Fun Things to Do During Your Ruidoso Fall Vacation
Autumn is one of Ruidoso’s most enjoyable seasons with crisp weather, changing colors, and not as many visitors. From the change of colors to the abundance of things to do, if you’re itching for some adventure, consider one of these fun (and often FREE) fall travel ideas.
Go for a bike ride or a hike
The Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department announces opening five new miles of trails on Moon Mountain. These trails are designed for moderate difficulty and are perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders. Enjoy stunning vistas and local wildlife, such as turkeys, deer, and elk. Access is off Gavilan Canyon Road by Warrior Drive. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, bring snacks, and respect the environment.
Cedar Creek Recreation Area is one of Ruidoso's easiest-to-access trail systems, conveniently located just off Mechem Drive (Hwy 48). With various multi-use (hike, bike, equestrian) trail lengths and difficulties starting in town, a picnic shelter, and three group campsites, Cedar Creek is a great place for the whole family and an outing in Lincoln National Forest.
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.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Monjeau Lookout was originally built in 1936, then reconstructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940. Its impressive stone structure managed to survive the 2012 Little Bear Fire, although the landscape is only now recovering. The drive is steep and adventurous, but camping is available nearby.
AllTrails.com shares their list of the best trails for wildlife sightings near Ruidoso, according to user reviews and data. See the highlights here.
Looking for a place to hike in Ruidoso? AllTrails has 20 great hiking trails, trail running trails, forest trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers.
Looking for an adventure playground that includes snow and mountain bike parks plus a zip line tour with the highest launch point in the world (11,000 feet above sea level)? Ski Apache, Ruidoso’s year-round mecca of action sports, has got you covered.
From street to trail, if you love to pedal, Ruidoso has you covered. With new trail development and a vast network of empty rural roads and awesome mountain trails, cycling in Ruidoso has never been better. Discover the best places to get your bike on in Ruidoso.
"A look at some of our favorite trails in what we consider one of the prettiest places in the country." — iExplore.com
"The climb to Grindstone Mesa can be painful, but the payoff is anything but: Views of Sierra Blanca and surrounding mountains are spectacular." — AAA NEW MEXICO JOURNEY magazine
Stroll Midtown
Need to know the best places to stock up on outdoor gear for backcountry outings in Ruidoso? Whether you are planning a camping vacation or you’ve forgotten something important, here's where to find everything you need for an outdoor getaway.
Enjoy a day of gallery hopping in Ruidoso's Midtown shopping district with this recommended art itinerary.
We’ve pulled together a list of some of Ruidoso’s favorite gift shops to help you find the perfect holiday gifts. Choose something special for yourself or someone you love. Discover friendly independent shops with unique jewelry, clothing, home decor, and skin care products, plus Southwestern turquoise, art, pottery, and New Mexico wine and spirits.
What's a Ruidoso vacation without ice cream and sweets? Satisfy your cravings at these Midtown candy shops for some delicious treats!
Home to their own brand of chile-infused New Mexico wines, and a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, and gourmet foods, Noisy Water Winery has a new location across the street in Midtown. With enhanced space for retail, VIP events, and tasting experiences, a visit to Noisy Water Winery is better than ever.
Wingfield Park, located near the Midtown shopping district, is the Village of Ruidoso’s designated area for outdoor special events. Bring the kids. Play a round of disc golf. Enjoy a picnic, attend a concert, shop the Saturday grower’s market, explore the botanical gardens, or host your wedding.
Nestled in Ruidoso’s downtown, Midtown is the village hub for dining, arts, and shopping. Stroll through Midtown and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, wineries, brewpubs, and live music.
Explore how you can shop small and make an impact on the community. After all, it’s the one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, and eateries that give Ruidoso’s cherished independent businesses their unique flavor.
Midtown is more colorful than ever. Grab a selfie in front of Ruidoso’s Instagrammable public murals brought to you by local artists and the Ruidoso Midtown Association.
Foodie-favorite Island Noodles opened in May 2021 in the Midtown A-Frame plaza to bring its addictively delicious noodle stirfry to Ruidoso. The fast-casual franchise offers Hawaiian-style soba noodles for takeaway with 12 vegetables. It can be ordered vegan or with teriyaki chicken.
Have an adventure
Ruidoso Winter Park is excited to offer the only Mountain Coaster in New Mexico, boasting 5100 feet of waves, dips, and a 360-degree helix. Drivers control the speed of their cart with max speeds of 25mph, plus Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster boasts a state-of-the-art collision avoidance system to ensure each rider can enjoy their ride safely.
