While much of the country is sweltering in the summer heat, Ruidosoans are chilling out in the tall pines. No matter what a vacation means to you, a summer escape is pretty cool in Ruidoso.

It’s a bit of folly to say that summer is the best time to visit Ruidoso when it’s truly a year-round destination. However, summer in Ruidoso is prime vacation time for a cool escape to the mountains. 

Explore the possibilities with these summer trip ideas.

12 Reasons to Visit Ruidoso This Summer

1. Horse Racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

2. Flying J Wranglers Chuckwagon

3. Mountain Coaster and Zipline

4. Gondola Rides at Ski Apache

5. Ruidoso Art Festival

6. Wibit Water Park

7. Lincoln County Art Loop

8. Alto Artists’ Studio Tour

9. Billy the Kid Pageant at Old Lincoln Days

10. Smokey Bear Stampede Rodeo

11. Grindstone Lake and Trails

12. Disc Golf

Check out our Summer Trip Guide for even more ideas!