2025 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Ruidoso by AllTrails
Discover the best hiking trails in Ruidoso.
Exploring the great outdoors in Ruidoso? AllTrails has compiled a list of the 10 best trails and routes in the region, just waiting for you to explore. Look through reviews and photos from fellow nature lovers and find the perfect route for a hike, bike ride, trail run, or any other outdoor activity.
Choose from an array of easy routes for day trips with the family, or check out some trails laden with historical sights. There are plenty of nature spots in and around Ruidoso to explore, with routes suitable for all skill levels.
#1. Grindstone Canyon Loop
4.6 (1,837 reviews) Moderate
Try this 10.6-km circular trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 44 min to complete. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and horse riding, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
#2. Cedar Creek Loop
4.6 (1,502 reviews) | Moderate
Explore this 6.4-km circular trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 35 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
#3. Grindstone Lake to Winchester Road
4.6 (791 reviews) Easy
Discover this 3.1-km out-and-back trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 48 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are July through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
#4. Eagle Creek Trail and Alto Reservoir Loop
4.6 (898 reviews) Easy
Discover this 3.5-km circular trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are July through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead.
#5. Lower Cedar Creek Loop
4.6 (747 reviews) Easy
Head out on this 1.6-mile circular trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 38 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
#6. Lookout Mountain via Crest and Scenic Trails
4.5 (279 reviews) Hard
Head out on this 7.0-mile out-and-back trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 54 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead.
#7. North Cedar Creek and Mine Road Trail
4.3 (365 reviews) Moderate
Check out this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 59 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
#8. Grindstone Mesa Trail
4.6 (193 reviews) Moderate
Experience this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 34 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
#9. Forest Service Fitness Trail
4.4 (217 reviews) Easy
Discover this 1.3-mile circular trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 29 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
#10. Grindstone Lake Trail Extended
4.7 (176 reviews) Hard
Discover this 11.3-mile circular trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 30 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are July through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.