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12 Can’t-Miss Things to Do Near Ruidoso, New Mexico

These are the best things to do near Ruidoso, NM for the outdoorsy types, the pampering types, the thrill seekers, and everyone in between.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, there’s something to do for all ages near Ruidoso. And travelers that choose to stay at our hotel near Ruidoso are just steps from many of the activities below!

Now let’s get to it.

Place your bet at the casino

The Casino at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Test your luck on the casino floor at Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino

The casino is filled with machine games, table games, and much more, so players will have plenty of games to choose from. 

Plus, there are casino promotions happening monthly, so guests will never miss a chance at winning big!

Ideal for: Anyone over 21

Cost: Up to the gamer

Time Commitment: Up to the gamer

Difficulty Level: Totally accessible game floor

Address and Contact Information: Located on-site at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Take in the views on horseback

horse and horseback rider

Trot through the majestic Mescalero landscape on horseback with Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables.

This is the perfect option for a romantic excursion or honeymoon activity, and a great idea for families with kiddos that want to explore the natural beauty of New Mexico in a unique way.

Discover more things to do in New Mexico with kids!

Ideal for: Families with Kids, Romantic Excursions, Group Trips

Cost: Varies depending on length of ride, from one hour at $60 per person to full-day horseback trips at $450 per person

Time Commitment: One hour, two hours, half day, or full day

Difficulty Level: Requires some agility to mount and ride horse

Address and Contact Information: Located on-site at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Enjoy the best warm-weather powder skiing in the world

skiers at ski apache new mexico ski resort

There’s no better way to enjoy the New Mexico alpine air than a ski trip to Ski Apache.

Nestled on Sierra Blanca in Alto, New Mexico, Ski Apache has slopes and trails for all experience levels. So even if you’ve never skied a day in your life, you’re still sure to have an unforgettable experience at this New Mexico ski resort.

During the winter months, Ski Apache offers ski rentals, snowboard rentals, and lessons. And with 11 ski lifts available, riders will have no trouble getting to and from the best slopes on the mountain.

Aside from the best skiing in the state, during the summer months, Ski Apache becomes a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing.

Plus, Ski Apache’s ZipTour will provide additional thrills. The ZipTour is Ski Apache’s three-part heart-pumping zipline. Sitting at 11,489 feet in elevation, riders will reach flying speeds at over 60 miles per hour!

Ideal for: Families with Kids, Thrill Seekers, Group Trips

Cost: Equipment rentals and lessons vary

Time Commitment: Choose your own adventure – take to the slopes all day, or get your fill with a couple runs and then retreat to your cozy room at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Difficulty Level: Requires agility to ski, snowboard, etc., but a variety of slopes are available to accommodate all skill levels

Address and Contact Information: 1286 Ski Run Rd, Alto, NM 88312

Fishing and boating at Lake Mescalero

kayaking at Lake Mescalero

Rent a rod and head to Lake Mescalero for the best fishing in the area. Lake Mescalero is stocked annually with beautiful trout that are waiting for you to catch them!

Or enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding with rentals at Inn of the Mountain Gods for additional lakeside relaxation and excitement.

Ideal for: Thrill Seekers, Outdoor Explorers

Cost: Fishing $28+ tax per person, with rod rental, boat rental, and bait available for additional fees
Kayaking and paddleboarding $35-40 per half-hour

Time Commitment: Up to the fisherman; kayaking and paddleboard rentals by the half-hour

Difficulty Level: Requires some agility to fish. More exertion required for kayaking or paddleboarding

Address and Contact Information: Located on-site at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Reach speeds Of up to 55 miles per hour

apache eagle ziprider at inn of the mountain gods

The Apache Eagle Ziprider is one of the area’s most thrilling outdoor experiences! 

Riders will fly up to 55 miles per hour and soar 2,668 feet in length above Lake Mescalero.

Plus, you can experience the thrills with a friend thanks to side-by-side ziplines!

play a round of golf

The Inn of the Mountain Gods Championship Golf Course features beautiful greens and picturesque fairways, perfect for a morning or afternoon enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, Inn of the Mountain Gods’ dynamic pricing puts you in total control to get the best tee times that meet your needs. Discover why Inn of the Mountain Gods Championship Golf Course is voted one of the most stunning golf courses in New Mexico!

