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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!