For decades, Ruidoso has been a favorite mountain escape for El Paso residents looking to get away from the hustle and heat. And though it’s an easy 3-hour drive, we recommend you resist the urge to drive straight through and make time to enjoy these suggested sights and stops along the way.

How to Get Here

WHAT TO SEE ALONG THE WAY

White Sands National Park

Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been before, a stop at White Sands National Park, the largest gypsum dune field in the world, is always recommended on the drive between Las Cruces and Ruidoso. Time your travels for sunrise or sunset for unforgettable Instagram images.

LOCAL TIP: When military tests are in progress, Highway 70 between White Sands National Park and Las Cruces may be closed. For road closure information, check here or call the White Sands Missile Range at (575) 678-1178.

McGinn's Pistachio Tree Ranch & Arena Blanca Winery

Touristy? Absolutely. But it’s also the New Mexico story of the McGinn family who started their 90 acre pistachio orchard in 1980. Today, the orchard contains over 12,500 trees, 14 acres of grapes are also grown, and 18 different varities of wine are made at McGinn's Arena Blanca Winery on site. There are two country stores with pistachios, pistachio candies and wines all grown and made on site. They also offer gourmet foods, souvenirs, t-shirts and ice cream. Shop, tour the orchard, enjoy free samples of wine and pistachios, and of course, get a picture taken with the World's Largest Pistachio.

Address: 70, 7320 US-54, Alamogordo, NM 88310 | Hours: Open 9 to 5 daily. | Phone: (800) 368-3081

The Lodge Resort and Spa

Overnight at The Lodge Resort and Spa in Cloudcroft, a historic resort that combines luxury with rustic charm, including its Rebecca’s restaurant named after the hotel’s resident ghost. Walk 4-blocks to the downtown shopping district. Book a spa treatment, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a sauna and hot tub, or reserve a tee time at the 9-hole golf course situated at 9,000 feet in elevation with a terrain that’s as challenging as it is beautiful.

Address: 601 Corona Pl, Cloudcroft, NM 88317 | Phone: (800) 395-6343

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.