Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso is one of my very favorite places. It is a quaint small town with many activities and sights to see. My family has been visiting Ruidoso for decades, and it holds many great memories. Here’s a list of activities, shopping, restaurants, lodging options, and day trip options!

Activities:

• Flying J Ranch – The Flying J Ranch is one of the most popular ways to spend the evening in Ruidoso. It is a great family friendly evening of western style singing with a chuckwagon dinner. The food is delicious and the show is fun. It is open each summer and around some holidays for special performances.

• Mount Monjeau – We’ve done this drive once, and it was unintentional. We were in a small car and not prepared for the journey on the treacherous, steep, dirt road. Had we been mentally and physically prepared in a truck, this might have been better. It was a narrow mountain road with little room for two cars to pass. At one point, our car overheated. The drive was rough, but the view from the top was beautiful! We opened our car doors and were immediately greeted by thousands of ladybugs. It was an incredible sight. We then climbed a few stairs to get to the top of the lookout where the view was the best. I enjoyed it and am glad to have done it, but it was definitely a challenging experience getting to the top.
• Skiing / Mountain Sports – Ski Apache is a popular ski resort in Ruidoso. My family typically visits in the summer, so I have no first hand experience with Ski Apache, but it is definitely worth exploring if you are visiting in the winter.
• Upper Canyon / Scenic Drives – We enjoy exploring Ruidoso, taking scenic drives, and exploring neighborhoods in the area. It is fun to see the variety of vacation homes in the area. We specifically enjoy driving Upper Canyon and seeing Rio Ruidoso that runs through the area.

• Miniature Golf – There is fun miniature golf spot in town that is a great way to spend the afternoon.

• Grindstone Lake – My family has been visiting Ruidoso for years but only recently discovered the lake. Even if you don’t do any of the water activities, it is worth the short drive just to see the view.

• Wingfield Park – This is a lovely small park close to the downtown area. We like to grab some to-go food and then head to the park to enjoy our meal in the great outdoors.

• Wild Horses – The last time we visited Ruidoso, we discovered the wild horses. We had never seen any of the wild horses before, but we saw 2 separate herds on our most recent trip. The linked article shares the history of the Wild Horses of Lincoln County. There isn’t a set place to go to find the horses, but keep an eye out while exploring the area.

• Inn of the Mountain Gods – Whether or not you decide to book a stay at Inn of the Mountain Gods, it is definitely worth a visit. The view is beautiful! There is also a casino, golf course, small food court, a zip line across the lake, arcade, and much more. It is easy to spend a few hours just touring the grounds

Shopping:

• Midtown – The main street, Sudderth, has several stores and restaurants. There are many boutiques and local stores unique to Ruidoso. We walk up and down each side of the street stopping in many of the stores. The stores range from touristy t-shirt shops to jewelry stores with items worth thousands of dollars. There is something for every budget.

Restaurants: 

• Cafe Rio Pizza – Located on the Midtown strip of Sudderth is my number one dining recommendation in Ruidoso – Cafe Rio. Their pizza is delicious. Prior to Covid, it was a popular dine-in restaurant, but since Covid, their take-out business is booming. I recommend grabbing a pizza and then heading a few blocks to the local park to enjoy your pizza with a view. 

• The Village Buttery – The Village Buttery is located on the East end of the Midtown strip of Sudderth. It is a popular sandwich shop with both indoor and outdoor seating. We enjoy visiting either early or just before closing so we can enjoy the patio without the crowds. The food is simple, light, and perfect for a day on the town. Note, it is only open for lunch.

• Cornerstone Bakery & Cafe – Cornerstone Bakery & Cafe is a local hotspot for breakfast and lunch. Several years ago, they expanded to a much larger, stand-alone building on Sudderth. Everything I’ve eaten here has been fantastic.

• Casa Blanca – Casa Blanca is located on Mechem. It is not within easy walking distance of Midtown. Casa Blanca serves Tex Mex and is a family favorite. The food is good, but the setting is what makes it special. It is nestled in the trees and has an almost treehouse-like feel. Since Covid, it’s hours have varied. Be sure to plan your visit carefully to ensure they are open. 
• Tina’s Cafe – This is a recent find for us. We are typically very set with our favorites, but decided to try Tina’s Cafe after seeing it’s popularity over several visits. It is in a shopping center where Mechem and Sudderth intersect. It’s menu has several popular green chile items. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner. 

Lodging:

• Inn of the Mountain Gods – My family owned a cabin in Ruidoso for decades, so its only in recent years that we’ve begun to stay at other lodgings. When it came time to find a new place to stay for our annual visits, we immediately headed to the Inn of the Mountain Gods and never looked back. It is definitely the nicest hotel in the area with an incredible view and a casino. We always enjoy our stay. It is a bit of a drive to get from the city up to the hotel, but there are many signs to help point you in the right direction. It is not treacherous, but we do prefer to drive it in daylight when possible.

• Variety of Cabin Options in Upper Canyon – There are many, many cabin rental options in Ruidoso. There are websites with reviews to help guide you in a selection, but I would recommend looking in the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso. It is very scenic, and there are many options in that area. 

Day Trips:

• Cloudcroft – Cloudcroft is only an hour drive from Ruidoso. It is usually several degrees cooler than Ruidoso and is another cute, small mountain town. The Lodge at Cloudcroft is definitely worth a stop. Be sure to climb to the top of the Tower Room for a great view and the opportunity to see some famous signatures on the wall.
• White Sands – Located a little over an hour from Ruidoso, White Sands is a great day-trip worth the drive. It is an interesting sight to see and presents an opportunity for some fun photos!
• Carlsbad Caverns – A visit to Carlsbad Caverns will be an almost three hour drive each way, but it is an incredible experience and well worth a visit. Be sure to dress appropriately for the tour. It will be cool and slippery. Be sure to wear the appropriate shoes and clothes to ensure you are not miserable during your time in the caverns.

Ruidoso is a great spot to visit especially in the summer and winter months. There are many activities and sights to see within a short drive!