Ruidoso, New Mexico Recreation
Rec-re-a-tion
(rek’re a’shun) n. any play, amusement, etc. used for
refreshment of body or mind
Get ready for a whole lot of recreation in Ruidoso. At around 7,000
feet above sea level, the community is an alpine oasis; surrounded
by desert for many miles in all directions. The climate alone is a
big reason that so many people like to visit here. A hot day in the
summer is in the mid 80s, not 100 plus degrees. In winter the
elevations are high enough to receive a lot of snow, yet the
temperatures are relatively mild with the southerly latitude in New
Mexico.
The major attractions in the area include Ski Apache, Ruidoso Downs
Racetrack, Flying J Ranch, Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts,
casinos and the Lincoln National Forest. Find multiple public
facilities to bang a tennis ball or play a round of golf. Rent a
bike and take a leisurely cruise on the path around the Links Golf
Course or hit the trails for some rugged mountain biking. Horseback
riding is available through several outfitters. You may sign up for
a simple 1 hour trail ride close to town or longer, even overnight,
excursions into the White Mountain Wilderness.
Would you like to drown a worm and catch a trout? The season opens
on April 1st at Bonito Lake, but you may fish all year around at
Grindstone Lake and in the Rio Ruidoso. The lakes are excellent
locations to go birding as well. Check out our house named “River
Retreat”. You can fish from the deck! Fishing licenses are available
from Western Auto or Wal-Mart.
In the winter Ski Apache is the primary, but not the only
destination for winter fun. Ruidoso Winter Park at the start of Hwy.
532 from Hwy. 48 offers tubing with a tow. They offer many nights of
operation beyond their daytime hours. At Ski Apache beginners are
winners every day. First time beginners receive a free lift ticket
with the purchase of a group lesson. The variety of trails is well
balanced for all levels of ability. Check out the views from the top
of Apache bowl at 11,500 feet – on a clear day you can see well over
100 miles at a glance.
Touring the area by car increases the possibilities further for
recreational alternatives. Explore the old gold mining ghost town of
White Oaks. Pack a picnic and head for the gleaming gypsum sand
dunes of White Sands National Monument. Roam around the beautiful
countryside of the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Soak up the history
at Fort Stanton that was built in 1855 long before New Mexico became
a state. For an easy half day trip we recommend trying the 70 mile
Billy the Kid Scenic Byway which is supported by its own visitor
center in Ruidoso Downs.
Many times it is best to just kick back and enjoy some peace and
quiet. However you choose to refresh your mind and body, you will
find Ruidoso the perfect place to do so. |
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