ROAD TRIP: Las Cruces to Ruidoso
Ruidoso is a favorite Las Cruces getaway and perfect weekend escape or New Mexico staycation. Here’s how to get here plus some ideas of what to see and do along the way.
HOW TO GET HERE
WHAT TO SEE ALONG THE WAY
White Sands National Park
Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been before, a stop at White Sands National Park, the largest gypsum dune field in the world, is always recommended on the drive between Las Cruces and Ruidoso. Time your travels for sunrise or sunset for unforgettable Instagram images.
LOCAL TIP: When military tests are in progress, Highway 70 between White Sands National Park and Las Cruces may be closed. For road closure information, check here or call the White Sands Missile Range at (575) 678-1178.
This old-fashioned drive-in restaurant is not only a long-time local favorite, but it’s COVID-Safe and has been serving up some of the tastiest burgers, fries, and milkshakes in the Southwest since 1952. Address: 414 S White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM 88310 | Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM | Phone: (575) 437-6400.
McGinn's Pistachio Tree Ranch & Arena Blanca Winery
Touristy? Absolutely. But it’s also the New Mexico story of the McGinn family who started their 90 acre pistachio orchard in 1980. Today, the orchard contains over 12,500 trees, 14 acres of grapes are also grown, and 18 different varities of wine are made at McGinn's Arena Blanca Winery on site. There are two country stores with pistachios, pistachio candies and wines all grown and made on site. They also offer gourmet foods, souvenirs, t-shirts and ice cream. Shop, tour the orchard, enjoy free samples of wine and pistachios, and of course, get a picture taken with the World's Largest Pistachio.
Address: 70, 7320 US-54, Alamogordo, NM 88310 | Hours: Open 9 to 5 daily. | Phone: (800) 368-3081
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort Casino
The Mescalero Apache tribe operates this luxurious resort casino overlooking Mescalero Lake and distant Sierra Blanca. Book a tee time or spa treatment. Go ziplining, grab a bite, or simply sit and enjoy the view.
Address: 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Mescalero | Hours: Open 24 hours | Phone: (575) 464-7059
Grindstone Lake
Not far from the Inn and on your way into town is Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso’s favorite attractions. Bring a picnic, cast for fish, paddle a boat, cycle, horseback ride, play disc golf, or explore on foot via multi-use trails. Regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and on occasion catfish and smallmouth bass, year round fishing from dawn to dusk is permitted with the proper licensing. Reservations are required on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Keep a camera handy for wildlife sightings as the lake is home to black bear, deer, elk, blue heron, osprey, and bald or golden eagles.
Welcome to Ruidoso!
There’s something for everyone here. Use our Ruidoso Travel Guide to find things to do, events, experiences, places to stay, restaurants, trip ideas, and outdoor activities.
