Here are answers to a of few or the frequently asked questions that we have recieved from our lodgers


#1. CHUCKWAGON COOK-OFF
#2. RUIDOSO RELOCATION
#3. HORSERACING SEASON & SCHEDULE
#4. SKI APACHE & SNOW CHAINS
#5. ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
#6. MOTORCYCLE RALLIES
#7. SUMMER GONDOLA RIDES
#8. ATV RENTAL & TRAILS
#9. SNOWMOBILING
#10. GRANDKIDS AND SNOW
#11. CLOSEST AIRPORT & VEHICLE RENTAL
#12. CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S ACTIVITIES
#13. JEEP RENTALS & TRAILS
#14. GOLF COURSES
#15. LINCOLN & SCENIC BYWAY
#16. ELEVATION & POPULATION
#17. WHITE WATER RAFTING
#18. AUTUMN SCENIC DRIVES
#19. HIKING IN RUIDOSO
#20. CAMPING IN RUIDOSO
#21. FISHING IN RUIDOSO
#22. WEDDING IDEAS
#23. BASEBALL & SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS
#24. MOTORCYCLE RENTALS
#25. DAY SPAS
#26. WI-FI & INTERNET ACCESS
#27. MEANING OF RUIDOSO
#28. SHOWERS NEAR BONITO LAKE
#29. WEATHER AVERAGES
#30. HORSE BOARDING
#31. INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
#32. PHARMACIES & GROCERY STORES
#33. FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS

#1. CHUCKWAGON COOK-OFF
Question: “When is the annual Chuck wagon Cook-off?” – T.M., Albuquerque NM

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: The Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium is generally held on the second weekend in October and tickets go on sale August 1st. This much-anticipated annual event features all things "cowboy"; musicians, craftsmen, a now-famous Chuck wagon Cook- Off, great live music and much more.   For complete Cowboy Symposium info, please contact the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Billy The Kid Casino at 575-378-7262 or visit their website, http://www.hubbardmuseum.org/.

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#2. RUIDOSO RELOCATION
Question: “We are considering relocating within 2 years-retirement time. We live in a very small community in the San Diego county mountains and wish to be in the same type of community.” – J. L., Descanso CA

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Please visit our website's RELOCATION page for important local info on utilities, health services, realtors and much more . NOTE: If you’re now – or will soon be - in the market to purchase Ruidoso area real estate, be sure to submit a Real Estate Request Form For info on the local job market, please contact "It's Quest" Personnel Service at 575-258-2359 .

Finally, if you would prefer to receive a complete Relocation/ Visitors Packet (which includes a state and local map, real estate publication and much more), our cost to mail this packet is $5. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and personal checks. Please contact our E-Visitors Center at 575-258-8822 or 888-268-8811 and one will be mailed to you!

See The Best of Ruidoso VIDEO here!http://www.ruidoso.net/video/best_of_ruidoso.htm

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#3. HORSERACING SEASON & SCHEDULE
Question: “How can I get a horseracing schedule, do they have a website?” – S.C., San Antonio TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: The basic racing schedule is Thursday through Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day with a 1pm start time, including the holidays of Memorial Day, 4 th of July and of course, Labor Day, when the All-American Futurity is held. Here’s their website: http://www.ruidosodownsracing.com/page4.html. The Billy The Kid Racetrack and Casino is located at 1461 Hwy 70 West in Ruidoso Downs, phone 575-378-4431 or info@ruidosodowsracing.com . Best of LUCK to you!

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#4. SKI APACHE & SNOW CHAINS
Question: “When does the Ski Area open and when does it close… also, are chains needed when driving up to the ski area” – G.S., Las Cruces, NM

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Ski season in Ruidoso runs Thanksgiving through Easter, or at least that's the general goal each year. It depends, of course, on how much snowfall we've received by the end of November and how much is still being received mid-March or so, which may extend the season if snowfall has been especially abundant.

