When I left White Sands, the day was blindingly bright and white hot — you could almost cook an egg on the asphalt. Just after Tularosa, the highway climbed up into the Sierra Blanca mountains, and I slid my sunroof open and rolled down my window.
I was headed for Ruidoso, a mountain oasis in southern New Mexico. I stuck my hand into the cool air whipping past the car — oh, better than air conditioning — and the smell of the pines! What a breath of fresh air after the daytime heat of lower altitudes.
The whisper of wind through the Ponderosa must be one of the most magical sounds of the American West. Ponderosa pines are towering trees, and recently took the title of tallest pine in the world at a staggering 268.35 feet high! Normal height for these trees ranges between 150-223 feet.
The Sierra Blanca Mountains are home to the Mescalero Apache, whose reservation is adjacent to Ruidoso. Historically, the Mescalero Apache were nomadic hunters and warriors, fierce and capable of raiding Spanish and American settlements. Expert in the art of guerrilla warfare, the Apache successfully resisted the U.S. army for years.
The present reservation was established in 1883. Today, a Tribal Council of eight members with an elected President and Vice-President govern the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The Apache own the Inn of the Mountain Gods resort and casino in the Ruidoso area.
Visitors have a wide range of lodging to choose from in Ruidoso, from hotels, to cabins or camping, to a range of vacation homes. Find Places to stay in Ruidoso.
A River Runs Through It
Well, actually two rivers run through it!
The headwaters of the Ruidoso River start near Sierra Blanca Peak (11,981 ft.) and run for thirty miles, and then there is Carrizo Creek a 145 mile river through New Mexico and Texas, which is a sub-tributary of the Canadian River.
In addition, Ruidoso sports two scenic lakes: Alto Lake (pictured above), Grindstone Lake, perfect for fishing or boating.
You’ll find four kinds of trout: Brook, Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brown — so this is a perfect place for fly fishing.
Brown trout were introduced from Europe into New Mexico during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Often called “German Browns” — they are reputed to be the most difficult to catch.
To spend a day on the river, surrounded by tall trees, and to focus on bringing in that elusive trout — for those who love this kind of fishing, there is nothing better:
“Poets talk about “spots of time,” but it is really fishermen who experience eternity compressed into a moment. No one can tell what a spot of time is until suddenly the whole world is a fish and the fish is gone.”
— Norman Maclean. A River Runs Through It.
There are SO many places in the area to do fly fishing that you’ll want to do some research on which suits you best. Some areas are catch and release only, others you may keep what you catch. Review options for fly fishing around Ruidoso here. Read here to review general state fishing laws for Trout and Salmon regulations and limits for New Mexico.
Hiking and Mountain Biking
Perhaps you just want to hike away from the modern world and leave everything behind for a bit. You’ll find great hiking around Alto and Grindstone Lakes, as well as miles of trails through the Lincoln National Park — popular for possible wildlife sightings.
If mountain biking is your thing, you can choose from Grindstone Lake’s the 18 miles of biking trails, the 30 miles of trails at Cedar Creek, or hit Ski Apache for their downhill mountain trails.
The Glorious American Quarter Horse
What do you get when you cross Spanish Mestizo horses with English thoroughbreds? The American Quarter Horse!
In the 1500’s, Spain imported many kinds of horses to Mexico: the Barb, the Jennet, and the Andalusian, to name just a few. A Mestizo (meaning mixed blood), was the result — tough, sturdy, smart — well-suited to the rough work of colonial life. Then the English introduced their horses to North America, most notably the Thoroughbred. By the late 17th century, these Mestizo-Thoroughbred crosses were winning races on quarter-mile dirt tracks all over the colonies.
Quarter Horses are fast and sturdy, and highly competent at cutting cattle. Little wonder they became the most popular horse in the American West.
Whether you’re wanting to do some trail riding, or more into watching the fastest Quarter Horses in America race, Ruidoso has you covered. You might choose go horseback riding with Grindstone Stables, or head over to Runnels Bonita Stables, choose a mount, and see the Sierra Blancas from a whole different perspective.
