Things to Do in Ruidoso
Ski Apache, the Spencer Theater, Smokey Bear Historical Park in nearby Capitan, Grindstone Lake and Noisy Water tasting rooms. Each guide covers hours, admission, time needed and RV parking.
Ruidoso, New Mexico · Things to do
Guides
6 guides
Hours, fees & tips
Free to visit
1 of 6
Admission is on each guide
Elevation
About 6,800 ft
Around the area
Best time
May–Oct
For getting out and about
Updated October 31, 2026 · Each guide covers hours, admission and RV parking
What to do
Things to do in Ruidoso
Each guide covers hours, admission, time needed, RV parking and what’s nearby.
Free Spirits at Noisy Water
Eight bronze horses gallop across a landscaped hillside off US-70, a quick roadside stop with no posted fee, even while the Hubbard Museum next door stays closed.
Grindstone Lake
A mountain lake and 18-mile trail system a few minutes from Midtown Ruidoso, with stocked trout, kayaking, a summer water park and a $10 summer parking fee.
Noisy Water Winery
A family-run New Mexico winery in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso, pouring green chile wine, sweet blends and reserve vintages, with local cheeses to taste and buy.
Ski Apache
New Mexico’s southernmost ski resort, owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, with 55 trails, an 8-passenger gondola to 11,500 feet, and kids 12 and under skiing free with a paying adult.
Smokey Bear Historical Park
The small state park where Smokey Bear is buried, with wildfire exhibits, a short film, native gardens and admission of $6 or less, about 30 minutes from Ruidoso.
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
A glass-and-stone landmark in the meadows north of Ruidoso, with 514 seats, Chihuly glass, 2026–27 shows from $36 and free building tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Thank you to the people behind these photos. Please support them by giving their work a look. Photos: Free Spirits at Noisy Water: Dennis Adams, Federal Highway Administration, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain); Grindstone Lake: Robert Nunnally on Flickr (CC BY 2.0); Noisy Water Winery: Noisy Water Winery on YouTube; Ski Apache: Jonathan Cutrer on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0); Smokey Bear Historical Park: AllenS on Wikimedia Commons (public domain); Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts: Beatnik Photos on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0). The header photo is the Free Spirits at Noisy Water card image.
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