllTrails has compiled a list of the 10 best trails and routes in the region, just waiting for you to explore. Choose from an array of easy routes for day trips with the family, or check out some trails laden with historical sights. There are plenty of nature spots in and around Ruidoso to explore, with routes suitable for all skill levels.

Walk, Run, or Bike the Links Fitness Trail in Ruidoso

The Links Fitness Trail in Ruidoso is a scenic, 3-mile paved loop great for families, walkers, runners, and cyclists. Set around the Links at Sierra Blanca Golf Course, it features gentle climbs, mountain views, and a safe, dog-friendly path. With restrooms, parking, and a water fountain, it’s an easy outdoor activity for all ages to enjoy together.

Plan Your Ruidoso Adventure: Important Lincoln National Forest Wildfire Safety Guidelines

As of May 7, 2025, Lincoln National Forest has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions due to increased fire danger across the region. These precautions are vital during Ruidoso’s warmer, drier months—and we ask all visitors to travel responsibly and help protect this beautiful landscape.

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Discover Things to Do with Kids in Ruidoso

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YesterLanes – Ruidoso’s Revamped Bowling & Entertainment Center

YesterLanes is Ruidoso’s newly renovated bowling center, offering classic lanes, an all-new arcade, casual dining at 575 Grill, and drinks at YesterPub. Formerly Ruidoso Bowling Center, it’s now the go-to spot for family fun, parties, and everyday entertainment—with a fresh look and a nostalgic twist. Same great lanes. Totally new vibe.

Thrills Await on the Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso!

Experience the thrill of the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso! Ride New Mexico’s only Mountain Coaster with 5100 feet of waves, dips, and a 360-degree helix. Enjoy high-speed fun with state-of-the-art safety features. For winter excitement, try the tubing hill with magic carpet lifts and thrilling downhill rides. Perfect for family fun and adventure seekers of all ages!

Fantasy fairies hide along the pathway in Ruidoso Parks (Seasonal, April - September)

Fantasy fairies hide along the pathway at Ruidoso's Two Rivers Park and Wingfield Park. Magic wands, tiny houses, and whimsical fairies add fun for the young. Visitors may be startled when walking along village park trails to see a trout jumping out of the water and riding on his back, the smallest of the fairy folk.

Camping with Kids in Ruidoso: Tips for a Smooth Adventure

Camping with kids in Ruidoso can create lifelong memories without the stress. Start small by choosing a nearby campsite and keeping meals simple. Bring comfort items from home to make the tent cozy, and let kids take on small tasks to build excitement. Embrace flexibility, keep it fun, and focus on making memories rather than perfection for a rewarding family adventure.

Ruidoso Winter Adventure: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Family Itinerary

Experience a magical family winter getaway in Ruidoso, NM! This kid-friendly itinerary is packed with snowy adventures, festive lights, and cozy dining—from tubing and ice skating to exploring historic sites. Get ready for unforgettable family fun in this charming mountain town!

Pillow’s Funtrackers: Fun for the entire family

Pillow’s Funtrackers in Ruidoso is a great place for family entertainment and family outings. At Funtrackers you'll find fun for all ages at this family-favorite Ruidoso amusement park offering 3 go-kart tracks, 18-hole mini-golf, bumper boats, a maze, and arcade games.

Kid-Favorites in Ruidoso

Kids of all ages will have plenty of family fun in Ruidoso. Many area attractions, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and skiing, are perfect for the entire family. Plan the perfect family vacation with these fun kid-friendly trip ideas.

Top 10 Things To Do With Kids In Ruidoso by Explorer Momma

Explorer Momma, Lauren Gonikishvili, shares insider tips for planning a family-friendly Ruidoso getaway.

Unforgettable Family Adventures in Ruidoso: Top Activities for Fun and Bonding

Discover unforgettable family adventures in Ruidoso! From go-cart racing at Funtrackers to gold panning at Flying J Ranch, there’s endless fun for all ages. Cool off at Grindstone Lake Wibit Water Park or ride paddle boats on Mescalero Lake. Enjoy kid-friendly hiking trails, archery, golf, and more. For year-round fun, visit the Skateboard Park and tennis courts. Explore Ruidoso’s family-friendly activities today!

White Sands National Park

Visitors to this endless waterless sea can enjoy driving, hiking, visiting a museum and sledding down the huge dunes.

IN THE PRESS: Geocaching takes off in Ruidoso

"Ever want to be an explorer? Perhaps a treasure hunter, but the idea of lugging a metal detector around seems like too much work? Geocaching, a treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek containers with other participants in the activity, may be for you." - Ruidoso News

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Discover the Story of the American West

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Feb 1, 2025

Wingfield Heritage House Museum: A Journey Through Ruidoso’s History

Feb 1, 2025

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.

Feb 1, 2025

Sep 8, 2024

Explore Smokey Bear Historical Park: A Tribute to an Icon

Sep 8, 2024

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.

