10 Best Things to Do in Ruidoso

Lincoln National Forest offers 2 wilderness areas with an abundance of activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, skiing, and snowboarding. The 1.1 million-acre forest is located on the New Mexico and Texas border. As you travel through the forest, you will pass semi-desert plants, evergreen trees, and high-elevation grasses. The weather varies greatly as you change elevation. While you may start in high summer desert temperatures, you may need a jacket as you approach the high country. The high elevation combined with plentiful moisture makes for a stunning display of wildflowers. If you are lucky enough to visit in the fall, you will see colorful oaks, maples, and aspens covering the mountain.

Ruidoso Downs Race Track presents thoroughbred and quarter horse races Fridays through Mondays all summer long. You can find the track on U.S. Highway 70 between Alamogordo and Roswell. If you’d like to make a bet, you can easily place a wager at one of the track’s betting windows. The Billy the Kid Casino features gaming, live entertainment, and simulcast racing from tracks around the country. When you are ready for a bite to eat, Billy's Sports Bar and Grill has a wide variety of menu options available.

Grindstone Lake is a great place to spend a day in nature fishing, kayaking, or hiking. The spot is a favorite among local anglers, as the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and other fish. If you are looking to explore, there are 18 miles of trails to choose from for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Keep your eyes open, as you are likely to spot local wildlife like black bears, mule deer, elk, blue herons, ospreys, and bald eagles. The spot also offers a wooded disc golf course, camping, and a water park to enjoy in the summer months. The lake is located in southwestern Ruidoso at the end of Wiggins Way.

Pillow's Funtrackers is filled with fun activities for the whole family, including go-karts, 18-hole mini-golf, mazes, and arcade games. You can find it in southern Ruidoso at the intersection of Sudderth Drive and Carrizo Canyon Road. There are several go-kart tracks to choose from, including the Turtle Track for young children, the Fun Track for families, and the Pro Track for ages 16 and over. You can also drive bumper boats and pan for gemstones in the spring and summer months. Most attractions are outdoors, so be sure to check the weather forecast.

Ruidoso Winter Park offers thrilling snow tubing, zip-lining, and heated igloos for rent. The park is located off of Ski Run Road just west of Route 48. You are sure to be impressed with the exciting twists, turns, bumps, jumps, and bobsled curves that are offered. Treat yourself to the VIP igloo package, and you will get handmade pizza and beverages, unlimited access to snow tubing and zip-lining, and a private 12-by-12-foot heated igloo to warm up and relax in.

Shopping along Sudderth Drive will provide you with an opportunity to find fun souvenirs, eclectic boutiques, and gourmet eateries. Sudderth Drive is located in south Ruidoso, and most shopping is found between Fifth Street and Pine Road. You can find numerous shops selling locally-crafted furniture, jewelry, and pottery. If your plans include sports, the area has many retailers offering winter sports and biking equipment. When you are ready to stop for a bite to eat, you are sure to find something to please your palate with cuisines including Mexican, bakeries, pizza, and much more.

Noisy Water Winery offers a fun, laid-back environment to shop and sample local wines and cheeses. You will find the winery located on Sudderth Drive just east of Eagle Drive. International award-winning New Mexico wines and gourmet cheeses are available for tasting at any time. The impressive selection includes traditional pinot grigios and cabernets, their Jo Mamma’s line that features sweet reds and whites, and the unique chile-infused options that are a local favorite. You can try handmade New Mexico cheeses alongside the delicious wines, with best-sellers including green chile jack with roasted garlic, mango habanero gouda, and the world’s hottest cheese, ghost chile jack. You can also find great souvenirs to take home.

Casino Apache is a great place to play your favorite casino games. You will find the casino on the eastern edge of the Mescalero Apache Reservation south of Ruidoso on Highway 70. Gaming options include roulette, 3-card poker, slots, video poker, and blackjack. The casino also offers a convenience store, a car wash, and a full-service truck stop. If you’re interested in extending your gaming experience, you can book a room at the award-winning Inn of the Mountain Gods just west of the casino.

Billy the Kid Casino is a small casino offering more than 300 slot machines such as Shufflemaster, Konami, and Bally. You can find the casino located on US-70 next to Ruidoso Downs Race Track. On weekends, you can stop by to enjoy a wide variety of live music. If you are looking for a bite to eat, Billy’s Sportsbar and Grill offers a small menu with simple bar food. The casino offers a military discount and specials including double points and Thursday Throwdown.

Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts features top-rated theater, music, and dance performances set against a backdrop of the magnificent Sacramento and Capitan mountains. You will find the theater 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso. With a mission to highlight New Mexico’s rich culture, it is a popular stop for residents and visitors alike. You are sure to be impressed with the intimate venue’s elegant architecture, powerful acoustics, and beautiful artistry. The theater offers both indoor and outdoor stages, 2 fully stocked bars, and an open-air courtyard.