Overview
Ruidoso is a town in southeastern New Mexico. Its attractions include pleasant mountain recreation and world-caliber horse racing. During the summer population triples as New Mexicans and Texans arrive to enjoy the horse races, gambling, and cool mountain air.
3 sights · 6 things to do · 1 places to eat · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ruidoso
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy the Kid Casino
In the adjacent village of Ruidoso Downs. Horse racing from Memorial Day to September, culminating in the major All American Futurity, a $2-million event on Labor Day that bills itself as the richest quarter-horse race i…
Hubbard Museum of the American West
Temporarily closed as of 14 May 2022. Includes the Ruidoso Downs Racing Hall of Fame.
Spencer Theater
Performing arts center featuring traveling musicians, plays, ballets, concerts and musicals.
Ruidoso Disc Golf
9 hole disc golf, a great and low cost way to enjoy the outdoors with your family. If you don't own any discs, see the above link to pick some up in town.
Ruidoso Winter Park - Tubing
Magic carpet lifts, be whisked to the top of the hill on a moving conveyor! An area for smaller kids available.
Lincoln National Forest
The White Mountain Wilderness is right next to Ruidoso and contains opportunities for all outdoor activities. However, due to severe fire danger there are often restrictions or closures during the summer, the current res…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Oct. Summer highs reach about 97°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby White Sands National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ROW Roswell Air Center Airport, Roswell — 66 mi away. Directions
- LRU Las Cruces International Airport, Las Cruces — 102 mi away. Directions
- ELP El Paso International Airport, El Paso — 113 mi away (major hub). Directions
Ruidoso is on US 70 between Alamogordo and Roswell; the latter has daily air service to Dallas/Fort Worth and four weekly flights to Los Angeles via American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines. The nearest airports with major commercial air service are in Albuquerque and El Paso, each about 150 miles away.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $79–$209 a night (typical $119), from 7 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $12 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$340.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy the Kid Casino, Spencer Theater, Ruidoso Winter Park - Tubing
- Lunch Cafe Rio Pizza
- Afternoon Zip Line at Two World Class Options, Ski Apache
Day 2
- Morning Perk Canyon, Hubbard Museum of the American West
- Afternoon Ruidoso Disc Golf, Lincoln National Forest
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Ruidoso is on US 70 between Alamogordo and Roswell; the latter has daily air service to Dallas/Fort Worth and four weekly flights to Los Angeles via American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines. The nearest airports with major commercial air service are in Albuquerque and El Paso, each about 150 miles away.
See
See Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy the Kid Casino
In the adjacent village of Ruidoso Downs. Horse racing from Memorial Day to September, culminating in the major All American Futurity, a $2-million event on Labor Day that bills itself as the richest quarter-horse race in the United States.
Do
Do Lincoln National Forest
The White Mountain Wilderness is right next to Ruidoso and contains opportunities for all outdoor activities. However, due to severe fire danger there are often restrictions or closures during the summer, the current restrictions should be checked before planning activities in the forest.
Do Zip Line at Two World Class Options (Apache Wind Rider ZipTour and Apache Eagle ZipRider)
In 2015, Ruidoso, NM became a destination for adventure seeking enthusiasts. Two zip lines are operated by the Mescalero Apache tribe. The Apache Wind Rider ZipTour is known as the fourth longest zipline in North America and tallest. The smaller Apache Eagle ZipRider is at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.
Do Ski Apache
Large ski resort about 30 minutes northwest of Ruidoso. The resort is operated by the Mescalero Apache Native Americans on their tribal lands. The resort includes 750 skiable acres at a peak elevation of 11,500 feet with 8 lifts (including 1 gondola, 3 quad chairs, and 4 triple chairs).
Eat
Eat Cafe Rio Pizza
Spot for East Coast-style pizza, served in a laid-back place decorated with flags & license plates.
Sleep
Stay The Sanctuary at Ruidoso
The Sanctuary at Ruidoso is the perfect place to get away from it all. This beautiful cabin is located in the upper canyon right on the Rio Ruidoso river. The inspired design and luxury accommodations ensure a truly unique vacation experience. The cabin is just a short drive from midtown, but it feels like a world away. The peaceful setting and stunning views make it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. The Sanctuary at Ruidoso is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Go next
- Alpine skiing is available at the nearby Ski Apache downhill area, on the Apache Reservation, +1 575 464-3600, . Drive west from Ruidoso on NM 532 to the site.
- Cloudcroft , south of town via NM 244, is another resort town in the Sacramento Mountains with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- The National Solar Observatory has a major facility at the mountain-top "town" (really just the observatory and related services) of Sunspot, south of Cloudcroft via NM 6563. Visitors are usually welcome during daylight hours; the facility shares a visitor center with adjacent Apache Point Observatory.
Nearby
My experience
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