Several herds of wild horses call the Ruidoso area home as well, and it’s not unusual to find them grazing around town or in the forest.
Live racing season runs from just before Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Check for current schedule. The ultimate celebration of this wonderful horse? The Grade 1, $3 million All American Futurity — 440 yards to glory. This is not only the world’s richest Quarter Horse race, it is also the world’s richest race for a two year old horse of ANY breed.
Ruidoso offers so many things to do — it’s wonderful, whether you’re looking for long weekend getaway, or a place to spend a week’s vacation. Visitors might alternate hiking and fishing with day trips to the White Sands National monument, the quaint town of Cloudcroft, or visit Lincoln Historic District and learn more about Billy the Kid.
At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than returning to your home away from home in the Sierra Blanca mountains.
This post was sponsored by the Village of Ruidoso.
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Great article and photos. This piece reminds me that I need to get back to New Mexico, there are so many stories there. White Sands and Ruidoso are both on my list. 😉
Superb! Beautiful pictures and well written. I’m in the U.K. and our fishing is different in places, methods etc.. Great read, thank you.
Thank you!
Kudos to Michael Yero! The pictures of the fish are amazing! I love to fish, and this sounds like such a nice place to do that. The smell of pine…the fishing… the cabins… who could ask for anything more? I need to pin this so I’ll remember for a future trip.
I don’t partake in horse riding or fishing but I’d love to go Ruidoso just for those views and that cabin! I’ve been wanting/needing to get to New Mexico for some time. My friend just moved to Phoenix so maybe I need to get out that way soon!
My aunt lives in Albuquerque, and I always thought that New Mexico was just a flat barren desert with nothing to offer. Let’s be honest Albuquerque doesn’t have much but this place looks like it is my kind of vibe. And seeing that they have horse racing and that horses are revered, makes me want to move there pronto!
When I went to Ruidoso the first time, I was surprised. Like you, I was expecting it to be more similar to the southern part of New Mexico — in other words: desert. I really did feel that I’d found an oasis.
“You could almost cook an egg on the asphalt” — geez, that’s HOT! I actually hadn’t heard of Ruidoso before your post, so I’m glad you shared it with us. It looks like a perfect place for a trail ride! I’ve been getting more into mountain towns lately, so I’ll have to add it to my rapidly expanding list.
I love the mountains! It may be because I’ve lived all of my life in the hot and humid Gulf south. Ruidoso is my idea of a perfect summer retreat.
I’ve never been to the southwest USA but your posts are really convincing me to do a visit! This sounds like a great day trip. I don’t know much about horses, but fly fishing for those gorgeous trout would be right up my alley.
I think the huge contrasts in landscape in the Southwest are perhaps the most amazing part of driving trips here.
I just discovered Ruidoso myself and it is such an outdoor wonderland, I’m planning my first trip this winter. I know that a lot of people from West Texas are familiar with it, but the secret is out now so the rest of us can enjoy it! Can’t wait to taste one of those trouts!
And I would LOVE to see the Quarter Horse races! I was there at the wrong time of year — will need to make a return trip.
I am not familiar with Ruidoso but it love how quiet and lush it looks! Fly fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding… so many great outdoor fun one can have there. I have never done horseback riding in the US, that would be something to consider next time!
I always think of horse racing when I think of Ruidoso. I used to work in White Sands and Ruidoso Downs showed up on the corner of the tourist maps. I asked everybody what it was until I finely learned it was a race track. New Mexico has so many different climates there. Ruidoso is such a cool and unexpected mountain town.
It’s kind of funny — that it’s because the people who drew the White Sands tourist map decided to include Ruidoso Downs — that’s how you found the town.
I can’t believe how tall the Ponderosa pines are! I had no idea they were the tallest pines in the world, but 268 feet?? Dang! I’ve only driven through New Mexico (spending the night in Albuquerque) on the way home to Alabama when we lived in California but it looks like one of those sleeper states that has so much to offer! Those trout are huge-I love Rainbow Trout especially. But I would totally visit Ruidoso for the horses. I wouldn’t call myself a rider by any means but I do like to ride!
Yes, an old Ponderosa can be really tall!