As for snow chains, they are generally not required for simply getting around town, as roads in the village are plowed quickly and repeatedly as needed. However, conditions might call for them on Ski Run Road. If uncertain, please call Ski Apache’s “snow report” hotline at 575-257-9001 before making your way up to the ski area. Finally, Ruidoso has several businesses where snow chains may be either be rented or purchased. Here are a few:

  • Big O Tires: 2259 W Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs: 575-378-1708 (sale only)
  • Brewer Station at Ski Run Road (sale only)
  • Checker Auto Parts: 134 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso: 575-257-0014 (sale only)
  • Grizzly’s Bear: 2804 Sudderth, Ruidoso: 575-257-3542 (rent only)
  • NAPA Auto Parts: 133 E Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs: 575-378-8531 (sale only)
  • Wal-Mart Super Center : 1800 W Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs: 575-378-8050 (sale only)

Ski Apache info: 575-336-4356 or http://www.ruidoso.net/skiapache/, Skiing & Snowboarding info: http://www.ruidoso.net/skiing/index.html.

See great Ski Apache photos here! http://www.ruidoso.net/photos/photo_album.php?categoryID=51&page=1

See Apache VIDEO here! http://www.ruidoso.net/video/ski.htm

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#5. ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Question: “What kind of attractions do you have for kids in Ruidoso? It will be our first time there.” – A.A., Odessa TX  

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Ruidoso and the surrounding area offer many great activities for the littlest members of your family! Depending on the time of year you plan to venture our way, the list includes riding go-carts at “Pillow’s Funtrackers” in Ruidoso, inner-tubing down a snowy hill at “Winter Park in Alto, riding a gentle horse at “Cowboy’s Stables” in Ruidoso Downs … or enjoying one of the many, MANY other options available to the entire family! Please view the complete list on our KID’S GUIDE (http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/ruidoso_area_kids_guide.htm) and don’t forget to recuperate from your day of fun over dessert at one of these kid-friendly eateries (http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/ruidoso_area_kids_guide.htm#desserts)!

Check out ‘Ruidoso Kite Festival’ VIDEO here!http://www.ruidoso.net/video/kite.htm

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#6. MOTORCYCLE RALLIES
Question: “When is the big motorcycle rally held in the fall? My husband and I would like to visit Ruidoso around that time but would prefer not to visit during this event.” – A.S., Montecito, CA  

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Ruidoso hosts two motorcycle rallies annually: the “Aspencash” rally is held mid-May and the “Golden Aspen” rally takes place mid-September. The vendor site for both rallies is the Billy the Kid Racetrack and Casino in Ruidoso Downs, but “poker runs”, parades and other scheduled rally events (over this multi-day event) encourage scenic drives throughout Ruidoso and the surrounding area.

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#7. SUMMER GONDOLA RIDES
Question: “Is the ski lift open during the summer?” – D.M., Friendswood, TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Gondola rides to Sierra Blanca Peak generally run throughout the summer months, however Ski Apache’s summer schedule is not issued until late-May; please contact the Ski Area at 575-464-3600, or the Inn of the Mountain Gods at 800-545-9011 for definitive word, and complete details. When operational, gondola hours of operation are 10am - 3pm, M-F.

NOTE: Gondola rides may be suspended due to needed maintenance, unfavorable weather conditions or fire danger. For info on current forest closures or forest conditions, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger Station at 575-257-4095

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#8. FOUR-WHEELER TRAILS
Question: “Is there anyplace in Ruidoso that rents 4-wheelers and where are the trails?” – M.J., Burleson, TX  

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : While we do not have an agency in town that rents 4-wheelers (or “ATV’s”), we do have three excellent trails in Ruidoso where you can ride your own:

  • Trail #13 (Cedar Creek) is on Spring Canyon Road
  • Trail #91 ( Sawmill Canyon) is off Carrizo Canyon Road and
  • Trail #92 ( Perk Canyon) is in the Upper Canyon.

For maps and specific trail info, please call or visit our Smokey Bear Ranger Station: 575-257-4095, 901 Mechem Drive. Hours: 7:30am to 4:30pm Mon-Sat (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and 7:30am to 4:30pm Mon-Fri the rest of the year. NOTE: The Forest Service reminds all ATV owners they are required to register their off-road vehicles and are subject to New Mexico state motor vehicle laws.

For up to date info on Forest closures, conditions and prescribed burns, please visit our Forest Conditions (http://www.ruidoso.net/forestconditions/index.html) page before you travel.

