As spring ends and summer arrives, New Mexico will buzz with warm-weather activities, festivals, and excitement. From outdoor concerts to summer festivals and outdoor attractions in towns like Ruidoso, Mescalero, and Alamogordo, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in New Mexico in June:
Chuckwagon Suppers & Western Shows at Flying J Ranch
Where: 1028 Highway 28 North, Alto
Contact: 575-336-4330
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 10.7 miles
This immersive old-west experience puts visitors into the heart of an old-west village, complete with delicious chuckwagon suppers, western shows with world champion yodeling, gold panning, pony rides, and much more. The Flying J Ranch is recognized as one of the top attractions in New Mexico, and it’s easy to see why.
During June, all of the fun starts every evening (except Sundays) at 5:30 pm and continues with live shows, music, and food. Tickets start at $35 per person, $19 per child ages 4 through 12, and are free for kids ages 3 and under. See our full list of things to do in New Mexico with kids!
Sunset Strolls at White Sands National Park
Where: 19955 Highway 70 West, Alamogordo
Contact: 575-479-6124
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 51.4 miles
The glistening, wave-like sand dunes of White Sands National Park are a stunning sight to behold. In fact, it’s one of our favorite places to visit in southern New Mexico. The park is the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field, encompassing 275-square miles of desert and is home to a variety of desert plants and animals.
During June, visitors can enjoy a ranger-guided Sunset Stroll at the park. The Sunset Stroll gives visitors a hiking opportunity during a cooler time of the day and provides outstanding views of the rolling dunes with a sunset backdrop. During the warmer months, we recommend packing plenty of water for a White Sands National Park trip and abiding by the White Sands National Park safety guidelines.
Championship New Mexico Golf with Low Rates
Where: 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero
Contact: 575-464-7945
Located at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Designed by famous golf-course architect Ted Robinson, the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort Championship Golf Course has the best views of any golf course in New Mexico. Ranked as one of the top casino golf courses by Golf Digest, it features beautiful fast-breaking greens and an island fairway that offers plenty of challenges but a rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels. Golf rates consider the day of the week, time of day, weather, and golfer demand for dynamic custom rates catered to each player.
Book in advance to get the best deal!
Zipline Above Inn of the Mountain Gods
Where: 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero
Contact: 1-800-545-9011
Located at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Get the finest views of the Inn of the Mountain Gods with a soaring adventure on the Apache Eagle Ziprider. Measuring 2,668 feet in length and reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, the Apache Eagle Ziprider is one of the most thrilling experiences in southern New Mexico. And most importantly, riders can enjoy the experience with a friend thanks to optional side-by-side ziplines. For even more thrills, visit the Apache Wind Rider ZipTour at Ski Apache.
Outdoor Activities at Ski Apache
Where: 1286 Ski Run Road, Alto
Contact: 575-464-3600
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 21.5 miles
Looking for outdoor thrills? Ski Apache is the place for you! Ski Apache is New Mexico’s premier summertime destination. Located in the Sierra Blanca mountains of Alto, New Mexico, Ski Apache offers biking and hiking trails, bike rentals, gondola rides, and one of the world’s longest ziptours, the Apache Wind Rider ZipTour!
Ski Apache is home to three hiking trails that will suit hikers of most ages. The Lookout Trail hike takes just 10-15 minutes before you reach a viewing area featuring 360-degree views of Ski Apache.
Sierra Blanca Trail and Crest Trail are each more than 2 miles long and take hikers 1900 feet in elevation for magnificent alpine views.
Find more details and how to plan your adventure here. Learn more about our lodging near Ski Apache. Want to hike in New Mexico? See our list of the finest Mescalero and Ruidoso hiking trails.
DAY OF RECREATION AT PILLOW’S FUNTRACKERS
Where: 101 Carrizo Canyon Road, Ruidoso
Contact: (575) 257-3275
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 3.4 miles
June is an ideal time for go-karts, mini-golf, and bumper boats. Pillow’s Funtrackers has all that, plus a maze and arcade games, too. It’s all the elements you need for family fun, most of it outdoors. Also, check out the newly opened Arkadia Virtual Reality Arena, where six players can participate in stunning VR experiences.
Gem mining is open in the summer. Ask about a discount ticket package to extend your fun!
WINGFIELD PARK GROWERS MARKET
Where: Wingfield Park, 300 Center Street, Ruidoso
Contact: (575) 257-5030
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 3.6 miles
One glance at the produce and other goods on hand, and you’ll be glad you visited the Wingfield Park Growers Market. At this open-air market travelers will find local-grown fruits and vegetables, art, baked goods, wine, and more. You’ll also find everything from raw wool to roving and yarn to finished fiber products. Get your food and gifts in one spot on your New Mexico getaway at the Wingfield Park Growers Market.