Sep 8, 2024

Mar 3, 2024

Lincoln State Historic Site

Mar 3, 2024

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.

Mar 3, 2024

Aug 3, 2023

Lincoln County History and Heritage: An immersive 3-Day Ruidoso trip itinerary

Aug 3, 2023

Discover Lincoln County, New Mexico – a region steeped in rich history and vibrant heritage. Embark on a captivating three-day trip itinerary based in Ruidoso, where the spirit of the American West comes alive.

Aug 3, 2023

May 24, 2022

Fort Stanton State Historic Site

May 24, 2022

The Fort Stanton State Historic Site is a must-see historic attraction when visiting Lincoln County. Few sites in the nation encompass the breadth of history seen at the Fort.

May 24, 2022

Feb 5, 2022

Mescalero Apache Tribe

Feb 5, 2022

Established in 1873 by presidential order, the Mescalero Apache reservation covers 720 square miles of land adjacent to the Village of Ruidoso. The Mescalero Apache Tribe owns and operates both Ski Apache Ski Resort and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino as well as other Reservation-based enterprises.

Feb 5, 2022

May 2, 2018

Billy The Kid National Scenic Byway

May 2, 2018

Visit historic Lincoln, once home to outlaw Billy the Kid and lawman Pat Garrett. on this scenic drive through the rugged beauty of the million-acre Lincoln National Forest.

May 2, 2018

Mar 23, 2017

White Oaks Ghost Town

Mar 23, 2017

White Oaks is a Lincoln County ghost town just north of Carrizozo that became a boomtown in 1879 following the discovery of gold and coal in the nearby Jicarilla Mountains. Today, there's a small historic museum, a legendary saloon, and the White Oaks Pottery art studio.

Mar 23, 2017

Feb 8, 2017

No Scum Allowed Saloon

Feb 8, 2017

Located in White Oaks, once a booming gold mining town, the No Scum Allowed Saloon is one of the best cowboy bars in America. The saloon atmosphere is good old-fashioned country: open and friendly, with good music and cold beer at the ready.

Feb 8, 2017

Jan 11, 2017

New Mexico Museum of Space History

Jan 11, 2017

The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, New Mexico celebrates the significant role the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program.

Jan 11, 2017

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Plan Using our Seasonal Trip Guides

Winter Trip Ideas

From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Ruidoso Winter Park to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, discover the most amazing places for a Ruidoso winter getaway.

Summer Trip Ideas

We’ve compiled our best Ruidoso summer vacation ideas—all our top attractions, best food, cultural happenings, most memorable activities – and popular summer events are worth traveling for. Meet the locals, find the best deals, learn how to get here, and find accommodations.

Spring Break Trip Ideas

Plan a Spring Break in the Mountains. Discover the most amazing ways to enjoy a Ruidoso spring break. We’ve compiled our best vacation ideas for a mountain village spring break trip.

Plan A Ruidoso Fall Getaway

From autumn colors to empty trails, there are plenty of reasons why fall is a great time for a Ruidoso vacation.

Get Inspired by Ruidoso Travel Videos

Featured

Mar 28, 2019

Summer in Ruidoso, New Mexico

Mar 28, 2019

The mountains are calling. Start planning your summer vacation in Ruidoso, New Mexico: discoverruidoso.com

Mar 28, 2019

Aug 6, 2018

VIDEO: OHV fun with Back Country Attitudes

Aug 6, 2018

Have you checked out Ruidoso's newest outdoor adventure outfitter?! Back Country Attitudes will take you on 80 miles of trails during this 4-hour white-knuckle adventure that will leave you with a dusty smile from ear to ear.

Aug 6, 2018

Jul 11, 2019

VIDEO: Wind Rider Zip Line at Ski Apache.

Jul 11, 2019

The world famous Wind Rider Zip Line at Ski Apache.

Jul 11, 2019

Jun 6, 2019

VIDEO: Grindstone Disc Golf Course

Jun 6, 2019

Aug 6, 2018

VIDEO: Ruidoso Outdoor Recreation

Aug 6, 2018

Discover mountain biking, trails, fishing and other year-round outdoor recreation activities in and around Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Aug 6, 2018

Sep 26, 2018

VIDEO - All American Country Music Festival 2018: Day One Recap

Sep 26, 2018

If you missed the first annual All American Country Music Festival at Wingfield Park in Ruidoso, New Mexico here's a quick recap of the night featuring knock out performances by Walker McGuire and Josh Abbott Band. LANCO headlined day 2! discoverruidoso.com

Sep 26, 2018

Oct 22, 2018

VIDEO: Fall into Ruidoso

Oct 22, 2018

The leaves are changing. There's the smell of green chiles roasting in the air. The air is turning colder. Come take a drive up Ski Run Road in Ruidoso, New Mexico with us.

Oct 22, 2018