Ruidoso
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Ruidoso is a town in southeastern New Mexico. Its attractions include pleasant mountain recreation and world-caliber horse racing. During the summer population triples as New Mexicans and Texans arrive to enjoy the horse races, gambling, and cool mountain air.
Get in
Ruidoso is on US 70 between Alamogordo and Roswell; the latter has daily air service to Dallas/Fort Worth and four weekly flights to Los Angeles via American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines. The nearest airports with major commercial air service are in Albuquerque and El Paso, each about 150 miles away.
See
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Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy the Kid Casino
phone: +1 575 378-4431In the adjacent village of Ruidoso Downs. Horse racing from Memorial Day to September, culminating in the major All American Futurity, a $2-million event on Labor Day that bills itself as the richest quarter-horse race in the United States. -
Hubbard Museum of the American West
phone: +1 575 378-4142address: 841 US 70 West (Ruidoso Downs)Fee. Includes the Ruidoso Downs Racing Hall of Fame. -
phone: +1 575 336-4800address: 108 Spencer Dr, Alto, NMPerforming arts center featuring traveling musicians, plays, ballets, concerts and musicals.
Do
Ruidoso Disc Golf9 hole disc golf, a great and low cost way to enjoy the outdoors with your family. If you don't own any discs, see the above link to pick some up in town.
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phone: +1 575-336-7079Magic carpet lifts, be whisked to the top of the hill on a moving conveyor! An area for smaller kids available.
Lincoln National ForestThe White Mountain Wilderness is right next to Ruidoso and contains opportunities for all outdoor activities. However, due to severe fire danger there are often restrictions or closures during the summer, the current restrictions should be checked before planning activities in the forest.
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Zip Line at Two World Class Options
phone: +1 575-464-3633address: Inn of the Mountain Gods and Ski ApacheIn 2015, Ruidoso, NM became a destination for adventure seeking enthusiasts. Two zip lines are operated by the Mescalero Apache tribe. The Apache Wind Rider ZipTour is known as the fourth longest zipline in North America and tallest. The smaller Apache Eagle ZipRider is at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.
Eat
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phone: +1 575-680-1862address: 113 Rio StThis is a desserts only restaurant with exquisite offerings including cakes, cookies, mousses, Gelato (Italian Ice Cream) and more. Great service and lovely ambiance. Not to be missed.
Sleep
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address: 410 Main RdUpscale rustic knotty pine cabins nestled amid the tall trees of Ruidoso's Upper Canyon. Amenities include full kitchen, washer/dryer, fireplace, hot tub, and deck views of Sierra Blanca.
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phone: +1 575-257-4504address: 436 Main RdDescribes itself as "1-, 2- and 3-bedroom rental cabins offer comfortable lodging with rustic charm".
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address: 428 Main RdDescribes itself as "a bed & breakfast retreat for single adults or couples." All rooms non-smoking.
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address: Carrizo RoadA well-known casino/resort on the adjacent Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation just south of town.
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address: 1103 Mechem DrOffers vacation rental condos, cabins, and homes of all sizes throughout the region.
JD's Tree HouseOne of Condotel's vacation rentals, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, fireplce, hot tub.
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address: 1420 W. Highway 70
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address: 300 Main RdRental cabins nestled in the cool pines of Ruidoso's Upper Canyon.
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address: 206 Eagle DrBeautifully decorated one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with fireplace, flat panel TV, private bath, upscale kitchen, gas BBQ grills, courtyard with waterfall, fire pit and seating area.
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address: 900 Carrizo Canyon RdRental condos available by the night, one mile from the casino.
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phone: +1 575-257-2076address: 416 Main RdNestled in the pines of the Upper Canyon. 1- to-3-bedroom cabins, each with kitchen, fireplace, and air conditioning.
Go next
- Alpine skiing is available at the nearby Ski Apache downhill area, on the Apache Reservation, +1 575 464-3600, . Drive west from Ruidoso on NM 532 to the site.
- Cloudcroft , south of town via NM 244, is another resort town in the Sacramento Mountains with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- The National Solar Observatory has a major facility at the mountain-top "town" (really just the observatory and related services) of Sunspot, south of Cloudcroft via NM 6563. Visitors are usually welcome during daylight hours; the facility shares a visitor center with adjacent Apache Point Observatory.