GUS MACKER TOURNAMENT
When: June 3rd and 4th
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods
Looking for family-friendly competition? The Gus Macker Tournament at Inn of the Mountain Gods is the original 3-on-3 basketball festival for basketball players who love the game. The tournament includes a slam-dunk contest and a 3-point contest with prizes totaling $1,500!
The event will be packed with family fun such as live local music, Native American arts and crafts, jumping balloons, and a family movie on the lawn at the Inn of the Mountain Gods on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Ludacris at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: June 27th
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods
This American rapper, actor, and record producer will bring his tour to Mescalero for a one-night show. This Grammy Award winner is an influential figure in southern hip-hop and puts on one of the most entertaining shows in his genre. Tickets will go fast and furious! Buy your concert tickets soon.
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival
Where: June 17th and 18th
Where: Wingfield Park, 300 Center Street, Ruidoso
The 4th Annual Brewdoso kicks off on Saturday, June 17 at Wingfield Park in Ruidoso for a two-day brews-and-food festival. Enjoy samples from local breweries and wineries, delicious food, kid’s activities, and live music for a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment. Single-day tickets are $20 (non-tasting) and $35 (tasting), weekend passes are $50 (tasting), and VIP weekend passes are $100 (tasting). Admission for children ages 13 and under is free, but you must be 14 to enter the VIP area. Wingfield Park is just 3.6 miles from the Inn of the Mountain Gods.
TAKE A HORSEBACK TOUR AT GRINDSTONE STABLES
Where: 523 Resort Drive, Ruidoso
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 3.3 miles
Sit in the saddle and ride with knowledgeable wranglers for a fun ride with Grindstone Stables. Riders will enjoy views of Grindstone Lake and Sierra Blanca during a horseback tour. Grindstone Stables tours are great family activities and reasonably priced. Book ahead — spots fill fast. They’ll match you with a horse according to your riding experience. Tours are one hour, and the staff can accommodate special needs.
Plus, Inn of the Mountain Gods guests won’t have to travel far to enjoy the alpine air thanks to the Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables. Located on site, Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables offers group rides throughout the day.
ROADRUNNER EMPORIUM NEW YORK AVENUE STREET FESTIVAL WITH DJ MAJIC OF NEW ORLEANS
When: June 2nd
Where: Roadrunner Emporium Fine Arts Gallery & More, Alamogordo
It’s a block party unlike any other! The Roadrunner Emporium New York Avenue Street Festival is Southern New Mexico’s largest DJ block party. DJ Majic will rock the house straight out of New Orleans. DJ Fletch and others will be on hand for dancing in the street. The party will happen between the 800 and 900 blocks of New York Avenue in Alamogordo, from 5-10 p.m. Come hear blues, soul, southern jass, and Zydeco music.
Visit the beer garden, food trucks, and displays from artisans selling their ware. Check the event website for updates.
NOISE POLLUTION: THE AC/DC CONCERT EXPERIENCE
When: June 3rd
Where: Flickinger Center for Performing Arts, Alamogordo
If your goal is to rock it out this summer, this is the show for you. Tribute band Noise Pollution is renowned for its AC/DC replication. The band, out of San Diego, has mastered both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras of AC/DC performances. Take a chronological ride through the Australian superband’s history. Noise Pollution plays to sold-out crowds all over the world.
A DAY AT THE NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF SPACE HISTORY
Where: 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo
Contact: (575) 437-2840
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 44.4 miles
Let your enthusiasm for space exploration lead you to the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. The museum is home to the Space Hall of Fame and interesting artifacts and exhibits of space exploration. Check out the view of the Tularosa Basin, the site of many experiments for space exploration technology. And visit the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium for fascinating programs.
ROADRUNNER EMPORIUM NEW YORK AVENUE, ALAMOGORDO GHOST & HISTORY TOUR
When: June 10th
Where: Roadrunner Emporium Fine Arts Gallery & More, Alamogordo
Learn how ghost stories belong to Alamogordo’s history. In the Roadrunner Emporium New York Avenue Alamogordo Ghost & History Tour, historians Chris Edwards, Alice Weiman, and others take you on a walking tour of this desert town. Hear ghost stories from the late 1800s and early 1900s on New York Avenue.
You’ll get a light lunch and specialty beverages, and visit historical sites, such as the Roadrunner Emporium, built in 1900. The tour takes about 4 hours.