This lesser-known New Mexico town is welcoming visitors again, a must-visit weekend getaway as the community continues to recover from last year’s wildfires and flash floods.
Ruidoso is located in the Sacramento Mountains, about 180 miles southeast of Albuquerque. This village of 7,500 people, surrounded by pine trees, offers a cool escape in southern New Mexico’s desert. With its outdoor adventures, vibrant art scene, and rich local history, it remains a favorite summer destination.
Visiting is now easier because Contour Airlines has started new nonstop flights from Denver to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport. These are the first commercial flights the airport has seen in more than 15 years. “It gives our locals access to other markets, where they can fly to Denver and then anywhere in the world,” Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said. “It also opens our doors to visitors from the Denver market so they can discover what makes our town special.”
Most restaurants, hotels, shops and attractions have reopened, but some areas remain under repair after the 2024 South Fork and Salt fires and flooding.
Ruidoso has much more to offer than just mountain views. There are year-round outdoor activities, horse racing at Ruidoso Downs, casinos, and family attractions. Lincoln National Forest is nearby, where you can hike, mountain bike, fish, watch wildlife, or take scenic drives through the Sacrament. You can also visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West, explore historic Lincoln, famous for its connection to Billy the Kid, or enjoy local wineries, breweries, and artisan shops.
Ruidoso is usually 20 to 30 degrees cooler than lower areas, attracting summer visitors for live music, festivals, and outdoor markets.
Tourism officials say that when visitors spend money, it directly supports small businesses, hotels, and restaurants affected by the disasters, and helps keep local jobs. Some burn scars are still visible, and travelers should follow any posted closures, but most of the village is open and ready to welcome guests.
