2025 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Ruidoso by AllTrails

Exploring the great outdoors in Ruidoso? AllTrails has compiled a list of the 10 best trails and routes in the region, just waiting for you to explore. Choose from an array of easy routes for day trips with the family, or check out some trails laden with historical sights. There are plenty of nature spots in and around Ruidoso to explore, with routes suitable for all skill levels.

Experience the Thrill of XTERRA Ruidoso: A Must-Visit Adventure Weekend

Experience the thrill of XTERRA Ruidoso, August 15–17, 2025, in New Mexico’s scenic Sierra Blanca Mountains. This action-packed weekend features elite off-road racing, live music, family fun, and mountain-town charm. Athletes and adventurers alike can enjoy races, festivals, and trails—plus a preview of the 2026 XTERRA World Championship host city.

Best Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Ruidoso

Planning your Memorial Day weekend in Ruidoso, NM? From live music and great food to exhilarating horse racing and rich historical sites, there’s something for everyone. Explore our top four picks to celebrate Memorial Day in style!

Ruidoso Downs Horse Racing: Experience the Thrill of the Track

Experience the thrill of Quarter Horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, home of the All American Futurity, the richest race in Quarter Horse history. Enjoy live racing every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day or visit The Racebook for year-round simulcast betting, great food, and drinks. Plan your visit now at RaceRuidoso.com!

Discover the Best Summer Activities at Lincoln National Forest in Ruidoso

Explore summer adventures at Lincoln National Forest in Ruidoso! Hike scenic trails, bike rugged paths, ride through lush landscapes, or simply play in nature. As the ultimate adventure getaway, Ruidoso blends relaxation and excitement, offering outdoor enthusiasts a perfect escape. Discover why Lincoln National Forest is the top destination for summer fun and exploration.

Best Breakfast Spots in Ruidoso: Cozy Cafés & Local Favorites

Looking for the best breakfast in Ruidoso? Whether you crave a hearty mountain-style meal, a cozy café with a fireplace, or a sunlit patio to enjoy your coffee, Ruidoso has plenty of charming spots to start your day. From classic diners to hidden gems serving homemade pastries, here’s your guide to the top breakfast restaurants in Ruidoso.

Must-Visit Candy Shops in Ruidoso: Sweet Treats & Ice Cream

No trip to Ruidoso is complete without indulging in something sweet! From classic fudge and handmade chocolates to creamy ice cream and nostalgic candies, these Midtown candy shops are the perfect stop for a delicious treat.

5 Powerful Reasons to Plan a Ruidoso Mountain Getaway Right Now

Escape to the mountains of Ruidoso for fresh air, star-filled skies, stunning views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This scenic alpine village offers the perfect year-round getaway for slow travel, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Discover five powerful reasons to make Ruidoso your next soul-soothing vacation destination.

Planning a Ruidoso Family Getaway? Here’s How to Make It Fun and Stress-Free!

Ready for unforgettable family memories in Ruidoso? Discover the secrets to a hassle-free vacation! Learn how to keep your schedule flexible for spontaneous fun, pack like a pro, balance solo adventures with quality time, and bring the right “toys” for maximum enjoyment. Plus, get budget-friendly tips so you can splurge on experiences that matter most.

Discover Ruidoso Public Library: Your Ultimate Travel Stop

Looking for a relaxing spot during your Ruidoso vacation? Visit the Ruidoso Public Library. Whether you need free WiFi, a quiet place to work, or a chance to connect with the community, the library enhances your Ruidoso travel experience. Here are a few reasons why the municipal library deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Free Things To Do This Winter In Ruidoso

Snuggle in front of a fire. Build a snowman. Take a walk in the forest. Stargaze. Ruidoso embraces winter weather with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.

Ice Skating Rink at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)

Dust off your skates! The outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park returns for the 2024-2025 winter season. Opening day is Friday, November 29, 2024. A visitor Day Pass is $20, with a $20 season pass for Ruidoso residents. Here’s everything you need to know.

Time Your 2025 Stargazing Travels with the Next Meteor Showers in Ruidoso

If seeing stars, constellations, and the Milky Way in the sky is your idea of a perfect vacation, forgo the city in favor of the breathtaking grandeur of the Ruidoso nightscape. To make your stay more memorable, we have put together a list of our top recommended meteor shower dates for the year 2025.

Experience the Magic of Ruidoso in the New Holiday Film Santa’s Cousin (Dec. 2024)

Experience the holiday magic of Ruidoso in Santa’s Cousin, a heartwarming Christmas romantic comedy that brings the village’s festive charm to life. Follow Santa’s cousin on a journey to save the town’s beloved Christmas Jubilee and discover love along the way. Starring Jonathan Stoddard, Alexandra Harris, and Eric Roberts, this enchanting film celebrates the spirit of Ruidoso’s holiday traditions.

