Ruidoso Live Cam

Downtown Ruidoso has a rich and colorful history, dating back to the late 1800s when the area was first settled by ranchers and homesteaders. The town was named after the Rio Ruidoso, a nearby river known for its rushing waters and scenic beauty.

In the early 1900s, the discovery of oil and gas in the surrounding area brought a new wave of settlers to the region. This led to the development of a number of businesses and amenities in downtown Ruidoso, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.

During the mid-20th century, Ruidoso became a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and relaxed mountain town atmosphere. Many of the town's historic buildings and landmarks were preserved during this time, including the historic Ruidoso Lodge, which was built in 1924 and is still in operation today.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the town experienced significant growth and development, with the construction of new hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. The town also became a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts, with the opening of the Ruidoso Downs Race Track in 1947.

Today, downtown Ruidoso remains a vibrant and bustling hub of activity, with a wide range of shops, galleries, and restaurants lining the streets. Visitors can explore the town's rich history and architecture, including the historic Ruidoso Lodge and the Old Dowlin Mill, which was built in 1868 and is now a popular wedding and event venue.

Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, or just taking in the charming mountain town atmosphere, downtown Ruidoso offers something for everyone.

Downtown Ruidoso Top Tourist Attractions

Downtown Ruidoso is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide variety of attractions and activities. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in downtown Ruidoso:

• Ruidoso Downs Race Track: Located just south of downtown Ruidoso, the Ruidoso Downs Race Track is a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts. The track hosts a number of major races each year, including the All American Futurity.
• Hubbard Museum of the American West: This museum features exhibits on the history and culture of the American West, with a focus on the cowboy and ranching lifestyle. The museum includes interactive exhibits, artifacts, and artwork.
• Pillow's Funtrackers: This family-friendly attraction offers a range of activities, including go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, and an arcade. There's something for all ages at this fun park.
• Grindstone Stables: This horseback riding stable offers guided trail rides through the beautiful mountains around Ruidoso. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
• Noisy Water Winery: This local winery produces a variety of wines using grapes grown in New Mexico. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the winery, as well as purchase bottles to take home.
• Wingfield Park: Located in the heart of downtown Ruidoso, Wingfield Park is a beautiful green space that offers picnic areas, a playground, and a walking path. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Art galleries and shops: Downtown Ruidoso is home to a variety of art galleries and unique shops, featuring everything from handmade jewelry to locally-made pottery. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.

Downtown Ruidoso Climate

Downtown Ruidoso is located in the southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico and has a mild and pleasant climate. Summers are warm and dry, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s (Fahrenheit) and low humidity. Nights are cool and refreshing, with lows in the 50s.

Winters in Ruidoso are cool and can be quite snowy, with average high temperatures in the 40s and lows in the 20s. The town typically receives around 30 inches of snowfall each year, and the snow can last from November through March.

Spring and fall in Ruidoso are mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. These seasons are a popular time to visit the area, as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.

Overall, Ruidoso's climate is ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors and taking advantage of the area's natural beauty. However, visitors should be prepared for the possibility of snow and cold temperatures during the winter months.

Downtown Ruidoso Geography

Downtown Ruidoso is located in the southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico, at an elevation of approximately 6,900 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level. The town is situated in a narrow valley between the Sierra Blanca mountain range to the east and the Sacramento Mountains to the west.

The Sierra Blanca Mountains, which rise to a height of 12,003 feet (3,659 meters) at the summit of Sierra Blanca Peak, are a prominent feature of the landscape surrounding downtown Ruidoso. The mountains are known for their rugged terrain, scenic beauty, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.

To the west of downtown Ruidoso, the Sacramento Mountains rise to a height of over 9,000 feet (2,700 meters) and are home to the Lincoln National Forest. The forest features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as opportunities for fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.

The Rio Ruidoso, a picturesque river that flows through the heart of downtown Ruidoso, is another prominent feature of the town's geography. The river is known for its rushing waters and scenic beauty, and is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Overall, the geography of downtown Ruidoso and the surrounding area is characterized by its rugged mountain terrain, scenic beauty, and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Explore Native American pueblo culture in New Mexico

Spring is an exquisite season to visit New Mexico. Lilacs are in bloom and the weather is perfect for enjoying the landscape and exploring the region's Native American pueblo communities and culture.

Year round, visitors can drop by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque to experience contemporary Native American culture. Much more than a repository of artifacts, the IPCC is a vibrant community hub. Chat with gallery attendants, see artist demonstrations, shop for handcrafted Native American art, watch dancing and drumming performances in the outdoor circle. Plan to eat at the popular Pueblo Harvest Café where traditional meals like mutton stew come with warm tortilla baked fresh in the Center’s outdoor oven.

The IPCC is owned and operated by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. Maps and visitor information for each pueblo community are available on the website. Be sure to check out the etiquette tips for visitors as well as each pueblo's calendar for possible closure dates. Several pueblos can be visited as day trips from Albuquerque.

An hour or two north of Albuquerque by car, also accessible by Rail Runner transit, Santa Fe has many museums devoted to New Mexico history and Southwest culture. In the center of town, the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts holds the largest collection of contemporary Native art in the world. On Museum Hill, exhibits at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture explore Pueblo art, beliefs and lifestyle both past and present. Museum shops are a great place to shop for jewelry, baskets and other authentic crafts by top artisans.

From Santa Fe, the High Road to Taos leads to the UNESCO world heritage site and the largest multi-storied adobe construction in the world. Taos Pueblo is not a museum but a living community that has been continuously occupied for over 1000 years. Taos Pueblo occasionally closes to visitors; check the website for spring opening date. Artists on site build pottery from local clay using ancient methods, firing pieces by setting them in the hot ashes of small fireplaces. Seek out the artists' wares or simply sit by the stream and enjoy mountain air scented with baking bread, wild sage and wood smoke. At Taos it’s possible to sense the deep connection between Pueblo spirituality, nature and art.

Back in Albuquerque, a highlight of the spring calendar is the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow held the last full weekend of April. The Pow Wow is a social event as well as a competition for indigenous dancers from both Canada and the U.S. With more than 3000 participants, it's the largest pow wow in North America. Plenty of vendors offer traditional food and you're sure to see the continent's best dancers. Even spectators need staying power as the Pow Wow goes around the clock for two days. Children and the elderly dance during the day, the strongest performers compete at night.