The little things pay off big when it comes to budget travel. To help make your Ruidoso vacation more affordable, we’ve created a one-week itinerary with some of our best budget-friendly travel tips.

Day 1: Arrival and Fun

Start your Ruidoso adventure by checking into one of the town's lodging accommodations, such as a cozy cabin or a budget-friendly hotel.

After settling in, bring your clubs along to practice chipping and putting for free at The Links at Sierra Blanca, or take your racquets to the municipal tennis and pickleball courts at White Mountain Sports Complex.

In the evening, take in the live music scene. There is live music almost every weekend, most without cover charges, plus shows, concerts, and music festivals for every season.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Ruidoso is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and the best part is that many outdoor activities won’t cost you anything.

Begin your day in Lincoln National Forest, which offers miles of multi-use scenic trails within a vast 1.1 million-acre wilderness area surrounding Ruidoso. Afterward, take advantage of the free activities available at Ruidoso’s favorite lakes: Alto Lake Recreation Area and Grindstone Lake Recreation Area and Trail System*. Enjoy a picnic, hike the trails, fish, paddle, or swim *Summer season parking fees apply at Grindstone. Or, add disc golf to your list of fun things to do in Ruidoso, with courses at Grindstone Lake, Moon Mountain, Wingfield Park, and Ski Apache.

Watch for wildlife. Ruidoso has it in spades. Elk, deer, bears, and wild horses are frequently seen in our community. With bald eagles frequently seen at Grindstone and Alto lakes, wild horse herds in the Alto and White Mountain areas, and even the occasional mountain lion has made an appearance. So be alert when you're out exploring – or on your deck – and keep your camera ready.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Delve into Ruidoso's rich cultural heritage on day three.

Start the day with a guided tour of the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, which showcases the Dale Chihuly Collection, an amazing art installation of hand-blown glass sculptures, and a backstage performer’s autographed signature wall. Tours are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and are free, with donations appreciated.

Discover the local arts scene in the afternoon by exploring a Midtown Gallery Walk or Public Art Murals tour. Ruidoso’s Bridge to Art Studio offers painting classes, drawing lessons, and art therapy sessions. Private lessons and wine-and-painting nights (by reservation) are also available, as well as open paint nights every Thursday.

Day 5: Relaxation and Recreation

Take a break from your adventures and indulge in a day of relaxation and recreation. Whether you book a spa treatment, join a yoga class, or just kick back and enjoy the view, Ruidoso is slow-travel perfected.

Sleep late, then head to Two Rivers Park. Take a leisurely hike along the Ruidoso River Trail, and soak in the beautiful scenery. Afterward, visit Wingfield Park and explore the botanical garden (seasonal) or enjoy a picnic. For those who need to stay connected or catch up on work while on vacation, Ruidoso Public Library offers comfortable access to high-speed internet, computers, and printing facilities.

In the evening, catch a movie at Sierra Cinema, which offers $5 movies every Tuesday and a Free Summer Kids Series.

Day 6: History and Heritage

Start your day with a back roads drive along the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway. Explore Historic Lincoln and Fort Stanton Historic Site, which include various historic buildings and museums. Admission fees are $7 for adults, free for children 16 years and younger, and NM residents with ID are admitted free on the first Sunday of every month.

Afterward, if you still have time, continue to Carrizozo. In recent years this relatively quiet rural community has started making some noise in the art world. Or visit White Oaks, a ghost town just north of Carrizozo that became a boomtown in 1879 following the discovery of gold and coal in the nearby Jicarilla Mountains. Today, there's a small historical museum, the legendary No Scum Allowed Saloon, and the White Oaks Pottery art studio.

Day 7: Adventure and Farewell

On your last day in Ruidoso, treat yourself to an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Try the mountain bike trails, book a guided horseback ride, OHV Adventure, or experience the thrill of the new Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster.

Prefer to keep things chill? Join the fun on Sundays at Enchanted Vine in Alto for live music every week, a community Farmer's and Craft Market starting at 10 AM, with Noisy Water wine and Uncle Dick's Hard Ciders and Seltzer available, plus fun and games for the whole family.

End your day on budget with a HUGE pizza slice for just $3.25 at Cafe Rio or a visit to one of the Best of Ruidoso People's Choice Awards-winning restaurants.

With this one-week itinerary, you can explore the best of Ruidoso while keeping your budget intact.

Ruidoso Budget Travel: A wallet-friendly one-week itinerary