Ruidoso Winter Adventure: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Family Itinerary

Experience a magical family winter getaway in Ruidoso, NM! This kid-friendly itinerary is packed with snowy adventures, festive lights, and cozy dining—from tubing and ice skating to exploring historic sites. Get ready for unforgettable family fun in this charming mountain town!

Win Place and Show Axe Throwing

Test out your skills by throwing an axe around in Ruidoso. Rally up your friends for the latest fun in Midtown: Axe Throwing at the Win Place & Show patio. Guided and family-friendly. Friday - Sunday, Noon to 5 pm, 1 hr/$30. Reserve a lane today >>

Winter Sleigh Rides in Ruidoso (Seasonal, Thanksgiving to December)

During the winter holiday season, there are sleigh rides through the historic upper canyon with Grindstone Stables. No snow is required to enjoy a crisp winter evening and the holiday decorations of Ruidoso's oldest neighborhood.

Best Dessert Spots in Ruidoso: Where to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Craving something sweet in Ruidoso? From homemade pies and decadent cakes to artisan ice cream and freshly baked pastries, these top dessert spots have you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick treat or a leisurely indulgence, here’s where to find the best desserts in Ruidoso.

Thrills Await on the Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso!

Experience the thrill of the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso! Ride New Mexico’s only Mountain Coaster with 5100 feet of waves, dips, and a 360-degree helix. Enjoy high-speed fun with state-of-the-art safety features. For winter excitement, try the tubing hill with magic carpet lifts and thrilling downhill rides. Perfect for family fun and adventure seekers of all ages!

Halloween Celebrations in Ruidoso

Halloween is the perfect excuse for a quick mini-break in Ruidoso. If you're looking to escape on a family-friendly trip this fall, here are some Halloween events to help you make some special memories.

Free Things To Do In Ruidoso

Star gaze. Spot wildlife. Grab a selfie. Bring the kids to the park. Take a walk in the forest. Ruidoso embraces the season with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.

Walk-Run-Ride The Links Fitness Trail

Beautiful Sierra Blanca dominates the views on this scenic walk, run, ride paved path that circles the Links at Sierra Blanca Golf Course in the heart of Ruidoso. The Links trail is 3-mile loop that provides outdoor exercise that dogs, kids and adults will enjoy.

Exploring Ruidoso: A Skip-Gen Adventure

Discover the charm of Ruidoso, where grandparents and grandchildren bond on a skip-gen multigenerational adventure. Enjoy quaint downtown shops, rich cultural sites, thrilling family activities, and resilient natural beauty. Cozy accommodations and scenic drives complete this unforgettable journey. Start planning your Ruidoso adventure today!

Summer Activities at Ski Apache

Ski Apache is known for its beautiful warm weather skiing and snowboarding as the nation’s southern-most continually operating resort, but there is plenty of summer excitement too. Here is what travelers can look forward to this summer.

Ruidoso Memorial Day Weekend Events

Looking for things to do in Ruidoso during the Memorial Day weekend? Read on and start planning your three-day weekend.

Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake (Seasonal, Summer only).

Don’t miss Ruidoso’s unique attraction, the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, a floating, inflatable platform perfect for family fun, birthday parties, and special events. Open in summer only (Memorial Day to Labor Day Monday). Check the Parks and Recreation Facebook page for any weather-related announcements or changes in hours.

Ruidoso in Autumn: Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Foliage Adventures

Discover Ruidoso's vibrant autumn with our fall foliage guide. Explore top spots like Alto Lake, Grindstone Lake, Lincoln National Forest, and Ski Run Road. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and more amidst stunning fall colors. Visit during peak season from mid-September to late October, and don't miss local events like AspenFest and Oktoberfest.

Summer Days Are Made For Adventuring

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors in Ruidoso. Get ready to immerse yourself in stunning mountain scenery, encounter wildlife, and enjoy the cool high-altitude climate. Ruidoso is a great place to escape the heat and have some fun in the mountains. Here are some of the top summer outdoor activities in Ruidoso.

Families Love A Ruidoso Vacation

Get ready for a totally different adventure this year and head for the mountains for an unforgettable (and affordable) Ruidoso family vacation. From outdoor adventures to kid-friendly attractions and old west experiences Ruidoso offers year-round fun for families.

Top 5 Walking Trails in Ruidoso by AllTrails

Discover AllTrails’s top-rated walking trails close to Ruidoso with custom-made trail maps, driving directions, insightful reviews, and pictures from hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts.

Family Travel

Plan the Perfect Family Vacation with These Fun Kid-Friendly Trip Ideas

Discover Ruidoso Family Vacation Ideas your kids will love

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