Ideal for: Solo Travelers, Group Trips

Cost: Dynamic Pricing – learn more here

Time Commitment: About four hours per round

Difficulty Level: Light exertion physically, but this is a challenging course!

Address and Contact Information: Located on-site at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Hunt for big game

mescalero big game hunts at inn of the mountain gods

The Mescalero Apache Reservation is teeming with wildlife, including prized bull and cow elk, bear, and wild turkey.

So what’s stopping you from planning your dream hunt?

Mescalero Big Game Hunts offers hunts starting at $600, so wild game hunters get to enjoy unique excursions and live out their dream hunts from turkeys to trophy bull elks.

You can also visit the Hunting Lodge Clay Range to perfect your shot.

Ideal for: Thrill Seekers, Outdoor Adventurers, Group Trips

Cost: Beginning at $600

Time Commitment: Dependent on hunt chosen

Difficulty Level: Dependent on hunt chosen

Address and Contact Information: Located on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, Phone: (575) 464-9770 / (575) 464-7448

Cheer for live entertainment

Mescalero Entertainment

The best entertainment near Ruidoso is happening at Inn of the Mountain Gods. 

Inn of the Mountain Gods has regularly hosted Grammy award-winning artists, nationally renowned comedy acts, and the best performers in the region, including names like Snoop Dogg, Kane Brown, WAR, and much more!

Just visit our New Mexico entertainment page to find out more about who’s coming to Inn of the Mountain Gods soon!

Ideal for: All Groups

Cost: Ticket prices vary

Time Commitment: Show durations vary

Difficulty Level: Mostly standing room with select seats and ADA area available

Address and Contact Information: On-site at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Pamper yourself with a spa day

spa at the inn treatment

For the ones that consider a getaway to include more relaxation than thrills, The Spa at the Inn is calling your name.

From Mescalero sumac rose purifying treatments to innovative oxygen treatments that soothe and recharge, there are dozens of spa and salon options that will leave you feeling like a new and better you.

Below are just some of the services offered at The Spa at the Inn:

Ideal for: Solo Travelers, Romantic Getaways

Cost: Depends on treatments

Time Commitment: Depends on treatments

Difficulty Level: None!

Address and Contact Information: Located on-site at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Experience the best dining in the area

broken arrow tap house dish with beer

Enjoy classics for breakfast, pub bites and craft beers for lunch, and aged steaks and fine wine for dinner, all at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.

You’ll find unique restaurants with their own flavors and atmospheres all within the resort. 

From the best selection of beers around at Broken Arrow Tap House to signature dining with a view at Wendell’s Steak & Seafood, there’s something for all appetites to savor.

Or enjoy Inn of the Mountain Gods’ newest dining experience: The Market at the Mountain.

Ideal for: Everyone!

Cost: Varies by venue

Time Commitment: Varies by venue

Difficulty Level: Deciding what to eat is the only challenge here

Address and Contact Information: All located on-site at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Sled the sand dunes at White Sands

white sands national park

You’ve heard of skiing the slopes at Ski Apache, but what about sledding the sand dunes at White Sands National Park?

A favorite among all ages, White Sands National Park presents an assortment of outdoor activities including hiking, sightseeing, scenic drives, and of course, sledding the white sand dunes!

Discover more places to visit in southern New Mexico!

Ideal for: Outdoor Adventurers, Thrill Seekers, Families with Kids

Cost: Depends on activities

Time Commitment: Up to you!

Difficulty Level: Requires strength and coordination to walk among the dunes, and more to sled the slopes safely

Address and Contact Information: White Sands National Park, 19955 Highway 70 West
Alamogordo, NM 88310

Visit Grindstone Lake

colorful Kayaks by the lakeside

Grindstone Lake Recreation Area offers a hodgepodge of outdoor activities for all ages.

From wildlife viewing to boat rentals, disc golf to swimming, and picnics to hiking, Grindstone Lake is a popular spot for outdoor adventure and fresh air.

Ideal for: Families with Kids, Romantic Getaways, Group Trips, Outdoor Adventurers

Cost: Varies by activities such as kayak rental, boat rentals, etc.

Time Commitment: Up to you!

Difficulty Level: Some activities require more than others

Address and Contact Information: Grindstone Lake Recreation Area, 111 Wiggins Way, off Resort Drive

Find additional activities and things to do at and near Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino!

Sound like fun? Now’s the time to find the best hotel accommodations near Ruidoso!

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