Top Things to Do in Ruidoso, NM

The Evolve Team
The Evolve Team
October 20, 2020

Ruidoso is an all-season adventure town perfect for family vacations or late-night entertainment. Between Labor Day and Memorial Day, this southern area in the Rocky Mountains is an outdoor oasis. Travelers can soak up the southwestern sun with horseback riding and national park tours or, come winter, hit the town’s ski resorts. Indoor fun awaits too, with world-class casinos and Broadway shows, plus multiple museums preserving the area’s vibrant history. The wild and western village of Ruidoso is a year-round vacation destination for guests of all ages and interests to visit time and time again.

Once you’ve booked a vacation rental in Ruidoso (like one of our Ruidoso cabins), you’re halfway there. Next, it’s time to fill a checklist with must-see sites and must-do activities. Here are some of our local favorites.

Explore the Outdoors in the Lincoln National Forest

Image of Lincoln National Forest

Lincoln County is perfectly situated between the Sacramento and Sierra Blanca Mountains, making it every outdoor lover’s dream. The public lands which make up the national forest are rich in wildlife, mountain views, and hiking trails, so you can embark on an unforgettable adventure in any season. 

Spend a day — or a few — taking on the slopes at the southernmost major ski area in the nation. The peaks of the Ski Apache mountain resort reach over 12,000 feet, promising plenty of fresh powder days for experienced skiers and snowboarders. If you’re just learning, then you’re in luck, because the ski resort offers group and private lessons for future shredders of all ages.

Anglers won’t want to miss a pit-stop at Grindstone Lake, Alto Lake, or any of Ruidoso’s famed rainbow trout fishing spots. Kick back and cast your line while admiring an awe-inspiring mountain backdrop, or hop on a paddleboat and cruise across the water.

Step Back in Time to Relive Billy the Kid’s Legacy

Time stands still and the Wild West lives on at the Lincoln Historic Site. This well-preserved museum is made up of 16 adobe-style structures that, together, tell the vivid story of New Mexico’s most noted legend: Billy the Kid. A majority of these sites, as well as the nearby Fort Stanton, date back to the 1800s when cowboys roamed the land. The 19th-century landmarks invite your family to step into the shoes of the outlaws that once made the West so wild.

Follow in the legend of famed sheriffs and gunfighters when you stroll the streets of this historic monument. The Lincoln County War is well-remembered in the area, but no character is more commemorated than Billy the Kid. His legacy lives on throughout Ruidoso, with hot spots like the Billy the Kid Museum and the scenic Billy the Kid Trail paying tribute to his memory. 

Play Cowboy for the Day at Grindstone Stables

Man on horseback in a meadow with red rocks

Cowboy culture comes alive in the southwest, and Ruidoso puts you in the heart of it. Stop by the corral at Grindstone Stables, one of the oldest stables in the Ruidoso area, for horseback riding excursions. Ranging from one-hour guided tours to carriage rides through the canyon, Grindstone has itineraries to fit every age and skill level.

Exploring on horseback is a popular pastime in Ruidoso, and the town offers several horseback riding options so you can change up the scenery. Find some of Lincoln County’s best horse trails at Inn of the Mountain Gods, a multi-purpose resort with fun for the whole family, or stop by Bonita Stables for an intimate and authentic equestrian experience. 

Take a Day Trip to White Sands National Park

Image of White Sand Dunes National Park in New Mexico

Just one hour outside of Ruidoso’s city limits lies one of New Mexico’s most popular destinations: White Sands National Park. This sprawling natural wonderland features 275 square miles of white gypsum sand dunes that are sure to make your jaw drop. The pristine park offers more than just an out-of-this-world landscape, but also plenty of outdoor activity and educational opportunities in every season.

The desert phenomenon is a hot spot for family fun, with hiking, sand sledding, and scenic drives waiting around every turn. Any kiddos in your crew will love participating in Junior Ranger programs, while nature fanatics will be first in line for walks and talks with Park Rangers.

Experience Nightlife, Casinos, and Broadway-Caliber Shows

You’ll find entertainment at all hours of the day in the village of Ruidoso. If gambling is your game, the Billy the Kid Casino has got you covered with over 300 slots machines and high-stakes horse racing ready to take your bets at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track. A trip to Ruidoso isn’t complete without stopping by the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort, a gaming, golfing, and dining hub known for being one of New Mexico’s most thrilling casinos, settled on the Mescalero Apache reservation.

Broadway-caliber shows are a must-see at the Spencer Theater of Performing Arts, a state-of-the-art performance hall offering upscale entertainment on a scenic mesa overlook. Check the venue’s schedule to make sure you can catch one of their outstanding cultural performances, whether it be world-class theater and dance or a symphony with incredible acoustics. After the show, stop by Midtown Ruidoso to peruse local restaurants, live music, and buzzing brew pubs and wineries. Be sure to bring a piece of the Wild West home with you by popping into one of the many gift shops in town.

Get Your Ruidoso Visitors Guide

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, arts and culture, or family-friendly fun, Ruidoso provides the perfect destination for an action-packed vacation. For more information regarding attractions in the Ruidoso area and upcoming local events, download your free Ruidoso travel guide here: Get your free Ruidoso Visitors Guide

Rest Easy with an Evolve Vacation Rental

The moment you book your vacation, you should start looking forward to your trip — not worrying about the little details. When you choose Evolve for your Ruidoso vacation rental, you can feel confident that the home you book will live up to our standards.

Every Evolve vacation rental you book comes with a team of hospitality experts, and we’re here to help make your stay more comfortable 24/7. To help you feel even more confident, we created The Rest Easy Promise: if a stay doesn’t match our standards, we’ll make it right.

Find Ruidoso vacation rentals you can count on.

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