Summer in Ruidoso is heaven on earth for outdoor lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The weather is moderate (sunny but not too hot) and cools down at night. And the area is very compact, with most of the activities all within a few miles of each other. You’ll definitely want to stay longer! Here is a list of my favorite summertime activities in Ruidoso:
- Trails, Trails, and more trails! I personally enjoy hiking the many trails in the area. But you can also run and bike on them. You’ll meander through tall pine trees, see waterfalls, catch glimpses of the mountains, cross babbling creeks, and likely see some wildlife like deer or wild horses. Here’s a blog with my favorite trails in the area (with updated information from the July 2024 wildfires).
- Go Off Road: If you want to step up the adventure a notch, then explore the nearby wilderness by renting a off road vehicle with Back Country Attitudes. The tours are self-guided so you can go at your own pace.
- Visit all the lakes: There are four lakes in the area: Alto Lake, Grindstone Lake, Bonito Lake and Mescalero Lake. (Alto Lake closed June 2024 due to wildfire damage). In addition to fishing and hiking, you can rent paddleboats, kayaks, SUPs or enjoy the Wibit park! The views at each lake are incredible.
- Family Time: You can spend several hours at Pillow’s Funtrackers racing each other on go carts or having splash wars on the bumper boats. The miniature golf is fantastic and you can get lost in the life-size maze. There’s lots of other activities there – so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it all!
- Chill Out: Sometimes you just want to sit and relax. One of the best places to relax is at Enchanted Vine Barn. It’s a winery with picnic tables and corn hole, live music, and food trucks. And they’re dog friendly! Just five minutes from Lazy Pines and a nice relaxing place to visit.
- Summer Tubing: Your list isn’t complete until you try out Ruidoso’s tubing hills at Winter Park. They are open all summer and also offer ziplining.
- Events: The Village of Ruidoso has the best events! So many festivals, live bands, and celebrity artists all year long. The summer line up is spectacular. There’s always something happening.
There’s many more things to do in Ruidoso, but this is a good start! I didn’t even mention horseback riding, golfing, or disc golf. If you’re looking for a modern, secluded, dog friendly cabin, with incredible mountain views, then Lazy Pines is the perfect choice for you. And Its location is ideal for exploring the area activities. Check availability and make your reservation here.