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#9. SNOWMOBILING
Question: “Is there anyplace in Ruidoso that offers snowmobiling?” – D.L., Willis TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Ruidoso does not have snowmobiling, but if they’ve received sufficient snowfall, I suggest you make a day-trip to Cloudcroft; “Triple M Snowplay” rents snowmobiles there. Their phone number is 800-766-7529. Please don’t overlook Ruidoso for great snowplay ideas! Ruidoso offers LOTS to do, including SKI APACHE, phone 575-336-4356 and WINTER PARK (http://www.ruidoso.net/winterpark/), our tubing and sledding area at the base of Ski Run Road, phone 575-336-7079. Think snow and have a great visit!

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#10. GRANDKIDS AND SNOW
Question: “Looking for a place where our grandchildren can play in the snow, a cabin in the mountains.” – D.P., New Iberia, LA

As for whether or not you’ll have snow right outside your door… that’s a little harder to predict! Please be sure to visit our WEATHER page (http://www.ruidoso.net/weather/index.html) for a current weather forecast before traveling…
and view our KIDS GUIDE (http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/ruidoso_area_kids_guide.htm) for a long list of activities the little ones can enjoy – snow or no snow!

See great Ski Apache photos here:
http://www.ruidoso.net/photos/photo_album.php?categoryID=51&page=1

See Apache VIDEO here! http://www.ruidoso.net/video/ski.htm

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#11. CLOSEST AIRPORT & VEHICLE RENTAL
Question: “What is the nearest major airport to you and where can we rent a vehicle?” – E.P., Flagstaff, AZ  

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: The nearest major airport is in El Paso, 125 miles south of us (driving time approx. 2.5 hours), followed by Albuquerque at 190 miles. You can rent a vehicle in either city and make the drive on your own, or contact “Shuttle Ruidoso” at 877-90-DRIVE, website http://www.shuttleruidoso.com/. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a Ruidoso office at 643 Sudderth Drive; phone 575-257-1154. Private planes can fly into the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport in Alto, Hwy 220; phone 575-336-8111.

Soar with the Eagle! American Airlines “American Eagle” is now offering air service between Roswell, NM and Dallas/ Ft. Worth; please visit http://www.flyroswell.com/ for details.

NOTE: Please visit our Transportation and Maps page for a complete list of Travel Distances and air service options to Ruidoso.

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#12. CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S ACTIVITIES
Question: “I’m planning on spending the holidays in your area with my family and we were wondering what events are planned for Christmas and New Years Eve.” – R.E., Austin, TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : You’ve picked a great place to spend the holidays, as Ruidoso at Christmas time is absolutely enchanting! Make your way through Sudderth Drive to view our midtown area aglow with festive holiday lights, and see the largest Christmas tree in the southwest at Schoolhouse Park! “D Lazy 2” offers horse-drawn carriage rides through midtown during the day and sleigh rides through the historic Upper Canyon in the evenings, weather permitting. For info and reservations, they can be reached at 575-257-7836 On Christmas Eve, be sure to visit historic Lincoln, for the traditional lighting of luminaries along Hwy 380 at dusk.

New Year’s Eve festivities are generally held by the same businesses each year: Mountain Annie’s Dinner Theater (http://www.mountainannies.com/), The Lodge at Cloudcroft (http://www.thelodgeresort.com/), the Inn of The Mountain Gods Resort and Casino (800-545-9011), Farley’s Food Fun & Pub and The Quarters Nightclub ( www.ruidoso.net/visitors/dining.html).

NOTE: As the holidays draw closer, we post a list of all restaurants that will be open Christmas Day, as well as the locations of any planned New Year’s Eve celebrations. Please revisit our homepage (http://www.ruidoso.net/) in late autumn for both lists. Enjoy your stay!

See Festival of Light photos here: http://www.ruidoso.net/photos/photo_album.php?categoryID=48&page=1

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#13. JEEP RENTALS & TRAILS
Question: “Is there anyplace in Ruidoso that rents jeeps?” – M.S., Las Cruces, NM

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Ruidoso has two vehicle rental agencies: Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 643 Sudderth (next to the Old Mill), phone 575-257-1154 (1-800-RENTACAR), and Ruidoso Ford, 107 Hwy 70, phone 575-378-4400. Please contact either agency on availability of vehicles.

However, if you’re interested in a guided Jeep Tour, please contact the folks at Lincoln County Tour Company: 888-527-1017 or http://www.lincolncountytours.com.

