Ruidoso Travel Guide

Tourist 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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Ponderosa Heights

While Ponderosa Heights isn't home to many top sights, The Links at Sierra Blanca and Grindstone Lake are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ponderosa Heights
Ruidoso Mountain Inn
Ruidoso Mountain Inn
2.5 out of 5
25971 US Highway 70, Ruidoso, NM
The price is £79 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£79
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, a golf course and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Your property is very nice. We enjoyed sitting out on the patio watching all the activities going on"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
Budget Lodge Ruidoso
Budget Lodge Ruidoso
2 out of 5
601 Sudderth, Ruidoso, NM
The price is £46 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£46
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (758 reviews)
"I would just like to say, there was an issue but the staff immediately reached out to resolve it. They were very friendly and understanding"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Budget Lodge Ruidoso
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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casino Apache Travel Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (146 reviews)
"Lovely condo beautiful views"

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

High Sierra Condominium
Crown Point Resort
Crown Point Resort
3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and tennis courts. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (323 reviews)
"Very clean, nice place for families. Pool, tennis court, basketball court, etc to keep kiddos entertained right on site. Staff was friendly and helpful. Hope to visit again sometime."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Crown Point Resort
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (356 reviews)
Great place
"This was the last night of a nine day trip , we were exhausted and it was exactly what we needed to rest for the last leg home ! Very clean, quiet and will return!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Upper Canyon Inn & 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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