Local Activities
“Green was the silence, wet was the light, the month of June trembled like a butterfly.”
-Pablo Neruda
Summer Activities
It’s all here. Morning bike rides, brunch on the patio, mid-afternoon golf outings, a barbeque with friends and family, then a show at the Spencer Theater to end another day filled with leisure. Summer here never seems long enough. It’s busy but relaxing – and always shared with those closest to you.
Summer in Ruidoso is about meeting new neighbors bound by common interests, trying new activities like tennis or horseback riding, even the smaller spontaneous things like hiking a new trail. Take the go-carts for a spin at FunTrackers, play a round of disc golf, or go for a wild ride down the water slide at the Schoolhouse Park pool. The village also offers a variety of programs including wilderness camps and instruction in archery, golf, and gardening. Tennis courts and a sand volleyball court are available for year-round use.
Ruidoso is the number one art destination in Southern New Mexico. Galleries and artists’ studios abound. The area boasts art events year round, such as fine arts and photography exhibits at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, studio tours, art expos, and the area’s biggest art event: the juried Ruidoso Art Festival. And don’t miss the multiple blown glass installations by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly at the Spencer Theater.
What you do this summer is up to you, so if you’re looking to end each day sharing new stories, spend it at Rainmakers.
Hiking
If you’re wondering why Ruidoso hiking is so popular, then consider this:
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Over 1 million acres of National Forest and Wilderness
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Over 200 miles of multi-use trails running through the Smokey Bear District of the Lincoln National Forest
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Peak views of the Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Mountains and Capitan Mountains
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Some of New Mexico’s most historically rich land; a relic that was once traversed by the Shamans themselves.
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Access to several of these trails directly from the Rainmakers premises
Below are the descriptions of popular trails in the Ruidoso area:
Alto Lake TrailLength: 0.5 miles Description: Short trail that loops around Alto Lake Directions: From Ruidoso, head north on Highway 48. Take a right on the unnamed street that’s just before Lake Shore Dr. |
Grindstone Lake TrailLength: 6 miles Description: Public Biking and Hiking trail with picnic tables and cell phone reception Directions: Coming South on Highway 48 into Ruidoso, take a right on Grindstone Canyon Road. At the end, right as it starts to curve off, take a right on to Resort Drive. Follow the signs to Grindstone Lake Trailhead. |
Links TrailLength: 3.5 Miles Description: A completely paved, asphalt hiking trail. One of the easier hikes in Ruidoso! Directions: Going north on Highway 48, take a right on White Mountain Drive. Parking is available at the White Mountain Sports Complex. |
Perk Ridge TrailLength: 2.6 miles Description: Starting at Thunderbird Drive, this trail eventually ends at a stretch of private land, preventing further progression. However, the convergence of these two trails makes for a great hike across fields, small lakes and some river streams. This trail can be fairly difficult at times, so be ready! Directions: From Highway 48 (Sudderth Dr) in Ruidoso, go west on Main Rd. Turn right on Ebarb Dr, then left onto Perk Canyon Dr. Continue until it dead ends and head up the man-made trail. |
Rio Bonito Trail at Petroglyph RockLength: 2 miles Description: If you’re looking to learn more about the Jornada Mogollan, whom Rainmaker’s was inspired by, then this is the perfect trail. In the center of the trail lies the Petroglyph rock, which has carvings from the Jornada Mogollan carved on it. While little else is known about their tribe, this is one of the few pieces of evidence that has stood the test of time. Directions: West of the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, get on NM 220. You’ll see signs for “Upper Rio Bonito.” Once you take a left via the sign, the trail is another mile. |
River Trail (Two Rivers Park)Length: 0.25 Miles Description: Short and easy! Directions: East of downtown Ruidoso on Highway 48. Follow signs for Two Rivers Park. |
Valley of Fires – Malpais Nature TrailDescription: The lava from Little Black Peak that poured across this land has long-since dried out. This hiking trail offers a guide brochure and a paved road. Additionally, the Visitor’s Center even offers a shop that includes t-shirts and other paraphernalia. Directions: From Ruidoso, go on Highway 48 north. When you hit 380, go west. After you pass the town of Carizzozo, you’ll take a left into the Valley of Fires Recreational Area. |
Wingfield Park TrailLength: 0.5 Miles Description: Beginner trail, Bicycles and Dogs allowed! Directions: From 480, go south on Grindstone Canyon Rd and take a left on Wingfield St. Go a block or two and you’ll see the trail. If you need additional information on available hiking areas on the 1280 or in Ruidoso, then don’t hesitate to contact us! |
Horse Racing
The world’s top thoroughbreds, models of near perfection, thundering down the glistening track at Ruidoso Downs. An electric crowd of thousands looks on anxiously with millions of dollars on the line. A horse crosses the finish line, and a nose length is the irreconcilable difference between glory and lingering disappointment.
The Ruidoso Downs Racetrack has been an American staple for almost a century. Started in the 1930s as a cornfield, the track has seen several changes in ownership, name and style. However, one thing has remained the same. Ruidoso Downs has always been a high stakes track. Even before 1960, the All American Futurity race had a grand prize of $129,000, which was the highest purse ever revealed in a quarter horse race.
Today, the racetrack has flourished and taken on a casino, several restaurants and is the center of the Ruidoso community. Thousands of people from around the country gather to watch, and bet, on their favorite horses. Though a tense lifestyle for some, others simply go to watch the most well-trained horses worldwide battling in a nose-to-nose race.
The track is open to the public and race days are Friday-Monday. You can find more information below.