Finally, be sure to check out our OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES page (http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/outdoors/outdoors.html) for info on hiking, golf, fishing, horseback riding and much more. Enjoy your stay!

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#14. GOLF COURSES
Question: “I will be staying with some friends in a few weeks; can you provide some information on your local golf courses?” – C.B., Colorado Springs CO

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Take your best “swing” at any of our beautiful Public or private golf courses: http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/outdoors/golf.html

  • The Links at Sierra Blanca (Public): 575-258-5330, 1086 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso: 18 holes, 6,757 yards, slope 105, rating 63.0 off forward tees.
  • Cree Meadows Public Golf Course Restaurant & Lounge : 575-257-5815, 301 Country Club Drive, Ruidoso: 18 holes, 5.766 yards, rating 66.4, slope 104.
  • The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino (Public): 575-464-7444 or 464-7745, Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero: 18 holes, 6,834 yards, rating 70.2, slope 128.
  • Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club (Private): 575-336-4232, 100 Country Club Drive, Alto: 18 holes, 6,593 yards, rating 68.6, slope 128.
  • Kokopelli Golf Tennis and Social Club (Private): 575-336-7843, 201 High Mesa Road, Alto: 18 holes
  • Rainmakers Golf and Recreational Community (Private): 866-700-8439, 575-336-7500; 230 Pueblo Loop, Alto (opening late-summer 2008)
  • The Outlaw at Lincoln Hills Golf and Residential Hideout (Private): 800-841-0168, 575-336-8374; 123 Lincoln Hills Rd, Alto: 18 holes

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#15. LINCOLN & SCENIC BYWAY
Question: “How far is Lincoln from Ruidoso and where is the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway?” – B.M., West Covina CA  

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: From midtown Ruidoso, Lincoln is approx. 40 miles away. The towns of Capitan, Lincoln, Hondo, Tinnie, San Patricio and Ruidoso Downs make up the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway, approx. 70 miles from start to finish: http://www.ruidoso.net/billybyway. You will of course, want to spend a little time in each, especially Lincoln, the jewel of this truly scenic drive… where the Old West is more than a distant memory for Lincoln County and the surrounding area!

Of course, the best way to ‘experience’ Old Lincoln is by walking alongside someone who knows a thing or two about its history. Local historian, Drew Gomber, has written several books about the Old West, and is available for historic tours of Lincoln, as well as for speaking engagements. If you’re interested in booking a tour with Drew (or to order his books or CD’s), he may be reached via email at drew@pvtnetworks.net.

Check out ‘Billy the Kid’ National Scenic Byway’ VIDEO here!http://www.ruidoso.net/video/scenic_by.htm

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 #16. ELEVATION & POPULATION
Question: “What is the elevation, and population, of Ruidoso?” – T.H., Las Cruces NM

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: The elevation in the Village of Ruidoso is about 6,900 feet; Ruidoso Downs is at 6,420 and the Spencer Theater in Alto sits at about 7,100 feet. Ruidoso’s full-time population is about 9,500, with Lincoln County’s 2000 Census count at 19,411.

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#17. WHITE WATER RAFTING
Question: “Is there any white-water rafting in your area?” – M.R., Belton TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: Not in Ruidoso or our surrounding area but the following New Mexico cities offer white water rafting tours:

  • Big River Raft Trips in Pilar, NM (304 miles from Ruidoso): 800-RIVER-60
  • Far Flung Adventures in El Prado, NM (325 miles from Ruidoso): 800-359-2627
  • Los Rios River Runners in Taos, NM (275 miles from Ruidoso): 800-544-1181 and
  • Wolf Whitewater in Albuquerque, NM (190 miles from Ruidoso): 575-262-1099

For further information on these and other New Mexico events – or to request a NM State map or Vacation Guide - please contact the NM Department of Tourism at 800-733-6396.

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#18. AUTUMN SCENIC DRIVES
Question: “When is the best time to see the leaves change color in autumn?” – S.I., Albuquerque NM

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Generally, this will be within the second and third week of October. The colors are just exploding and the best driving routes to behold the many colors would definitely be Ski Run Road, the road up to Monjeau Lookout and the lovely winding road that takes you to Cloudcroft, Hwy 244. Pack a thermos with hot cider, bring your camera and enjoy a relaxing and breathtaking scenic drive!