With courses at Grindstone Lake and Ski Apache, add disc golf to your list of fun things to do in Ruidoso. Better yet, bring your own disc and it’s free fun for the whole family.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or more focused on simply experiencing the good life, from forest hikes and high-alpine bike rides to post-adventure drinks and live music, a fall getaway in Ruidoso promises something for everyone.
Adventure Mountain Family Fun Center is Ruidoso’s newest place for year-round fun offering batting cages, glow-in-the-dar mini golf, bazooka ball, a ropes course, climbing wall, arcade games, laser maze, and kids rides.
Hike with your dog. Camp with your cat. Ruidoso loves pets and is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors with your furry family members. Learn the where, what, and how to responsibly enjoy the outdoors with your pets in Ruidoso.
Work together in a race against the clock to solve a series of increasingly challenging puzzles. Be prepared to have your wits tested and your entertainment level raised. Ruidoso Escape Rooms sets the bar for experiential entertainment.
This adrenaline-pumping, three-span zip tour begins above 11,000 feet with parallel cables so riders can ride side-by-side. It also spans over 8,900 feet in length, making it one of the longest in the world while offering a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
Looking for an adventure playground that includes snow and mountain bike parks plus a zip line tour with the highest launch point in the world (11,000 feet above sea level)? Ski Apache, Ruidoso’s year-round mecca of action sports, has got you covered.
Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities.
Ruidoso’s first off-road adventure specialist, Backcountry Attitudes, provides 4×4 off-roading adventures through scenic wilderness and mountain terrain for a unique backcountry adventure.
Check out the food and drink scene
Whether you're planning Thanksgiving for two or a family, the whole meal — from turkey to sides to pie — can be found at Ruidoso restaurants. Here’s a helpful list of Ruidoso restaurant Thanksgiving menus and prepared meals. Make your reservation today!
Experience Ruidoso's Food Truck Center on Mechem Drive for some of the tastiest bites in town. Dive into 440 Smokehouse BBQ, relish Toss'd Pizza, or savor Flash Jack's burgers and shakes, plus delicious coffee and more! Enjoy indoor seating, arcade games, and a fire pit for s'mores. Whether you're a foodie or seeking fun, there's something for everyone here.
Join the Texas Club in Ruidoso for "Texas Club After Hours" every Saturday from June 1 through July. Enjoy live music from special guests, exclusive drink specials, and a new tapas menu. The event runs from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at 212 Metz Dr., Ruidoso, NM. Bring friends or a partner for a lively, social night out. Check the Texas Club website for the full list of performers and updates.
Discover the winners of Ruidoso's Vegan Chef Challenge Southwest and enjoy an array of innovative vegan dishes. Visit Downshift Brewing Company, Corazon Restaurant, and Casitas Café to savor the culinary creativity that won them top honors. This event highlighted Ruidoso's vibrant culinary scene and the growing appreciation for vegan cuisine. Come taste the best of plant-based dining in Ruidoso!
The Village Buttery in Ruidoso is up for USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Pie Shop. You have the chance to vote daily until the polls close on Monday, June 10th at 11:59 am EDT. This nomination is a great opportunity to put one of our beloved local spots in the national spotlight. Let’s rally behind Ruidoso—vote now and spread the word! Cast Your Vote ➡️
We're thrilled to announce that El Camino Nuev0, nestled in the heart of Ruidoso, has been recognized by Best Things New Mexico as one of the "7 Best Places for Margaritas in New Mexico"! Read more at besthingsnm.com >>
Searching for a great place to grab dessert in Ruidoso? Look no further. Here are some of the top spots to get your fix of sweet treats.
Every Thursday night, it's Open Mic with Tyler Jones at Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap from 7 to 10 pm. Listen to Ruidoso's finest or showcase your own music. Check out local and visiting artists each week as they play their own hits, covers, test out new music, and more. Spoken word artist or comedian, join the fun! Visit Event Website >>
Autumn in southern New Mexico brings ripe apples to regional orchards, and Ruidoso eateries shine with apple pies and sweet indulgences, some with a spicy twist. Try a slice of Hatch green chile apple pie or chipotle caramel apple for a taste of the Land of Enchantment. Explore our guide to Ruidoso's fall flavors for a memorable autumn experience.
While you're in Ruidoso, check out these indie coffeehouses offering outdoor patios, welcoming interiors with cozy chairs in quiet corners, ample outlets and free WiFi, delicious pastries, baked goods and light meals—perfect for an afternoon or morning pick-me-up.
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.