Ruidoso, New Mexico is beautiful mountain village in Lincoln, County New Mexico. “Ruidoso” is the Spanish word for “noisy”, but with its laid back, relaxing atmosphere, Ruidoso is nothing like its name would imply. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and art galleries, and it’s not uncommon to see elk strolling through town. Ruidoso is the ideal destination for relaxing escape in an off-the-beaten-path destination in the mountains of New Mexico. Here are some of the best ways to spend your time in Ruidoso:
1. Take a hike
Set in the Sierra Blanca mountain range of south-central New Mexico and adjacent to the Lincoln National Forest, Ruidoso is a hikers’ paradise. The surrounding area is home to a multitude of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
2. Go to a spa
Did we mention that Ruidoso is relaxing? There’s no shortage of spas in town where you can unwind after a long day on the trails.
3. Go horseback riding
If hiking sounds like too much work, you also have the option to take in the stunning surroundings on horseback. There are stables in town that offer guided horseback rides through the forest overlooking Grindstone Lake.
4. Hit the slopes
If you decide to visit in winter, Ruidoso is located near the slopes of Ski Apache. With its stunning views and 55 runs, Ski Apache is a fantastic ski destination in New Mexico.
5. Learn about the local history
Ruidoso and Lincoln County are steeped in Western history and culture. In fact, Lincoln was once home to the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid. Some of the best places to immerse yourself in the local history are the Hubbard Museum of the American West, Mescalero Apache, and the Lincoln State Historic Site.
6. Check out the wildlife
Sometimes you can watch elk roam from the comfort of your cabin porch and sometimes you’ll spot wildlife during a hike through the mountains. Opportunities to spot wildlife around Ruidoso are endless. Black bears, elk, wild horses, and bald eagles are a few examples of some of the resident animals you might see.
If you’re looking for a laid back atmosphere and beautiful mountain vistas on your next getaway, look no further than Ruidoso, New Mexico.