Ruidoso Fact Sheet

Official Elevation: 6,920 feet (areas within the Village range from 6,500 - 8,000 feet)

Full-time Population: 7,800                        

Seasonal Population: 25,000

Average High Temperature: 65.57 degrees              

Average Low Temperature: 34.04 degrees

Average Snowfall: 36"

Home Ownership: 60% of homes are vacation homes

Number of Annual Tourists: 1.9 million

Recreational Activities: 

  • The Village's park system is comprised of 11 parks and open spaces that total over 700 acres of land

  • Parks, lakes and open spaces include over 26 miles of trails and pathways, 8 pavilions, and 7 athletic fields

  • There are 2 lakes and streams for fishing

  • Ruidoso has 7 golf courses in the area: The Links at Sierra Blanca (public), Cree Meadows (semi-private), Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club (private), The Outlaw (private), Kokopelli (private), Rainmakers (semi-private), and the Inn of the Mountain Gods (public)

  • Ruidoso has one of the largest 18-hole disc golf courses in the state

  • The Cedar Creek recreation area features 17 miles of trails, including a downhill mountain bike trail

  • The Grindstone Trail System has 18 miles of hiking and biking trails

  • The Links Trail, in the heart of Ruidoso, features a 3-mile walking/jogging path

  • The White Mountain Wilderness, adjacent to the Village of Ruidoso, has 132 miles of trails that range in elevation from 5,000 feet to 10,000 feet

Ski Apache

  • Ski Apache is managed by the Inn of the Mountain Gods/Mescalero Apache Tribe

  • This amazing ski resort is a short 15-mile drive from the Village of Ruidoso

  • At over 750 acres in size, Ski Apache operates between Thanksgiving Day and Easter Sunday each year

  • It has 55 trails: 20% expert; 60% intermediate; 20% beginner

  • Ski Apache gets 15' of annual snowfall supplemented by extensive snowmaking equipment

  • There are 11 lift lines and the only gondola in the state of New Mexico

  • It is also the home of the Apache Wind Rider - one of the longest zip lines in the world at 8,890 feet.

Other Local Attractions:

  • Ruidoso Downs Race Track: Home of the world's richest quarter horse race, The All-American Futurity. Live horse racing takes place from Memorial Day through Labor Day and off-track wagering is available year-round.

  • Lincoln National Forest: The Village of Ruidoso is home to the Smokey Bear District of Lincoln National Forest and ranges in elevation from 5,400 to 11,580 feet. There are two wilderness areas with year-round outdoor recreation.

  • Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts: This $22-million facility hosts year-round concerts, plays and performances in an intimate 514-seat world-class facility.

  • Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Areas: Ruidoso parks, public places, natural areas, and recreational opportunities give life and beauty to our village for residents and visitors. Don’t miss a visit to Wingfield Park conveniently located in the heart of Midtown.

  • Flying J Ranch (Seasonal): The Flying J Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show are one of Ruidoso's most popular summer activities, offering great food and excellent family entertainment.

  • Inn of the Mountain Gods: This resort property features 273 guest rooms, two full-service casinos, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a number of eating and drinking establishments

Nearby Attractions (within a short driving distance):