Ruidoso, NM

Travel Guide

Ruidoso
Ruidoso
Photo by Jace Craft
Photo by Jace Craft
Photo by Erick Huling
Walk in the footsteps of Billy the Kid while discovering the natural beauty of one of New Mexico’s most popular resort towns.

Stroll along the streets where Billy the Kid walked, enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and discover frontier history in the scenic town of Ruidoso. Surrounded by the snow-peaked Sierra Blanca mountains, Lincoln County and the Lincoln National Forest, Ruidoso is southeastern New Mexico’s primary resort town.

Experience pioneer history at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, and then head to the Flying J Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show. Take the kids on a pony ride, have cowboy coffee, shoot on a pistol range and enjoy a traditional cowboy dinner. Sit inside a tepee, see Native American artifacts and learn about Native American culture. 

Outdoor adventurers will enjoy the fresh mountain air of Fort Stanton, Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and the Lincoln National Forest. Camp, hike or feel the thrill of high-altitude bicycling. In the winter months, Ski Apache, with its smooth runs, tubes, jumps and rails offers ski slopes with something for every skier and boarder. Nearby Ruidoso Winter Park even has bobsled curves.

Ruidoso offers an array of entertainment and activities. Mine for gemstones and discover fossils and geodes at Fox Cave with its 300-million-year-old sedimentary rock. See a touring Broadway show at the Spencer Theater or live music at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, a Las Vegas-style casino. Listen to country and western music in a local bar. See artwork by renowned artists, N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, at the Hurd La Rinconada Gallery. Browse the folk art and admire the 100-year-old adobe building at the Hondo Iris Farm. If you are a horse racing enthusiast, time your visit for the annual All American Futurity, a quarter horse race at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

Situated in New Mexico, Ruidoso is accessible by car, bus or plane. It is a three-hour drive from Albuquerque. For an authentic Western experience, time your visit with one of these festivals: Ruidoso Art Festival, Festival of Lights, Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally, the Mountain of Blues Festival or the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium.

Where to stay in Ruidoso

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Hollywood

While Hollywood isn't home to many top sights, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Pillow's Funtrackers are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hollywood
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Ponderosa Heights

Ponderosa Heights might not have many top sights, but The Links at Sierra Blanca and Grindstone Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ponderosa Heights
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Alpine Cellars Village

While Alpine Cellars Village might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ruidoso Winter Park and The Links at Sierra Blanca.

Alpine Cellars Village
Ruidoso Mountain Inn

Ruidoso Mountain Inn

2.5 out of 5
25971 US Highway 70, Ruidoso, NM
The price is ¥12,705 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥12,705
¥15,127 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Quick and easy check-in with friendly staff. Plenty of parking space, and the rooms and all the equipment actually worked, unlike other hotels in the area. Both the pool and hot tub were also operational and clean."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Ruidoso Mountain Inn
MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

3 out of 5
107 Sierra Blanca Dr, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Incredible complimentary breakfast"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
Hotel Ruidoso - Midtown

Hotel Ruidoso - Midtown

2.5 out of 5
110 Chase St., Ruidoso, NM
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Clean room"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Hotel Ruidoso - Midtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

3 out of 5
215 Main Road, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (363 reviews)
"Highly recommend to stay in this cabin! Great and convenient location, clean space, very cozy and welcoming. Enjoyed our stay here and will come back to stay here everytime we go to Ruidoso."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
High Sierra Condominium

High Sierra Condominium

3 out of 5
504 Excalibur Rd, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casino Apache Travel Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (160 reviews)
"I m sad , because The pool and Jacuzzi is Close early ( 6:30 PM Close ) OMG 😢😢"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025

High Sierra Condominium
Casey's Cabins

Casey's Cabins

3 out of 5
2640 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Wingfield Park and Cree Medows Public Golf Course are ...
7.8/10 Good! (64 reviews)
"Everything was perfect"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Casey's Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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