If you are unfamiliar with Ruidoso or these roads in particular, your lodger should be able to direct you via any street or overview map. If not, please stop by our local Smokey Bear Ranger Station at 901 Mechem Drive (Hwy 48) or our very own Ruidoso.Net office at 1204 Mechem, Suite #1, for directions or maps.

Another option is to leave the driving to the folks at Lincoln County Tour Company! They can provide your party – big or small – with a customized tour to the best scenic routes in Lincoln County; please contact them at 888-527-1017 or visit http://www.lincolncountytours.com/.

See autumn in Ruidoso photos here: http://www.ruidoso.net/photos/photo_album.php?categoryID=32&page=1

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#19. HIKING IN RUIDOSO
Question: “How can I get detailed hiking maps and information concerning the White Mountain Wilderness?” – L.K., Arlington, TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: Please first check-out our HIKING/ CAMPING page here (http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/outdoors/hiking.html) for complete info on the Lincoln National Forest and its trails. Our local Smokey Bear Ranger Station is also a great resource, as they're very knowledgeable on location of each, length and degree of difficulty (including info on wildlife you may encounter and safety precautions) and can provide you with the most detailed maps of the White Mountain Wilderness. Their office is located at 901 Mechem Drive; phone 575-257-4095.

Please also take a moment to view our Forest Conditions page here: http://www.ruidoso.net/forestconditions/index.html. Enjoy our forest!

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#20. CAMPING IN RUIDOSO
Question:“I’m interested in camping in the Ruidoso area; can you provide me with any info? – J.E., Ingram TX 

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: Please visit our CAMPING page (http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/outdoors/hiking.html) for complete info on Established and Dispersed campsites in the Lincoln National Forest. There, you’ll be able to view specifics on what each campsite has to offer (i.e.: fire rings, toilets) and which are open year-round. Our local Smokey Bear Ranger Station is also a great resource, as they're very knowledgeable on location of each, if reservations are recommended, proximity to fishing or hiking trails and much more: 575-257-4095. You may also view a FOREST CONDITIONS page (http://www.ruidoso.net/forestconditions/index.html) for important information on current fire restrictions, if any, during fire season (spring and summer months).

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#21. FISHING IN RUIDOSO
Question: “I am interested in fishing in Ruidoso and surrounding areas.” – T.B., Houston TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : You’ve chosen a great place to do just that! We have complete fishing info on our OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES page (http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/outdoors/fishing.html), which includes a NM Game & Fish Report. Fishing licenses are available at Wal-Mart in Ruidoso Downs, phone 575-378-8050, or at Western Auto, 400 Mechem, phone 575-257-2454.

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#22. WEDDING IDEAS
Question: “We are looking for a place to have a wedding; an old mountain church or gazebo, indoor or out.” – C.W., Clovis NM

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Please view our WEDDING & REUNION GUIDE for resource ideas, including bakeries, photographers, florists, event coordinators and much more: http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/ruidoso_area_family_reunion.htm. Outdoor facilities, like gazebos, are listed there under MISCELLANEOUS FACILITIES. As for that “old mountain church”, the most picturesque one in our area has to be St. Joseph’s Mission in Mescalero, about a half hour drive away from midtown Ruidoso. You can view a photo of this historic church at the top of the page here (http://www.ruidoso.net/relocation/churches.html) and scroll to the bottom for contact info. Finally, be sure to view our SPECIAL EVENTS LODGING page for great places to stay: http://www.ruidoso.net/specialevent/. Best wishes and congratulations to you both! 

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#23. BASEBALL & SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS
Question: “We will be in Ruidoso for baseball tournaments. Can you please let us know where the baseball park is?” – B.M., Silver City NM

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : We have three (3) ballparks, 2 baseball and one softball:

  • Baseball: “ North Park” on White Mountain Drive
  • Baseball: “ Gavilan Canyon Park” on Gavilan Canyon Road and
  • Softball: “Eagle Creek Softball Complex” on Ski Run Road

We have a general overview map of Ruidoso (http://www.ruidoso.net/relocation/map2a.html) that indicates where White Mountain and Gavilan Canyon are located; the Eagle Creek Complex is at the base of Ski Run Road on Hwy 532. For additional Softball info, please contact Ruidoso Parks and Rec at 575-257-5030 for further info. Finally, if you have not already done so, please consider booking your lodging at one of our SPECIAL EVENT LODGERS shown here (http://www.ruidoso.net/specialevent/) or view our LODGING BY AREA page here: http://www.ruidoso.net/visitors/by_area.htm.

