Bear Den is a true rustic log cabin. Built of knotty pine in the late 1940s by an experienced carpenter, it is surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines. One of six cabins that make up Bear Mountain Lodge, it is also part of the two-acre Apache Village enclave. Deer are a common sight; the trilling of hummingbirds makes a delightful soundtrack during the day and owls take up the music duties at night. Toss in the occasional elk herd and wild turkey, wrap it all up in pine-fragranced mountain breezes and you have the perfect opportunity to be at one with Mother Nature.

The cabin itself is as charming as you’d expect a vintage cabin to be, with knotty-pine walls, floors and ceilings as well as a small but delightful covered front porch. Of course, a myriad of updates have been made to the property since it was built. For starters, the two bathrooms—one on each floor—include handsome tiling and thoroughly modern showers. There’s a wall-mounted flat-screen TV with cable you can watch in the living/dining area, rooms have air-conditioning as well as ceiling fans and the kitchenette includes a refrigerator/freezer, oven/stove, coffeemaker and microwave.

You can also cook and dine alfresco. Bear Den has two gas grills, one on its front porch and a second on the upper balcony. Whether it’s trout reeled in from one of the lakes or steaks from the grocery store, they’ll taste even better when barbecued outdoors and savored at the picnic table in the front yard. Or perhaps you want to join forces with the guests staying at Big Bear cabin next door, since Bear Den’s balcony adjoins that of Big Bear. If you’re vacationing with a group, why not rent both cabins? Of the six Bear Mountain Lodge cabins, Bear Den and Big Bear have three bedrooms; Dancing Bear, Sleeping Bear and Bear Bones have two bedrooms; and Brother Bear has one.

One of Bear Den’s upstairs bedrooms opens directly onto the balcony. You’ll be able to step outside for late-night stargazing without waking the others. There’s a second bedroom upstairs as well, with the third on the main floor. All three feature queen-size beds. In addition, the living room couch opens into a twin bed, so that Bear Den can sleep seven guests in all. When you arrive, you’ll find the beds already made up, plenty of towels for the bathroom and extra bedding ready and waiting. If you need a nap or a shower after your travels, you can enjoy one right away.

Bear Den is within walking distance of everything from supermarkets to bars. Can’t Stop Smokin’, the Ranchers Steak and Seafood Restaurant and Grill Caliente are just a sampling of the restaurants you can stroll to in just a few minutes. What’s more, you can drive to Grindstone Lake in five minutes and Alto and Mescalero Lakes in 10, all three of which are regularly stocked with trout or catfish. A number of golf courses, including Links at Sierra Blanca, are equally close. The Hubbard Museum of the American West is only 15 minutes away, historic Fort Stanton a half-hour and Ski Apache less than a 40-minute drive. Bear Den is an ideal location for making the most of everything Ruidoso has to offer.

Conveniently located, uniquely charming and wonderfully affordable, Bear Den is an ideal home away from home while you’re visiting Ruidoso. Don’t miss out: Book your stay today.

Please remember that Ruidoso is a mountain town with snow and icy conditions during the winter. This can affect driving and parking conditions regardless of the property, driveway, or roads. 4x4 or chains may be necessary to access the house during winter months.

If you are trying to book within 48 hours of arrival please call 575-258-5200 during business hours to make any last minute reservations.