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 Theatre 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 Rp1.238.310 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp1.238.310
Rp1.484.354 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Needs to change carpet to laminate wood for sanitation reason"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 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! (1,000 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay! The staff was polite and helpful and the breakfast was wonderful - eggs the way you want them, full breakfast buffet or both!!! We'll be back!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
Budget Lodge Ruidoso

Budget Lodge Ruidoso

2 out of 5
601 Sudderth, Ruidoso, NM
The price is Rp966.010 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
Rp966.010
Rp1.126.428 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (777 reviews)
"The room was nice and clean. The staff was friendly and breakfast area was nice. TV noise from a neighboring room was audible throughout the night. AC unit was hard to reach."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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! (150 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful location! Breathtaking views, away from town, secluded drive up the mountain. Very clean and easy to navigate through check in through check out. Partially furnished with kitchen/cooking supplies (pots and pans) but if planning to do a lot of it, I'd take your own supplies. Wonderful ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 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! (337 reviews)
"Nice and clean place to stay"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Crown Point Resort
Village Lodge Condos

Village Lodge Condos

3 out of 5
1000 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (313 reviews)
Good amenities
"Spacious bedroom set far enough away from the living room. Little kitchenette was very nice. Our bedroom had a separate bedroom vanity for me to put my make-up on so others could occupy the bathroom."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Village Lodge Condos
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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