Ruidoso, NM

Travel Guide

A mountainous landscape with winding roads and dense forests.
A mountainous landscape with dense vegetation and yellow flowering trees.
A snow-covered mountainous landscape with a winding road and dense forests.
A calm lake surrounded by dense forests and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
A calm river with a forested hillside in the background.

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 Theater 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

Find the best Ruidoso areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ruidoso
Learn more about Ruidoso
A wooden cabin surrounded by tall pine trees with a car parked in front.
Photo by Erick Huling
Open Photo by Erick Huling

Downtown

When in Downtown, you can plan a visit to Grindstone Lake and Cree Medows Public Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A snowy landscape with trees and snow-covered mountains in the background.

Ponderosa Heights

Ponderosa Heights might not have many top sights, but The Links at Sierra Blanca and Grindstone Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A mountain landscape with a power line, yellow wildflowers, and a clear blue sky.

Hollywood

While Hollywood isn't home to many top sights, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Pillow's Funtrackers are some notable places to visit nearby.

A forest stream with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Alpine Cellars Village

While Alpine Cellars Village might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ruidoso Winter Park and The Links at Sierra Blanca.

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

3 out of 5
107 Sierra Blanca Dr Ruidoso NM
$158 nightly
The price is $179 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$179 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
Ruidoso Mountain Inn

Ruidoso Mountain Inn

2.5 out of 5
25971 US Highway 70 Ruidoso NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$66 nightly
The price is $75 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$75 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"I have stayed here many times! I've always enjoyed my stay! Everything has always been excellent! No negatives here!"

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2026

Ruidoso Mountain Inn
Crown Point Resort

Crown Point Resort

3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (548 reviews)
"Clean condo! Was way more spacious than the pictures lead on. View is amazing and great place to stay. Will most definitely be back!!"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Get rates
Crown Point Resort
See all 1,475 properties in 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.
Crown Point Resort

Crown Point Resort

3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (548 reviews)
"Clean condo! Was way more spacious than the pictures lead on. View is amazing and great place to stay. Will most definitely be back!!"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Crown Point Resort
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

3 out of 5
215 Main Road Ruidoso NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located nearby.
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Casey's Cabins

Casey's Cabins

3 out of 5
2640 Sudderth Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Wingfield Park and Cree Medows Public Golf Course are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (110 reviews)
"Amazing weekend in Ruidoso! Thank you!"

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2026

Casey's Cabins
See all properties in 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.

Stay near popular Ruidoso attractions

Grindstone Lake

9.0/10 (644 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Grindstone Lake and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Ruidoso. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its casinos.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Ruidoso worth visiting?
Ruidoso is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including Grindstone Lake and Ruidoso Winter Park, offering travelers diverse experiences. The area also provides a variety of food options, with both Latin American and North American cuisine available for local dining.
When is the best time to visit Ruidoso?
The best time to visit Ruidoso is from May through September, when the weather is generally most pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February offer cooler weather and a more relaxed experience.
What is Ruidoso known for?
Ruidoso is known for Grindstone Lake, a popular spot for outdoor activities, and Ruidoso Winter Park. Travelers can also enjoy golf at The Links at Sierra Blanca. The area also offers a Latin American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Ruidoso?
A good itinerary length for Ruidoso is two to three days to experience key attractions like Grindstone Lake, Ruidoso Winter Park, and The Links at Sierra Blanca. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can enjoy these natural and recreational areas more deeply, perhaps spending extra time outdoors or relaxing.
What are the top things to do in and around Ruidoso?
Ruidoso offers outdoor recreation, family fun, and scenic spots for all travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Ruidoso?
To plan your trip to Ruidoso, search Expedia for places to stay and book your flights and rental car in advance. Consider activities like Grindstone Lake, Ruidoso Winter Park, and The Links at Sierra Blanca. When making outdoor plans, always have indoor alternatives ready for potential weather changes.
What cuisines can you find in Ruidoso?
In Ruidoso, you can find Japanese cuisine, offering dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, and teriyaki. Travelers can also enjoy Latin American options such as Mexican food, North American fare, Italian dishes, and steakhouses. You'll also find local coffee shops and wine bars.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Ruidoso?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Ruidoso by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Ruidoso with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Ruidoso trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Ruidoso?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Ruidoso can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Ruidoso trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Ruidoso trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Ruidoso trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Ruidoso trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Ruidoso?
If it's your first trip to Ruidoso, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Ruidoso hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Ruidoso hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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A stone church with a red roof and a cross on top, surrounded by lush greenery and a forested hillside.

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A mountain range with dense forests at the base.

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A university campus with a prominent clock tower, surrounded by trees and buildings with red-tiled roofs.

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