Alto Lake
It’s on my adventure bucket list to eventually visit every state. I’ve been wanting to cross New Mexico off of that list for some time because they have the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the White Sands National Monument.
In my research I learned about Ruidoso, New Mexico, a mountain village that is somewhat off the beaten path. After learning a bit more, I’ve added this western destination to my list of places to visit when I finally make it to New Mexico.
Here are 5 adventurous reasons to visit Ruidoso:
1. Wind Rider Zip Tour and Wind Rider Dark
The mountainous setting of Ruidoso makes it a ski destination in the winter, but in the summers the Ski Apache ski resort becomes a thrillseekers paradise. The Wind Rider ZipTour offers a three-part zip tour reaching more than 8,900 feet in length with spectacular views of the Mescalero range while zipping them down the mountain at speeds as fast as 65 mph.
You can also experience this zip tour at night! This sounds like my kind of thrill!
2. Camping
There are several places to camp in Ruidoso, from privately owned to camping within the Lincoln National Forest. Find more information on camping locations here.
3. Hiking and Biking Trails
There is an abundance of scenic hiking and biking trails through the Ruidoso area. The Grindstone Lake loop trail looked like a very relaxing and beautiful hike to add to my list.
4. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in the Lincoln National Forest, near Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA.
When in the location of places with historical ties to western legends like Billy the Kid, it’s only right that you do some exploration on horseback. There are many horse friendly trails and numerous places to help you plan an equestrian adventure for you.
5. Day Trips
White Sands National Monument / Photo Credit: National Park Service
Ruidoso is within an hour to 2 hours of some really unique adventures that make for very feasible day trips. I would love to make the drive to the infamous white desert of the White Sands National Monument, the UFO Museum, and the Carlsbad Caverns.
Ruidoso, New Mexico is definitely a great option for a summer or early fall travel destination to experience a few new adventures with beautiful mountain vistas. I’m so glad I’ve added this little known destination to my list!
Love it? Pin it!
This post was sponsored by Ruidoso New Mexico Tourism. All photos used with permission courtesy of Kerry Gladden (The Agency).
7 Comments
Tyra
August 15, 2017 at 4:04 pmThis looks amazing! And I have been wanting to get to White Sands! Absolutely beautiful!
Lauren
August 15, 2017 at 4:17 pmI can’t wait to see White Sands too!
nadeen
August 15, 2017 at 7:12 pmI haven’t been to New Mexico but this looks amazing! I usually flock to beaches but Im learning to appreciate the mountains more and the great outdoors. I will have to go just to see the White Sands!
Tia | Pennies In My Pocket
August 17, 2017 at 9:00 amThis sounds like it would be a great place for an outdoorsy adventure. I have not yet explored New Mexico but I will keep Ruidosa in mind when I do.
Eva
August 18, 2017 at 5:53 amOh! I love the sand photos. Never been to New Mexico, but it looks like this would be a great place to start.
Mimi Green
August 18, 2017 at 11:26 amThis place is filled with adventure. I would be down for Zip Tour, I love to zip line. I’ve always wanted to ride a horse, that is still on my bucket list.
Keyonda
August 22, 2017 at 6:17 pmYou are a dare devil! Lol. This looks like fun though. It’s a blessing to knock things off your bucket list.