What Gym? Time to Stay Active and Get into the Great Outdoors!
Spring is finally here, bringing warmer temperatures, explosions of colorful blossoms, and the long-awaited chance to put away the heavy jackets and snow gear and get outside and be active under the warming sun.
Ruidoso has always been known as a destination where visitors can enjoy mild temperatures and crisp mountain air, and with good reason. Opportunities to golf, go camping, take leisurely walks along the river, and barbecue in cooler climes allure people from all over the country, as well as from neighboring Mexico.
But what about those lesser-known outdoor attractions? Ruidoso, after all, is New Mexico’s 3rd-fastest growing city. With a population that can swell 400% during tourist season, outdoor enthusiasts have an ever-expanding menu of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors. The Ruidoso area features a bevy of options that will get you outside so you can get the blood pumping and soak up that ever-important vitamin D.
We’ve decided to highlight a few options to help you mix up your routine and add some diversity to your active lifestyle, with one common theme: the great outdoors.
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The Ramp-Up: Hiking Ruidoso’s Trail System
In recent years a number of individuals and organizations — from municipal offices to non-profit groups — have made concerted efforts to vastly expand a network of excellent hiking trails in and around Ruidoso. Even the most devoted hiker will be hard-pressed to cover every trail, and the options continue to grow.
We suggest two good places to get you started. In addition to great fishing, Grindstone Lake offers an expansive set of trails ranging in distance and difficulty. A seven-mile loop takes hikers high up on ridges and back down through canyons, featuring breathtaking views along the way. Of course, many shorter out-and-back hikes are also available.
A couple of miles to the north, the Cedar Creek area has a number of well-kept picnic areas, with ample parking. A network of trails splinters off a central starting point known locally as the “spaghetti bowl.” As with the Grindstone area, short hikes are easy and accessible, and longer loops are also an option. For a four-mile outing of medium difficulty, try tackling trail 121a, known locally as the “lower geriatric loop.”
Both the Grindstone and Cedar Creek areas are minutes from downtown Ruidoso. Expand your scope even a little bit, however, and you will find many other hiking options, including longer, back wood trails (e.g. the Capitan Mountains) as well as shorter destination hikes.
The inspiring Three Rivers Petroglyphs Trail, for example, is about an hour to the west of Ruidoso on the west side of Sierra Blanca. Park the car, check in with the friendly ranger, grab a brochure, and make your way up this easy half-mile trail as it winds through thousands of ancient petroglyphs. Hiking enthusiasts who also call themselves history buffs will not be disappointed.
One of best ways to plan your hike is with the Visit Ruidoso mobile phone app. The free app features a “Maps” view that shows attractions and lodging throughout the area, including all of the local hiking trails.
Alternately, visit Smokey Bear Ranger Station (located right next to the Cedar Creek trails) for guidance, paper maps, suggestions, and hiking safety tips. Hikers can also drop by the Chamber of Commerce for a brochure providing details on local trails.
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Let the Games Begin: Disc Golf
Looking for something a little less strenuous than a seven-mile hike? What about some low-grade cardio while enjoying an outdoor game of skill, all the while making your step-counter happy?
Disc golf works just like regular golf. The only real difference is that players throw specially designed discs that are smaller and heavier than frisbees, and instead of cups in the ground, the targets are above-ground metal baskets placed strategically to create a nine-“hole” walking course. Ruidoso boasts a number of courses for disc golf veterans and beginners alike.
The Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department maintains three nine-hole courses just below Grindstone Lake. The first course is the most popular and also the easiest, being mostly flat and generally clear of underbrush. Families and beginners should start here.
The second course (holes 10-18) is directly across the street and is far more challenging, with deep ravines, lots of trees, and difficult tee shots. The newest course (holes 19-27) is located directly up against Grindstone Lake damn and also poses some challenging shots, with uneven fairways winding through the forest.
In addition, there is a disc golf course located at the base of Ski Apache, with holes built right into the snow-less ski runs. Whatever course you choose, expect some heart-healthy fun in the sun. Disc golf is great activity for those flying solo or for small groups. Pick a course, set out with your gear, and before you know it you will have logged a few miles.
Discs can be purchased at a number of retailers around town, including Napa Western Auto, Big 5 Sporting Goods, and BoarderStop, adjacent to Action Ski Shop. All area disc golf courses are free, available to play on a first-come-first-served basis, and dog-friendly.
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The Wind-Down: Horseback Riding
If you’ve been following our four-part series you’ll know that “health and wellness” doesn’t always translate into being out of breath and drenched in sweat. Sometimes simply being outdoors and enjoying cool, clean air while letting your thoughts coalesce can be just what the body needs.
Remember that hike you may have taken, earlier? Did it leave you yearning to see even more of Ruidoso’s beautiful surroundings? Well, there might not be a better way to experience Lincoln County than on the back of a horse.
Ruidoso’s western roots run deep, so it’s no surprise there are various opportunities in the area to go horseback riding. Local stables give visitors the chance to go above and beyond the hiking trails and climb high above the village, providing fantastic views of Ruidoso below and Sierra Blanca peak towering above.
The Grindstone Stables crew has been taking both beginners and experts on treks through the forest for more than 20 years, and guests at the Inn of the Mountain Gods can book a horseback riding trip directly from their stables. No matter which stable you choose, calling ahead for times, availability, and pricing is highly recommended.
Grindstone Stables
(575) 257-2241
Inn of the Mountain Gods
(575) 464-7424
Runnels Outfitters
(575) 354-2778
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Whether you opt for one of the area’s seven golf courses, a brisk jog around town, or a less traditional form of exercise, whatever outdoor activity you choose, make sure to maximize your fun. Ruidoso is known as the playground of the southwest for a reason, with a wide range of outdoor activities right outside the door. With spring in the air and summer right around the corner, now is the time to get out there and enjoy the clean mountain air and bright sunshine.
—Leroy Smith