Things to Do Around Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso is surrounded by the Sierra Blanca Mountains that are teeming with endless possibilities for adventure. To help you get started, here are just a few fun and exciting things to do in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

OUR FAVORITES

Before we dig deeper into some of the popular local attractions in Ruidoso, here are 3 of our favorites:


Ruidoso Downs Race Track - Hit the track and place your bets! Ruidoso Downs is filled with action and excitement!


Rainmaker's Resort & Golf Community - Take a swing at this beautiful 18 hole course. Ranked #87 in the US.


White Sands National Park - Visit the stunning white sands of New Mexico at the world's largest gypsum dunefield.

Grindstone Lake

GRINDSTONE LAKE

  • Address: 501 Resort Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
  • Entrance fee: $10 parking fee – Card only. 
  • Distance from us: 2.8 miles 


Grindstone Lake is located right outside of Ruidoso, and is one of the most accessible entry points into the mountains. The lake is surrounded by miles of trails that are perfect for mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The lake itself is great for paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming. In the summertime, you can visit the Wibit Water Park, a floating water park that comes to Grindstone Lake from May to September each year.


Grindstone Lake

MONJEAU LOOKOUT

  • Address: Ruidoso, NM 88345 
  • Entrance fee: None 
  • Distance from us: 10.4 miles 


Monjeau Lookout is an old stone lookout and historical monument with incredible 360° views of the mountains that tower above Ruidoso. To get to Monjeau Lookout, you can either hike 6 miles along the Crest Trail, or drive up the steep and narrow dirt road. If you choose to drive, be aware that 4x4 or AWD vehicles are highly recommended. The lookout sits around 10,000 feet above sea level, so be sure to take it slow and drink plenty of water to avoid any altitude sickness.

woman on trail to Monjeau Lookout

SKI APACHE

  • Address: 1286 Ski Run Rd, Alto, NM 88312
  • Entrance fee: See website 
  • Distance from us: 15.8 miles 


Ski Apache is the largest ski resort in the Ruidoso area, and is home to some of the best warm-weather skiing in the world. It doesn’t matter when you visit, Ski Apache is full of incredible things to do all year round. Activities include: 

  • Hiking 
  • Mountain Biking 
  • Zipline 
  • Gondola ride


man skiing
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