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 Lake Loop

Moderate• 4.5 (1174)

Try this 6.7-mile loop trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Lincoln National Forest

#2. Perk Ridge Trail - [CLOSED]

Moderate • 4.5 (882)

Enjoy this 5.4-mile loop trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 45 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Lincoln National Forest

#3. Cedar Creek Loop - [CLOSED]

Moderate • 4.6 (985)

Try this 4.0-mile loop trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 37 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-leash in some areas.

Lincoln National Forest

#4. Eagle Creek Trail and Alto Reservoir Loop - [CLOSED]

Easy • 4.6 (664)

Experience this 2.2-mile loop 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Ruidoso, New Mexico

#5. Grindstone Lake to Winchester Road

Easy • 4.4 (424)

Enjoy this 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Lincoln National Forest

#6. North Cedar Creek Trail - [CLOSED]

Moderate • 4.3 (276)

Try this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h and 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Lincoln National Forest

#7. Lower Cedar Creek Loop - [CLOSED]

Easy• 4.4 (417)

Discover this 1.6-mile loop 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 the day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Lincoln National Forest

#8. Lookout Mountain via Crest and Scenic Trails

Hard • 4.5 (189)

Enjoy 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

White Mountain Wilderness

#9. Grindstone Mesa Loop

Moderate • 4.4 (133)

Experience this 7.4-mile loop trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 18 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Lincoln National Forest

#10. Crest Trail to Ski Apache

Moderate • 4.3 (97)

Explore this 9.3-mile out-and-back trail near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 55 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

White Mountain Wilderness