Southern New Mexico - American Southwest - page 306

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has no facilities, however, so this is strictly a backcountry adventure. Only tent camping
is allowed, and you'll hike three-quarters of a mile to the campsite where you can pitch
a tent. On a full moon, the campsites go quickly; you may want to arrive early in the
morning. At other times, availability shouldn't be a problem. You must register at the
visitor center, get clearance, and pay a small fee. Call & 575/479-6124 for informa-
tion.
If backcountry camping isn't your speed, try one of the other campgrounds in nearby
Alamogordo or Las Cruces (see “Alamogordo,” earlier in this chapter, and “Las Cruces,”
later in this chapter).

4 RUIDOSO & ENVIRONS

33 miles NE of Alamagordo; 62 miles W of Roswell; 125 miles SE of Albuquerque
Ruidoso (most New Mexicans pronounce it “Ree-uh- do -so”) is situated at 6,900 feet in
the timbered Sacramento Mountains, the southernmost finger of the Rockies. It is a
mountain resort town most famous for the nearby Ruidoso Downs racetrack, where the
world's richest quarter-horse race is run for a $2.5-million purse. Outdoors lovers, hikers,
horseback riders, fishers, and hunters are drawn to the surrounding Lincoln National
Forest. Southern New Mexico's most important ski resort, Ski Apache, is just out of
town. The nearby Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation includes the Inn of the Moun-
tain Gods Resort & Casino. Not far away, the historic village of Lincoln recalls the Wild
West days of Billy the Kid. Be aware that during those busiest of months, Ruidoso seems
to live up to its Spanish name—which translates as “noisy,” although the name originally
referred to the sound of the river running through town.

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ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE From Albuquerque, take I-25 south 87 miles to San Antonio; turn
east on US 380 and travel 74 miles; then head south on NM 37/48 (4 hr.). From Ala-
mogordo, take US 70 northeast via Tularosa (1 hr.). From Roswell, take US 70 west (1 1 / 2
hr.). No commercial service is available to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport ( & 575/336-
8111 ), 17 miles north, near Alto.
VISITOR INFORMATION The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and visitor
center is at 720 Sudderth Dr. ( & 800/253-2255 or 575/257-7395; www.ruidosonow.
com).

EXPLORING RUIDOSO
Gallery Hopping
Many noted artists—among them Peter Hurd, Henriette Wyeth, and Gordon Snidow—
made their homes in Ruidoso and the surrounding Lincoln County. Dozens of other
art-world hopefuls have followed them here, resulting in a proliferation of galleries in
town. Most are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, except where noted.
Among my favorites are De Carol Designs, 2616 Sudderth Dr. ( & 575/257-5024 );
McGary Studios, a bronze foundry at 2002 Sudderth Dr. ( & 575/257-1000 ); and
Hurd-La Rinconada ( & 575/653-4331 ), in San Patricio, 20 miles east of Ruidoso on
US 70 (see “A Scenic Drive Around the Lincoln Loop,” later in this chapter), open Mon-
day through Saturday from 9am to 5pm.