Located three hours south of Albuquerque, Ruidoso is an alluring mountain resort situated nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. The village-turned-city got its name from the Rio Ruidoso—Spanish for “Noisy River”— a small stream that still weaves through the city. With a population approaching 10,000, this thriving community is experiencing explosive growth. Massive investment is being poured into major projects that include large housing subdivisions, condos, and retail establishments, altering the face of the once “sleepy mountain community.” Nonetheless, tourism is booming with visitors in full force from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Ruidoso lies in the rugged Sierra Blanca mountain range of south central New Mexico, where it merges with the Sacramento Mountains to the south. Its rapid growth can be attributed to the region’s alpine scenery, Ruidoso Downs racetrack, and the slopes of Ski Apache, the Mescalero Apache Indian owned ski resort on the 12,000 foot Sierra Blanca. The tribe also operates the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort in the area, which includes a casino, hotel, and golf course.

Ruidoso also boasts a world-class performing arts center, the Spencer Theater, a museum (affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC), and outdoor activities for everyone, such as skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing. A number of special events round out the offerings: Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium, the nation’s premier cowboy gathering held every October. This event has been named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association. In September, over 35,000 motorcycle enthusiasts roll into town for the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally. Other annual events like the Mountain of Blues Festival, Smokey Bear Stampede, Mescalero Tribal Dances & Rodeo, Ruidoso Art Festival, Aspenfest, Oktoberfest and Festival of Lights offer visitors the chance to experience the history and magic of Lincoln County.

Restuarants

Bonito Falls Café Three dining areas, a covered deck, an island dining area with umbrella tables and the high rise deck overlooking the waterfalls and the Country Store. Beer and wine available.
777 Bonito Lake Road Ruidoso, NM 88345
505-336-2928
Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm, closed on Monday Reservations recommended for 4 or more.

Places to Stay

Evergreen Manor
Nestled in the woods atop Nogal Canyon, this nostalgic haven is filled with turn of the century traditions.
389 State Hwy 37 Nogal, NM
(575) 336-1231 www.evergreenruidoso.com

www.innofthemountaingods.com – Nestled among tall pine trees under the majestic Sierra Blanca Peak is the impressive Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort Championship Golf Course. Southern New Mexico’s newest Resort and Casino is a magnificent new hotel with 273 luxury rooms.

There are a number of places to choose from in Ruidoso from B&Bs to luxury resorts. For more information visit www.ruidoso.net/visitors/lodging.html

Resources

www.ruidosonow.com – Official Website of the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Discover all Ruidoso has to offer!

www.skiapache.com – This is the comprehensive guide to Ski Apache ski resort, New Mexico’s premier ski and snowboard area.

www.ruidownsracing.com – Fast horses and hot slots are the name of the game at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino. The first race at Ruidoso Downs Race Track was run in 1947, then in 1999, a new era of racing in New Mexico began with the legalization of slot machine casinos at race tracks. The Billy the Kid Casino opened in May of 1999 and houses over 300 slot machines. The casino is open daily and, in 2006, paid out over $100 million in winnings. Racing in the mountains takes place annually from Memorial Day to Labor Day, culminating with the $2 million All American Futurity.