Content Produced in Partnership with Discover Ruidoso
It’s no secret the Southwestern United States is full of adventure, but it’s where you’ll find it in New Mexico that may surprise you. Located in the center of the state, Ruidoso is a charming town bordered by rugged Sierra Blanca on nearly all sides. Proud of its heritage and brimming with adventure, Ruidoso is the mountain escape you’ve been looking for.
Hit the Road, Jack
It’s hard not to embrace the pioneering spirit while you’re in Ruidoso. The area is surrounded by more than a million acres of wilderness, and every inch is begging to be explored. The bulk of the hiking trails can be found in the White Mountain Wilderness Area of Lincoln National Forest. Most of the trails are clearly marked, easy to spot, and have some of the best views of the peaks, rivers, and valleys that make this sliver of New Mexico so iconic.
The Real Wild West
They say Ruidoso is Billy the Kid country, and its true. A robust gold mining town turned ghost town, Ruidoso is full of pioneering history that all began on horseback. Appropriately, most of the trails in and around the Ruidoso wilderness are equipped for eager cowboys and girls willing to strut their stuff. Go for a gallop and imagine what life must've been like in a bygone era.
Go to Work on the
Green
There are two types of putting greens in Ruidoso. Aside from your typical 18-hole golf course, visitors are also encouraged to give disc golf, or Frisbee golf, a try. Grindstone Disc Golf Course is home to the state championship, and an impressive 27-hole course that features sweeping views of the nearby canyon and river below. Spend a few hours throwing frisbees before switching to your driver to smack some balls at one of the leading courses in America. You're guaranteed an afternoon that's a complete arm and agility workout.
Tour the Shopping District
Conveniently, the same folks who get your suited up a trail ride can also take you sauntering through town. Grindstone Stables’ carriage rides offer a unique perspective of the shopping district and the thriving arts scene downtown. Their pick-up location is pretty hard to miss — it’s the building with bubblegum pink trim!
Become a Speed Demon
In the winter, cowboys trade their chaps for a pair of snow pants. Whether you're controlling a bucking bronco or herding an inflatable tube down a hill, the ride will be just as wild. You can shred the slopes on skis and boards, but families will have a ball snow tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. Open from Thanksgiving through Easter, the runs are perfect for those with little legs and a big appetite for adventure. The Travel Channel’s Bert the Conqueror called it the “holy grail of snow tubing” and we think you’ll agree.