Bonito Lake
Visitor Alert: Bonito Lake Reopened for Fishing on August 30, 2024
Bonito Lake, located just north of Ruidoso, reopens for fishing on August 30, 2024, after a decade of restoration following fire and flood damage. Enjoy a peaceful day of fishing in the scenic Sacramento Mountains. Only fishing is allowed for now to protect ongoing restoration efforts. Visit soon to experience the renewed beauty of Bonito Lake!
Bonito Lake, located just north of Ruidoso, reopened for fishing on August 30, 2024, after a decade of restoration following fire and flood damage. Enjoy a peaceful day of fishing in the scenic Sacramento Mountains. Only fishing is allowed for now to protect ongoing restoration efforts. Visit soon to experience the renewed beauty of Bonito Lake!
Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas located just minutes from downtown Ruidoso.
The Village of Ruidoso regrets to inform residents and visitors that Alto Lake is closed indefinitely due to extensive damages caused by the South Fork Fire. The wildfire, which recently swept through the area, has left significant impacts on the natural environment and infrastructure surrounding the lake, necessitating immediate and prolonged closure for safety and restoration efforts.
From pristine high-mountain lakes and streams to sparkling reservoirs and meandering rivers, discover the best places to cast a line in Ruidoso.
Climb Sierra Blanca, hike through alpine meadows, alongside the Rio Ruidoso, explore a forest on horseback? You decide! Thanks to over a million acres of National Forest and wilderness areas, virtually every corner of Ruidoso is waiting to be discovered. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are plentiful.
Each winter, the lakes in Lincoln County become home to about 20 bald eagles, who arrive in November from Canada, Wyoming and Colorado. - Ruidoso News
Discover Ruidoso's favorite lakes! Bring a picnic, cast for fish, paddle a boat, cycle, horseback ride, or explore on foot via multi-use trails at Grindstone Lake and Alto Lake recreation areas.