The Little Mountain Cabin



Fishing

Ruidoso is convenient to a number of cold water fisheries.  The Rio Ruidoso is a skinny water river whose headwaters begin on top of Sierra Blanca and flow down.  A number of native and stocked trout species are present.  Ruidoso is also home to a number of stocked lakes, including Bonito Lake, Alto Lake, and the beautiful Mescalero Lake.  The Mescalero Apache reservation offers a wide variety of fishing options for patrons, and is open to the public on a permit only basis.

Hiking

Ruidoso is home to miles and miles of beautiful hiking trails through the Lincoln National Forest.  Ranging in difficulty from easy to extremely challenging, these rated rails range from easy excursions to the challenging Three Rivers Trail, which features an elevation change of over 3,000 feet. 

Shopping

From gourmet foods to quaint New Mexico artifacts, midtown Ruidoso offers an eclectic shopping experience in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

Horse Racing

For generations, Ruidoso Downs has represented the epitome of serious quarter horse racing. 

White Sands

White Sands National Monument is just an hour away outside of historic Alamogordo.  This national treasure of dunes and fun provides visitors with a unique "waterless" beach experience.  An exciting day trip for students of history, the Alamogordo area features museums and historical sites related to development of rocket and space travel and the entry into the atomic age.

There is so much to see and do in Ruidoso!

Golf

Ruidoso is home to the Southwest's most concentrated access to first class golf courses.  The Inn Of The Mountain Gods championship golf course has been consistently rated as one of the top 35 golf courses in the nation.   In town, the lovely Cree Meadows course, has been entertaining visitors since 1947.  Likewise, The Links at Sierra Blanca combines Scottish style golf with an alpine flavor in a unique public course situated at a 7,000 ft elevation. Nearby Alto Lakes offers an opportunity for golf among the wildlife with a course rating of 69.6 and a slope of 128 on blue grass.  As well, Rainmakers features alpine golf among the cool Ponderosa pines.  There are a number of other public and private courses throughout Ruidoso and the surrounding area, with 9 hole and 18 hole challenges, so no day has to go by without a new adventure.   

Winter Sports

Ski Apache is the crowning jewel of winter snow sports in the southern United States.  With a peak in excess of 12,000 ft, and a ski run at 11,600 ft Ski Apache offers challenging runs and breathtaking scenery for skiers, boarders, and all those seeking winter thrills.  A short hour away, Ski Cloudcroft is a relaxed, family oriented seasonal ski area which features snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and downhill runs.

Casinos

Ruidoso is the home of several casinos.  The famous Inn of the Mountain Gods casino is minutes away, boasting an international buffet and over 900 machines and tables.  Casino Apache is located on historic Highway 70.  Billy The Kid Casino is right next door to Ruidoso Downs, home to exciting quarter horse racing and gaming.