ROAD TRIP: Austin to Ruidoso
Why is it that suddenly everyone you know in Austin is vacationing in Ruidoso? Make the road trip and find out for yourself. Here’s how to get here plus some ideas for what to see and do along the way.
HOW TO GET HERE
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Llano, TX
The tastiest Austin to Ruidoso road trips begin at Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano, a spin-off of its Stockyards original. This no-frills smokehouse offers Texas barbecue, brisket, smoked ham, chicken, ribs and sides for takeaway or to be enjoyed at picnic tables.
Address: 604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643 | Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00am – 8:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm | Phone: (325) 247-5713
History buffs will want to stop at this frontier military post from 1867-1889. Fort Concho was part of a line of forts established to protect frontier settlements, map the vast West Texas region, and quell hostile threats. Throughout its active period, Fort Concho housed Cavalry and Infantry units, including elements of Buffalo Soldiers regiments, and served as the regimental headquarters for the 4th and 10th Cavalry, and 11th and 16th Infantry. Today, the forty-acre site houses twenty-four original and restored historic structures furnished to exhibit the life of the frontier soldier. The Fort Concho Museum has docents in all of the site's interpretive buildings, activities for children, and artillery demonstrations.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Roswell, NM
Established in 1937 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds such as the sandhill crane and the snow goose. The refuge also plays a crucial role in wetlands conservation in the desert Southwest. Straddling the Pecos River, Bitter Lake NWR is inhabited by a diverse abundance of wildlife species and is home to the Annual Dragonfly Festival in the fall. Bitter Lake NWR is a lovely place for a quiet walk before making the final push to Ruidoso.
Welcome to Ruidoso!
There’s something for everyone here. Use our Ruidoso Travel Guide to find things to do, events, experiences, places to stay, restaurants, trip ideas, and outdoor activities.
