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City in New Mexico, United States
Photo: Flickr user: David Scott https://www.flickr.com/people/41636321@N00/, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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In 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.
Temporarily closed as of 14 May 2022. Includes the Ruidoso Downs Racing Hall of Fame.
Performing arts center featuring traveling musicians, plays, ballets, concerts and musicals.
9 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.
Magic carpet lifts, be whisked to the top of the hill on a moving conveyor! An area for smaller kids available.
The 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.
Apache Wind Rider ZipTour and Apache Eagle ZipRider
In 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.
Amazing hike in the city limits. A loop trail and an out and back trail.
Large ski resort about 30 minutes northwest of Ruidoso. The resort is operated by the Mescalero Apache Native Americans on their tribal lands. The resort includes 750 skiable acres at a peak elevation of 11,500 feet with 8 lifts (including 1 gondola, 3 quad chairs, and 4 triple chairs).
Spot for East Coast-style pizza, served in a laid-back place decorated with flags & license plates.
Upscale 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.
Describes itself as "1-, 2- and 3-bedroom rental cabins offer comfortable lodging with rustic charm".
A well-known casino/resort on the adjacent Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation just south of town.
Offers vacation rental condos, cabins, and homes of all sizes throughout the region.
Rental cabins nestled in the cool pines of Ruidoso's Upper Canyon.
Beautifully 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.
Rental condos available by the night, one mile from the casino.
Nestled in the pines of the Upper Canyon. 1- to-3-bedroom cabins, each with kitchen, fireplace, and air conditioning.
The Sanctuary at Ruidoso is the perfect place to get away from it all. This beautiful cabin is located in the upper canyon right on the Rio Ruidoso river. The inspired design and luxury accommodations ensure a truly unique vacation experience. The cabin is just a short drive from midtown, but it feels like a world away. The peaceful setting and stunning views make it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. The Sanctuary at Ruidoso is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
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.
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Roswell · Regional · ROW
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