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#24. MOTORCYCLE RENTALS
Question:
We are looking for motorcycle rental for our family: two adults and two children. Are there any located in or around Ruidoso?” - T.B., McKinney TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: We do not have a motorcycle rental agency in Ruidoso, nor does Alamogordo, Roswell or Albuquerque, New Mexico .There is, however, a scooter rental agency here called “Action Ski & Snowboard”. They're located at 360 Sudderth Drive; phone 575-257-6800 (http://www.ruidoso.to/actionski/). They rent scooters almost year-round, except during ski season.

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#25. DAY SPAS
Question: “Are there any day spas that offer massages, facials, etc.?” – A.R., Bedford TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : There sure are… enjoy a relaxing stay!

  • A Cut Above, Elena Johnson, LMT, 1705 Sudderth, 575-257-4911
  • Bella Vita Inc. (Spa), 200 Sudderth, 630-2639
  • Incognito Day Spa & Salon, 2608 Sudderth, 257-6413
  • McMinn Enterprises, 1102 Sudderth, 257-6111 Chiropractic & Tanning Services
  • Mountain Massage & Healing Arts, Studio or Location, 575-336-2508 or 937-2304  
  • New Beginnings Micro Spas, LuAnne Rochester, LMT, 1035 Mechem, 575-430-7806
  • Wild West Tanning, 1100 Sudderth, 575-257-6111

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#26. WI-FI & INTERNET ACCESS
Question: “Are there any Wi-Fi spots in Ruidoso where I can get Internet access?” – D.G., Larwill IN

We have a few properties the offer wireless internet. Please call for more info. (888)650-0200

There are also two locations in the midtown area that offer FREE Wi-Fi:

  • Sacred Grounds (coffee/ Internet cafe) at 2629 Sudderth, phone 575-257-2273
  • Schlotzsky's Deli at 2812 Sudderth, phone 575-257-7811 (Wi-Fi only)

The Ruidoso Public Library (located at 107 Kansas City Road, off Cree Meadows) has computers with Internet access; phone 575-258-3704. NOTE: For folks looking to relocate to our area, Internet dial-up service is available through Zianet (575-257-3962), DSL through Windstream Communications (575-257-9000) and Cable through Baja Broadband (575-257-5121).

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#27. MEANING OF RUIDOSO
Question: “I’m hoping you can help settle a bet between myself and a friend on what the name ‘Ruidoso’ means. He says Ruidoso means ‘noisy’ – is this true?” – P.C., El Paso TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Be prepared to pay up – your friend is right! “Ruidoso” is Spanish for “noisy” and it’s believed our earliest settlers thought our river certainly was, therefore our beautiful mountain town was named for its noisy river, the Rio Ruidoso. The upper portion is located on the Mescalero Reservation at the top of the Upper Canyon, runs through town and stretches all the way to Roswell!

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#28. SHOWERS NEAR BONITO LAKE
Question: “I would like to camp around Bonito Lake. Is there a place that we could use for shower facilities?” – V. L., Plano TX  

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : The closest shower facilities to Bonito Lake - for their paid guests only - would be at Bonito Hollow Campground, 575-336-4325 (http://www.bonitohollow.com/) or at AAA Sundance RV Park, 575-336-4444 (http://sundancervcampground.com/). Each has tent sites available.

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#29. WEATHER AVERAGES
Question: “Considering moving to your city and would like info on winter weather.” – E.D., Southport FL

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : Our temperature averages in December, for example, are lows around 17 and highs around 51, and generally, mild conditions can be expected throughout the winter months. When we do receive snowfall, the greatest accumulation is naturally in the higher elevations, on Sierra Blanca (peak 12,003’). After snowfall, roads within the Village are plowed quickly and repeatedly, and it doesn’t last long either. Our glorious New Mexico sunshine melts village accumulation very quickly, making Ruidoso a great place to visit… or call ‘Home’!

