A Guide to Ruidoso's Incredible Wildlife

Wildlife and Ruidoso go hand in hand. From the quiet appearance of the majestic elk and wild horse herds that roam here to the impressive flight of the bald eagle and the entertaining antics of the bears that are frequently seen, here are some of Ruidoso's most amazing wildlife and some tips on where you can safely spot them on your next trip.

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Discover Ruidoso's Favorite Lakes

Discover Ruidoso's favorite lakes! Bring a picnic, cast for fish, paddle a boat, cycle, horseback ride, or explore on foot via multi-use trails at Grindstone Lake and Alto Lake recreation areas.

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2023 Best of Ruidoso People's Choice Award Winners

The Best of Ruidoso People’s Choice Awards polled the Ruidoso community and visitors to select the best businesses and organizations in the area. People choose from over 25 categories through online voting, including Ruidoso shops, attractions, activities, restaurants, drinks venues, and more. Voting ran from January 9, 2023, through January 31, 2023. Here are the 2023 Best of Ruidoso People’s Choice Award Winners.

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Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Some 377 species of birds have been observed on the refuge since 1940. The wetlands attract huge flocks of wintering cranes and geese, the refuge's most exciting features. Many other species—notably waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey—also winter in the refuge. Striking vagrants, such as groove-billed and have been found there. 

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Disc Golf in Ruidoso

With courses at Grindstone Lake and Ski Apache, add disc golf to your list of fun things to do in Ruidoso. Better yet, bring your own disc and it’s free fun for the whole family.

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2024 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Ruidoso by AllTrails

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. 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.

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Slow Travel in Ruidoso

Do less—experience more. Slow travel in Ruidoso isn’t only on-trend for 2023. It’s a nostalgic tribute to the generations who traveled to our mountain village to kick back in the cool pines and savor a local lifestyle. Explore Ruidoso at your own pace and on your own terms with these ideas for a slower and more meaningful relationship with Ruidoso.

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Ruidoso Places to Play and Stay

Ruidoso in the summertime has all the usual visitor favorites: Live horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, the lively outdoor patios at Ruidoso eateries, a vibrant live music scene, and a never-ending stream of events and festivals, and great venues to visit. Not to mention the incredible forests, river, lakes, and other natural attractions that are perfect for exploring, having fun, and getting away from it all.

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Fantasy fairies hide along the pathway in Ruidoso Parks (Seasonal, April - September)

Fantasy fairies hide along the pathway at Ruidoso's Two Rivers Park and Wingfield Park. Magic wands, tiny houses, and whimsical fairies add fun for the young. Visitors may be startled when walking along village park trails to see a trout jumping out of the water and riding on his back, the smallest of the fairy folk.

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IN THE PRESS: Ruidoso Ranked As One Of New Mexico's Most Beautiful Towns

“Once a sleepy mountain town, Ruidoso is thriving and growing fast. Lovers of the great outdoors flock to the town to take advantage of the surrounding wilderness and hiking opportunities, while history buffs delight in the nearby Mescalero Apache Reservation’s preservation of nomadic Native American culture. A community of quaint shops and restaurants in town will keep also keep the cosmopolitan type entertained.” — Culture Trip

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Eat. Drink. Play. Get your game on at the Ruidoso Bowling Center.

With 10 bowling lanes, 4 pool tables, dartboards, arcade games, a restaurant, and a lounge for parties and events, the Ruidoso Bowling Center is a fun, year-round, family-friendly entertainment destination where everybody gets to play.

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Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite

Go tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.

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What Our Visitors Have Been Saying

In 2022, we welcomed record visitors to our friendly mountain town. From the scenic forests and lakes to our indie shops and restaurants and great places to stay, Ruidoso vacations have taken people outside, brought families closer, and reminded guests how special Ruidoso is. Along the way, Ruidoso visitors have shared their most memorable moments and memories online.; read more to discover this year’s top Ruidoso reasons to return from their perspective and in their own words.

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