The Ruidoso center point is approximately the area of Innsbrook Village Country Club and the area of Downtown Ruidoso.
Thanks to its elevated location, the Ruidoso area experiences a subtropical highland climate with relatively moderate weather throughout the year. The area does have seasonal temperature variations, though, with warm summers and chilly winters. Visit in July, and you'll find high temperatures in the low 80s and about four inches of rain over the course of the month. In December, highs typically reach the upper 40s and a few inches of snow fall throughout the month.
Due to the chilly weather, winter tends to be the least expensive time to visit Ruidoso. If you're planning to visit during peak season in spring, book in advance for lower rates or be prepared to spend a little more for great accommodations.
While you'll be able to join in many of Ruidoso's most popular annual events during the spring, you'll also find plenty of fun-filled festivals in other seasons. In March, the Mountain Living Home & Garden Show draws attendees from all around to see the latest home decor, try gourmet foods, and watch cookware and decor demonstrations. This engaging event might even inspire you make the Ruidoso area your permanent home!
In mid-May, motorcycle enthusiasts gather in Ruidoso for the AspenCash Motorcycle Rally, which features a massive trade show and impressive competitions. Late May marks the beginning of racing season at Ruidoso Downs as well as the Two Rivers All Handcrafted Arts and Crafts Festival. Music fans won't want to miss the Wind Rider Music Festival in early June, and rodeo buffs will want to stake out the perfect spot to cheer on the Smokey Bear Stampede in early July.
Make your trip to Ruidoso even more affordable by applying hotel discounts to your stay. AAA members and AARP members get discounts at the Comfort Inn - Midtown and the Best Western Plus Ruidoso Inn. Government employees and members of the military get low rates at the Travelodge Ruidoso and the Super 8 Ruidoso.
Get the ideal balance between price and amenities at Ruidoso's best mid-range hotels.
For a convenient location in the heart of Ruidoso, plan your stay at the Comfort Inn - Midtown. Guests rave about the hotel's location, which is within walking distance of shopping and dining, as well as the clean and comfortable rooms and the wide variety of options at the complimentary breakfast buffet. Guest rooms at the Comfort Inn include essentials like free Wi-Fi, workspaces, and mini fridges, and the hotel also offers a family-friendly indoor pool and spa tub. You can even store your skis right on site and cozy up by the lobby fireplace during a winter visit.
When you stay at the Swiss Chalet Inn, you'll have quick access to Ruidoso's downhill skiing areas. This inn is also just minutes from downtown Ruidoso and Alto. Enjoy the views from your guest room, which includes free Wi-Fi and a coffee maker, or head out and explore this scenic area. Don't forget to help yourself to a free cup of coffee or tea in the common area before hitting the slopes in the morning. Use the inn's laundry facilities to keep your ski gear fresh.
For quiet accommodations in suburban Ruidoso, set your sights on the Best Western Plus Ruidoso Inn. Whether you choose a standard room or a suite, you'll get amenities like a pillow-top bed, a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary wireless internet access. Chill out beside the indoor pool, soak in the spa tub, or book local tours with the assistance of the front desk staff. If you're traveling for work, use the business center or book the hotel's available meeting rooms. This Best Western Plus also offers a free breakfast buffet with both hot and cold items.
Just minutes from the center of Ruidoso, La Quinta Inn & Suites Ruidoso Downs is situated near the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and the area's best golf courses. Reserve your choice of 63 guest rooms, which all come equipped with free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, and plush pillow-top beds. Explore the beautiful Ruidoso area, or stay inside and go for a swim in the indoor pool. With a business center, meeting rooms, and express check-in services, this La Quinta location is also ideal for business travelers.
Get to know Ruidoso's diverse arts scene at the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, a stunning venue that hosts local musicians and dancers as well as international touring performers. Nearby, Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy the Kid Casino is the place to catch the area's best horse racing and try your luck at over 300 slot machines.
In any season, Ski Apache offers the area's best outdoor adventures. In the winter, you'll find unparalleled skiing, and when the weather warms up, the mountain biking is unmatched. In the summer and fall, visitors can even join Moonlight Zip Tours to see a whole new side of the majestic mountains.
Adjacent to Ruidoso, Lincoln National Forest boasts some of New Mexico's best hiking. Make your way to the Trestle Recreation Area for some of the most popular hiking trails, or go horseback riding or off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding on marked trails. In the winter, you can even go skiing, sledding, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in the forest.
From the ski slopes to the forests, Ruidoso has plenty to offer all types of travelers. Don't wait another minute to start planning your getaway.
Below are reviews of the city of Ruidoso, NM from an actual visitor's perspective.
Been going to Ruidoso since the 50s. Happy place.
The Buttery Bakery was our favorite place we stopped at.
Wonderful, clean, friendly
Wonderful, clean, friendly
Wonderful, clean, friendly
was just fine
Many great eating places and kind and friendly people.
Wonderful place to visit!
A great weekend or longer get away. Friendly people, easy to get around.
Ruidoso is our getaway place for 50 years. We had a second home there for 33 years that was destroyed by 2024 fire. Ruidoso is our place to go and relax!
Sites like the casinos, stores and church services!
The mountain!
Beautiful place!
Very nice and clean place with friendly staff.
Nice and beautiful!
Good restaurants and shopping! Love the forest and the snow!
Mountains, pines and very good restaurant selection.
Room clean and comfortable, quiet. We like to hike in the forest and have seen deer, horses and elk. We are here about every month.
Relaxing
Sightseeing and fishing!
Ruidoso is fabulous!
City is a lot of fun. Great mountain village!
Easy access to every business.
Nice area. A lot of young people there. It must be spring break and they are skiing.
City was excellent/
This place is nice and green with a lot of trees. A beautiful clean town.
We live 45 miles from Ruidoso and know the town well. We had many recommendations for the group. Restaurants, Casinos the fun we had at Sacred Grounds. Galleries.
I liked the city and everyone was friendly and good food in the restaurants.