Ruidoso is a charming mountain town featuring many fun opportunities for travellers, including exploring the natural beauty of the area, betting at a casino or on a horse race, seeing live entertainment, and enjoying thrilling snow tubing or a theme park. Many travellers enjoy a stay in a rustic mountainside cabin rental, while the city centre area offers a mix of luxury and budget hotels. Nestled in the beautiful Sierra Blanca mountains, Ruidoso offers fresh air and spectacular sights that are the perfect backdrop for your holiday. Here are the 10 best things to do in Ruidoso.

  • 1

    Lincoln National Forest

    Explore a huge national forest featuring various landscapes

    Lincoln National Forest
    • Halpa
    • Pariskunnat
    • Perheet
    • Valokuvaus

    Lincoln National Forest offers 2 wilderness areas with an abundance of activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, skiing, and snowboarding. The 1.1 million-acre forest is located on the New Mexico and Texas border. As you travel through the forest, you will pass semi-desert plants, evergreen trees, and high-elevation grasses. The weather varies greatly as you change elevation. While you may start in high summer desert temperatures, you may need a jacket as you approach the high country. The high elevation combined with plentiful moisture makes for a stunning display of wildflowers. If you are lucky enough to visit in the fall, you will see colourful oaks, maples, and aspens covering the mountain.

    Osoite: 3463 Las Palomas Rd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA

    Avoinna: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 4 pm

    Puhelin: +1 575-434-7200

    Kartta
  • 2

    Ruidoso Downs Race Track

    Place a bet on a horse and play casino games

    Ruidoso Downs Race Track
    • Pariskunnat

    Ruidoso Downs Race Track presents thoroughbred and quarter horse races Fridays through Mondays all summer long. You can find the track on US Highway 70 between Alamogordo and Roswell. If you’d like to make a bet, you can easily place a wager at one of the track’s betting windows. The Billy the Kid Casino features gaming, live entertainment, and simulcast racing from tracks around the country. When you are ready for a bite to eat, Billy's Sports Bar and Grill has a wide variety of menu options available.

    Osoite: 26225 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, USA

    Puhelin: +1 575-378-4431


  • 3

    Grindstone Lake

    Explore a local lake and enjoy fishing, water sports, and hiking

    Grindstone Lake
    • Halpa
    • Pariskunnat
    • Perheet
    • Valokuvaus

    Grindstone Lake is a great place to spend a day in nature fishing, kayaking, or hiking. The spot is a favourite amongst local anglers, as the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and other fish. If you are looking to explore, there are 18 miles of trails to choose from for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Keep your eyes open, as you are likely to spot local wildlife like black bears, mule deer, elk, blue herons, ospreys, and bald eagles. The spot also offers a wooded disc golf course, camping, and a water park to enjoy in the summer months. The lake is located in southwestern Ruidoso at the end of Wiggins Way.

    Osoite: 111 Wiggins Way, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA

    Puhelin: +1 575-973-2988

    Kartta
  • 4

    Pillow's Funtrackers

    Race go-karts and play mini-golf

    Pillow's Funtrackers
    • Perheet

    Pillow's Funtrackers is filled with fun activities for the whole family, including go-karts, 18-hole mini-golf, mazes, and arcade games. You can find it in southern Ruidoso at the crossroads of Sudderth Drive and Carrizo Canyon Road. There are several go-kart tracks to choose from, including the Turtle Track for young children, the Fun Track for families, and the Pro Track for ages 16 and over. You can also drive bumper boats and pan for gemstones in the spring and summer months. Most attractions are outdoors, so be sure to check the weather forecast.

    Osoite: 101 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA

    Avoinna: Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed Monday–Friday)

    Puhelin: +1 575-257-3275

    Kartta
  • 5

    Ruidoso Winter Park

    Enjoy snow tubing, zip-lining, and relaxing in a private heated igloo

    Ruidoso Winter Park
    • Seikkailu
    • Pariskunnat
    • Perheet

    Ruidoso Winter Park offers thrilling snow tubing, zip-lining, and heated igloos for rent. The park is located off of Ski Run Road just west of Route 48. You are sure to be impressed with the exciting twists, turns, bumps, jumps, and bobsleigh curves that are offered. Treat yourself to the VIP igloo package, and you will get handmade pizza and drinks, unlimited access to snow tubing and zip-lining, and a private 12-by-12-foot heated igloo to warm up and relax in.