Please visit our website’s WEATHER page to view year-round weather averages (http://www.ruidoso.net/weather/index.html ) and see year-round Ruidoso photos here:
http://www.ruidoso.net/photos/photo_album.php?categoryID=37&page=1

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#30. HORSE BOARDING
Question: “Where can we board our horses while staying in Ruidoso?” – J.S., San Angelo TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : The Ruidoso area offers several great options for horse boarding:

  • Breakaway Farms in Glencoe, 575-378-4180
  • NM Horseman’s Association in Ruidoso Downs, 575-378-4139
  • Julie Peebles in Alto, 575-336-8295
  • Shamada Ranch in Alto, 575-336-8295

“ Ski Run Road Cabins and Corrals” in Alto offers horse-boarding on site, phone 575-336-1511.

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#31. INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
Question: “Can you please provide me with info on The Inn of The Mountain Gods?” – H.O., Rio Grande TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center: The beautiful, newly rebuilt Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero (located at 287 Carrizo Canyon Road) boasts a 38,000 square foot casino, several dining options, special events throughout the year and much more. Phone 800-545-9011, 575-464-7777.

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#32. PHARMACIES & GROCERY STORES
Question:“What pharmacies and grocery stores do you have?” – E.K., Lake Oswego, OR  

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : We have three pharmacies:

  • Long's United Drug, 721 Mechem, Ruidoso: 575-257-3882
  • Walgreen's, 138 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso: 575-257-1566
  • Wal-Mart Super Center , 1800 W Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs: 575-378-5400

… And three grocery stores:

  • Lawrence Brothers/ IGA, 721 Mechem, Ruidoso: 575-257-4014
  • Thriftway Supermarket, 304 Mechem, Ruidoso: 575-257-6544
  • Wal-Mart Super Center , 1800 W Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs: 575-378-5400 

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#33. FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS
Question: “What 4 th of July celebrations or events are scheduled around Ruidoso?” – M.V., Plano TX

Ruidoso.Net E-Visitors Center : While fireworks are not allowed within the Village of Ruidoso , 4th of July celebrations are held throughout the area. Pack up your lawn chairs, gather the whole family and enjoy!

  • Mescalero Apache Ceremonial & Rodeo, Mescalero NM: Tribal fairgrounds. Events include a traditional Pow-Wow, 'Dance of the Maidens', daily rodeo, a parade and much more! For more info, call Tribal Office@ 575-464-4494.
  • Carrizozo Fireworks Display, Carrizozo NM: Carrizozo Golf Course, off Hwy 380. 4th of July fireworks display courtesy of the Carrizozo Fire Department. For more info, call Carrizozo Chamber of Commerce, 575-648-2732 or visit www.townofcarrizozo.org/attractions.php.
  • Celebration on Burro Avenue, Cloudcroft NM: Join us for all-day, small-town fun for the whole family, right in the heart of midtown Cloudcroft. Info:Chamber of Commerce, 575-682-2733 or http://www.cloudcroft.net/.
  • Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza, Alamogordo NM: What would Independence Day be without a parade? Parade begins at the corner of Oregon and 10th Street, runs west to New York Avenue, south on New York and ends at the corner of 9th Street. The City of Alamogordo and the NM Museum of Space History team up to present a terrific fireworks display (weather-permitting) at dusk. For fireworks info, call Museum, 877-333-6589; for parade info call Alamogordo Parks and Rec at 575-439-4142 or visit http://www.alamogordo.net/.
  • Smokey Bear Stampede, Capitan NM : Events include a rodeo, BBQ, craft vendors, and a fireworks display on the 4th (weather and fire restrictions permitting), and much more. For more info, call Capitan Chamber of Commerce at 575-354-2273.
  • Inn of the Mountain Gods Fireworks Display, 287 Carrizozo Canyon Road, Mescalero NM: Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and prepare yourself to be dazzled by an awesome night ski display above the Lake– weather and fire restrictions permitting. Entertainment TBA. For more info, call 800-545-9011.
  • UFO Festival in Roswell , Roswell NM, Convention Center on Main St., Roswell Museum & Art Center on West St. Celebrate the 1947 incident that started it all… via guest lectures & researchers, a light parade, costume contest, live entertainment, 4 th of July fireworks display and much more! Weeklong events will be held throughout town, varying hours. Info: 888-ROS-FEST or visit http://www.roswellufofestival.com/

See Archive Spencer Theater fireworks photos here:
http://www.ruidoso.net/photos/photo_album.php?categoryID=20&page=1

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