The small village of Ruidoso, located in the southeast region of the state, lies nestled amongst the Sierra Blanca range of the Rocky Mountains. Ruidoso is a great tourist destination, which draws thousands of people each year to Ski Apache, the southernmost ski resort in the U.S. Nature lovers will find plenty of hiking, biking, and fishing in the mountains, and history buffs will delight in the local museums, such as the Hubbard Museum of the American West.
Fort Stanton
In 1855, Fort Stanton was built as a military garrison, and served as such for over 40 years. Later, it became a hospital for tuberculosis patients, a CCC camp during the Great Depression, and a German Internment Camp during the war. The unique and storied history of Fort Stanton has been carefully preserved and displayed at the Fort Stanton Museum, which visitors can explore and tour to learn some of the stories and history behind the fort and the people who lived and worked there over the decades. Admission is free, though donations are always accepted.
104 Kit Carson Rd Fort Stanton, NM 88323
Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area
This National Conservation Area was created in 2009, but the protection of the land is the only thing that’s recent about the ancient cave system found here beneath the Sierra Blancas. Fort Stanton Cave contains over 31 miles of caverns and is one of the longest caves in New Mexico and the United States. Many of the caves are currently closed to recreational caving to protect the many species of bats which live in them, but visitors can explore some of the cave formations and also go hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or camping in the aboveground natural areas, which are full of trails, mountains, and gorgeous scenery.
Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, Fort Stanton, NM 88323, Phone: 575-627-0272
Grindstone Lake
Grindstone Lake is a scenic lake up in the mountains. Visitors can make use of over 18 miles of trails by foot, bike, or horse, and the lake is great for swimming, kayaking or canoeing, boating, and fishing, with an abundant population of rainbow trout, catfish, and smallmouth bass. There is even a 27 hole disc golf course at Grindstone Lake, where friends and families can navigate the heavily wooded course for a fun game. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and also in the water of the lake, and Grindstone Lake also has plenty of parking as well as public bathrooms available for visitors.
Monjeau Lookout
In 1936, Monjeau Lookout was built in Lincoln National Forest as a lookout tower for forest fires. Today, this tower is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for visitors during the summer months due to some steep and seasonal roads.
Adventure Mountain
Whether you’re bonding with family, celebrating a birthday with friends, or going on a date, thrilling activities await you at Adventure Mountain. This popular entertainment spot offers several entertaining indoor and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages to safely enjoy.
Ruidoso Winter Park
Every year during the snowy months, Ruidoso Winter Park provides a fun and exciting place for visitors to spend a day and play in a winter wonderland. Up to six guests can zip down snowy, wooded trails and hills in a giant inflatable tube, or a linked train of tubes that can get as long as your imagination and determination allows it. There’s also a great zip line experience so guests can see the slopes from a different perspective, and a Kidz Korral with gentle slopes for little ones and beginners. Groups of up to six can rent a VIP igloo for the day, which provides a warm respite from the chilly outdoors, with seating, pizza, hot cocoa, and even marshmallows for roasting.
121 Ski Run Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345, Phone: 575-336-7079
Ski Apache
When people visitors head to Ruidoso, Ski Apache is probably one of the first items on their list of things to do, depending on the season. This huge resort is the southernmost ski area in the United States, and it’s a great place to get some warm weather skiing in. With over 55 runs and trails over 750 skiable acres of land, 11 lifts, and slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers, and also experts, Ski Apache has something for everyone. During the summer, visitors can still get in on the fun by taking a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, or taking a zip line tour on the way down, starting at over 11,000 feet. There are also some amazing trails for hiking and mountain biking.
1286 Ski Run Rd, Alto, NM 88312
Have lunch at The Village Buttery
The Village Buttery is a classic Ruidoso spot to enjoy a meal.
Grindstone Stables
It’s one thing to see a place from the window of a car, or on foot while hiking, but it is another entirely to see a new area from the back of a horse. At Grindstone Stables, visitors can hop on the back of one of these beautiful animals for a guided trail ride past the scenic lake and up to the top of nearby Townsend Ridge.
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is a beautiful place to stay on any vacation, but guests and daily visitors alike will love the many amenities on this gorgeous mountain resort.
Enjoy wine tasting at the Noisy Water Winery
At Noisy Water Winery, visitors can try some of their amazing product, like Besito Caliente or Rojo Caliente, two best sellers that are infused with New Mexico chile peppers, or Jo Mamma’s Red, a sweet red that is a little too easy to drink.
Have fun with kids at Pillow's Funtrackers
Whether traveling with family, friends, or even coworkers, Pillow's Funtrackers is a great attraction for all ages to bring out the kid inside everyone.
The Links at Sierra Blanca
Designed by the Senior Tour star Jim Colbert, The Links at Sierra Blanca offers a must-play course that every golfer will love.
Relax at the Blue Lotus Day Spa and Yoga in Ruidoso
A luxurious afternoon of wellness and relaxation awaits at Blue Lotus Day Spa and Yoga in Ruidoso.
Casino Apache Travel Center
Located right outside of Ruidoso, the Casino Apache Travel Center offers locals and travelers a place to stop and enjoy. Their non-smoking casino has all the classic games visitors would expect to play such as slot machines, roulette, blackjack, three-card poker, and many more.