    Osoite: 121 Ski Run Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA

    Puhelin: +1 575-336-7079

    Kartta
  • 6

    Shopping along Sudderth Drive

    Take a stroll and shop for hand-made souvenirs and speciality items

    Shopping along Sudderth Drive
    • Shoppailu

    Shopping along Sudderth Drive will provide you with an opportunity to find fun souvenirs, eclectic boutiques, and gourmet eateries. Sudderth Drive is located in south Ruidoso, and most shopping is found between Fifth Street and Pine Road. You can find numerous shops selling locally-crafted furniture, jewellery, and pottery. If your plans include sports, the area has many retailers offering winter sports and biking equipment. When you are ready to stop for a bite to eat, you are sure to find something to please your palate with cuisines including Mexican, bakeries, pizza, and much more.

    Osoite: Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345

  • 7

    Noisy Water Winery

    Sample local wines and handmade cheeses

    Noisy Water Winery
    • Pariskunnat
    • Ruoka
    • Shoppailu

    Noisy Water Winery offers a fun, laid-back environment to shop and sample local wines and cheeses. You will find the winery located on Sudderth Drive just east of Eagle Drive. International award-winning New Mexico wines and gourmet cheeses are available for tasting at any time. The impressive selection includes traditional pinot grigios and cabernets, their Jo Mamma’s line that features sweet reds and whites, and the unique chile-infused options that are a local favourite. You can try handmade New Mexico cheeses alongside the delicious wines, with best-sellers including green chile jack with roasted garlic, mango habanero gouda, and the world’s hottest cheese, ghost chile jack. You can also find great souvenirs to take home.

    Osoite: 2342 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA

    Avoinna: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 5.30 pm

    Puhelin: +1 575-257-9335

    Kartta
  • 8

    Casino Apache

    Try your luck at casino games

    Casino Apache
    • Pariskunnat

    Casino Apache is a great place to play your favourite casino games. You will find the casino on the eastern edge of the Mescalero Apache Reservation south of Ruidoso on Highway 70. Gaming options include roulette, 3-card poker, slots, video poker, and blackjack. The casino also offers a convenience store, a car wash, and a full-service service station. If you’re interested in extending your gaming experience, you can book a room at the award-winning Inn of the Mountain Gods just west of the casino.

    Osoite: 25845 US-70, Mescalero, NM 88340, USA

    Avoinna: 24/7

    Puhelin: +1 575-464-7059

    Kartta
  • 9

    Billy the Kid Casino

    Play slots, watch live music and grab a bite to eat

    Billy the Kid Casino
    • Yöelämä

    Billy the Kid Casino is a small casino offering more than 300 slot machines such as Shufflemaster, Konami, and Bally. You can find the casino located on US-70 next to Ruidoso Downs Race Track. On weekends, you can stop by to enjoy a wide variety of live music. If you are looking for a bite to eat, Billy’s Sportsbar and Grill offers a small menu with simple bar food. The casino offers a military discount and specials including double points and Thursday Throwdown.

    Osoite: 26225 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, USA

    Avoinna: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to midnight

    Puhelin: +1 575-378-4431

    Kartta
  • 10

    Spencer Theatre for the Performing Arts

    Catch a show at an elegant theatre framed by stunning mountain ranges

    Spencer Theatre for the Performing Arts
    • Pariskunnat
    • Valokuvaus

    Spencer Theatre for the Performing Arts features top-rated theatre, music, and dance performances set against a backdrop of the magnificent Sacramento and Capitan mountains. You will find the theatre 12 miles north of city centre Ruidoso. With a mission to highlight New Mexico’s rich culture, it is a popular stop for residents and visitors alike. You are sure to be impressed with the intimate venue’s elegant architecture, powerful acoustics, and beautiful artistry. The theatre offers both indoor and outdoor stages, 2 fully stocked bars, and an open-air courtyard.

    Osoite: 108 Spencer Rd, Alto, NM 88312, USA

    Avoinna: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed Saturday–Sunday)

    Puhelin: +1 575-336-4800

    Kartta