Summer Fun
There are plenty of fun summer activities in Ruidoso! From the family center Funtrackers that has go carts and more to the many fishing locations throughout and around Ruidoso; there is something for everyone!
Big Game Hunts
Deep in the heart of New Mexico’s ancient peaks of the Southern Rocky Mountains breathes a timeless land filled with the richness of nature’s most beautiful creations. This is the Mescalero Apache Reservation, home of Mescalero Big Game Hunts. Within the confines of this sub-alpine and valley terrain, hunters experience the pride of hunting some […]
Fort Stanton Equestrian Trail Head
The 25,000 acre BLM-managed Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area is completely open to all visitor use. Precautionary fire restrictions are in effect for all BLM managed locations in New Mexico beginning June 15, 2012. The 93 miles of sustainable trails are for hiking, horseback riding and mountain bike riding. There are also 22 […]
Geocaching
A real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. Go to www.geocaching.com for more information about geocaching and sites in Lincoln County.
Off-Roading
Lincoln County has a few designated roads and trails for ATVs and OHVs. The Forest Service roads are the only places in Lincoln County where ATVs and OHVs are permitted. Permits for vehicles can be purchased online at the NM State Wildlife site. Call the Roswell Game and Fish Office.
Pinnacle Trail Systems
Mountain bike instruction and guiding services in Ruidoso. By appointment only.
Ski Apache Ski Area
Ski Apache offers some of the best warm-weather skiing anywhere. Located on the north ridge of the 12,002′ Sierra Blanca Peak, the 360 view of our mountain is sure to take your breath away. With an annual snowfall of 180 inches, Ski Apache offers 55 runs and trails and 11 lifts–including New Mexico’s only passenger […]
Camping
Argentina/Bonito Trailhead Campground
The Argentina/ Bonito Trailhead campground is open all year. This particular campground location features tent and RV campsites that contain vault toilets. Additionally, this campground is a prime location for horseback riding. However, this campground does not have available drinking water. Directions To get to the Argentina/Bonita Trailhead campground take Highway 48 to Highway […]
Cedar Creek Recreation Area
The Cedar Creek Recreation Area is a seasonal option that is open from spring through the fall. This location has areas to accommodate both day-use picnic areas as well as three group camping areas. There are both hiking and fitness trails within this campground as well. For more information, click here. Directions The Cedar Creek […]
Fishing
Alto Lake
Alto Lake presents a spectacular scenic view. The lake is stocked with catfish throughout the year. Fishing is permitted from dawn to dusk year-round. A New Mexico fishing license is a requirement for those 12 years of age and older. In addition, Alto Lake is one of two fishing locations in and around Ruidoso which […]
Bonito Creek
Bonito Creek runs from the Bonito Lake Dam to Fort Stanton and Hondo. Fishing includes Rainbow and Brook Trout in the upper part of Bonito Creek. Please practice catch and release in this creek.
Bonito Lake
Bonito Lake is an alpine reservoir located high in the Sierra Blanca mountains northwest of Ruidoso, New Mexico. It is a popular fishing and camping destination, and although it is surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, it is not a part of the national forest. It is currently owned by the city of Alamogordo, New […]
Carrizo Creek
Carrizo Creek runs from Mescalero Lake Dam to Rio Ruidoso near the Chamber of Commerce. Fishing includes native brown trout. Please practice catch and release in this creek.
Eagle Creek
Eagle creek runs between Eagle Lake and past Alto Reservoir. Fishing includes some Brook and Rainbow trout.
Eagle Lakes
The Eagle Lakes are located on the Mescalero reservation. They can be accessed from Highway 532, which is also referred to as Ski Run Road. The two lakes are stocked and open from late May through mid-September. Daily permits are a requirement in order to fish. The permits are available for purchase at the entrance. […]
Grindstone Reservoir
Grindstone Reservoir is one of two lakes in the area that allow non-motorized boats for fishing. Fishing includes rainbow trout and occasionally catfish and smallmouth bass.
Mescalero Lake
The Mescalero Lake is located on the Mescalero reservation at the Inn of the Mountain God’s Resort. The lake is stocked with fish and open daily. In order to fish or boat on this lake, it is a requirement that you purchase a daily fishing permit at the hotel’s front desk. They allow you to […]
Ruidoso River
The Ruidoso River runs from the Sacramento Mountains through Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs into the Hondo River. The river is stocked year-round with Rainbow trout, and Brown trout can also be found here as well. In addition, there is a daily limit of three fish per license. A New Mexico fishing license is a requirement […]
Seeping Springs Trout Lake
Seeping Springs Trout Lake is a private lake four miles east of the Ruidoso Down racetrack. This location is stocked with trout. Especially relevant is this location is geared towards beginning anglers and young children. A fishing license is not a requirement. However, there is a price-per-inch fishing fee. The fee includes all necessary bait, […]
Seeping Springs Trout Lake & RV Park
https://seepingspringsfishing.com/This area is beautifully shaded by large fruit trees, poplars, and cottonwoods. Several of the sites back the duck pond making them very appealing to kids. There are public rest rooms and showers in the office that are open during office hours. There is also plenty to do in the park, in town, and in […]
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is located on the Mescalero reservation off of Highway 244. The lake is stocked with trout. This fishing location is open from May through September. A permit is a requirement. You can purchase a permit at the Silver Lake office.
Golf
Inn of the Mountain Gods Golf Course
18-hole golf course and Apache Tee Restaurant at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Experience New Mexico golf at its finest on one of the most spectacular golf courses in the country. Nestled among tall pine trees under the majestic Sierra Blanca Peak is the impressive Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort Championship Golf Course. Designed […]
The Links at Sierra Blanca
At the southernmost tip of the Rockies lies the Sacramento Mountains and the vacation paradise of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Here you will find the home of The Links at Sierra Blanca Golf Course. The Links, with rolling hills and Scottish style golf on the font nine to paths carving through the pines on the back […]
Hiking
Cedar Creek Recreation Area
The Cedar Creek Recreation Area is a seasonal option that is open from spring through the fall. This location has areas to accommodate both day-use picnic areas as well as three group camping areas. There are both hiking and fitness trails within this campground as well. For more information, click here. Directions The Cedar Creek […]
Fort Stanton Equestrian Trail Head
The 25,000 acre BLM-managed Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area is completely open to all visitor use. Precautionary fire restrictions are in effect for all BLM managed locations in New Mexico beginning June 15, 2012. The 93 miles of sustainable trails are for hiking, horseback riding and mountain bike riding. There are also 22 […]
Grindstone Lake Trails
Located within Ruidoso, NM at and around Grindstone Lake are approximately 14 miles of custom built mountain biking trails for which hiking and horseback riding are also permitted. This trail system is generally rated excellent by all users for scenery and interest. Forested in parts with lovely open meadows and views of Sierra Blanca abound […]
Pinnacle Trail Systems
Mountain bike instruction and guiding services in Ruidoso. By appointment only.
Smokey Bear Ranger District Trails
They offer trails ranging in use from hiking, pack/saddle, mountain biking, motorcycle riding and ATV riding (less than 50″ in width). Most side-by-sides are greater than 50″ in width and exceed a weight limit, these can be enjoyed on their dirt roads. Most of the trails within this district reside within the White Mountain and […]
Horseback Riding Stables
Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables
Take in the beautiful scenery during an unforgettable horseback ride. Riding stables are open weather permitting and not during scheduled Big Game Hunting. Riders must be at least 8 years of age. Reservations required. For more information or to book reservations, call Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables at 575-464-7424 or the Hunt Lodge at 575-464-7448.
