Looking for a place to go that's significantly cooler than Dallas (weather wise) and within a reasonable drive. Ruidoso seems like a great fit, but I would really appreciate feedback from anybody who has been there.
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Is Ruidoso, NM a good place to go for a summer vacation?
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Last: 6 yr ago by WILLIS
It's nice, but Red River and Angel Fire are a lot better. AF and RR are smaller and less busy and the scenery is better.
Have been there many times. Unless you are a big horse racing or gambling fan, I think Cloudcroft is better than Ruidoso. It is higher in altitude and as noted about the northern spots, there is less traffic. Also, you are closer to places like White Sands and Sunspot. On your way there or back, take in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Once in the caverns, it is 56 degrees year round.hustlenflow said:
Looking for a place to go that's significantly cooler than Dallas (weather wise) and within a reasonable drive. Ruidoso seems like a great fit, but I would really appreciate feedback from anybody who has been there.
Pretty much any town on the enchanted circle is a good choice... high altitude may effect you if you are out of shape for the first day or too
“Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.”
–Horace
“Insomnia sharpens your math skills because you spend all night calculating how much sleep you’ll get if you’re able to ‘fall asleep right now.’ “
–Horace
“Insomnia sharpens your math skills because you spend all night calculating how much sleep you’ll get if you’re able to ‘fall asleep right now.’ “
You might try the other direction .... NE. The lakes around Hot Springs, Ark can be very nice, but avoid the big holidays
I had the same thoughts about finding a cool place in August. Been looking at Red River and Pagosa Springs, CO.
Any thoughts would be welcome.
Well two years ago my wife and I sold our house in Waco and retired to Ruidoso. We bought a house with a view on top of a mountain and don't regret a moment of it.
I've been coming here since I was a kid in 1962. God wanted Texans to ski and a cool place to go in the summer so he gave them Ruidoso.
First let me address the other places mentioned. Red River, Angel Fire are probably better ski destinations but they are not better summer spots. The big complaint on both of them is there's nothing to do. There's not much in the way of a town and shopping and dining are very limited. Same for Cloudcroft. Weather is nice there but there is no town. There's a couple of mediocre restaurants and that's it. Not even a grocery store. If you want to go there it's 45 minutes from Ruidoso. As far White Sands (not recommended in summer, its in the desert) you're fifteen minutes further in Ruidoso. The road to Carlsbad runs through Ruidoso.
As for Ruidoso, start with a five star resort called Inn of the Mountain Gods complete with championship golf course, lake, gourmet dining, full casino, spectacular mountain views, zip lining, hunting all located about three miles from town.
Ruidoso offers fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking on dozens of trails including the Lincoln National Forest.
Golf? Seven courses in varying price ranges including a Golf Digest top four and the most difficult course in New Mexico. Cool weather and magnificent views on every course.
Lots of places to stay including resorts and hundreds of rustic cabins for couples or families.
And while you're playing there's a ton of great shopping in midtown or all over town.
Your dining choices are nearly unlimited from gourmet to casual.
Ruidoso Downs is the finest horse track in the state. You sit in the cool outdoor shade and watch quarter horses and thoroughbreds run. We've found this to be family fun and the kids and grandkids all want to go. Racing is from Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends. There is also a small casino at the track.
The weather starts about Memorial Day and runs till September. The coolest weather will be in August and September.
Don't be misled. Ruidoso is the place to go.
If you have questions pm me. No, I don't work here, but we love it.
Almost forgot, our ski mountain is home to the longest zip line in the lower 48, over a mile long down the mountain.
I've been coming here since I was a kid in 1962. God wanted Texans to ski and a cool place to go in the summer so he gave them Ruidoso.
First let me address the other places mentioned. Red River, Angel Fire are probably better ski destinations but they are not better summer spots. The big complaint on both of them is there's nothing to do. There's not much in the way of a town and shopping and dining are very limited. Same for Cloudcroft. Weather is nice there but there is no town. There's a couple of mediocre restaurants and that's it. Not even a grocery store. If you want to go there it's 45 minutes from Ruidoso. As far White Sands (not recommended in summer, its in the desert) you're fifteen minutes further in Ruidoso. The road to Carlsbad runs through Ruidoso.
As for Ruidoso, start with a five star resort called Inn of the Mountain Gods complete with championship golf course, lake, gourmet dining, full casino, spectacular mountain views, zip lining, hunting all located about three miles from town.
Ruidoso offers fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking on dozens of trails including the Lincoln National Forest.
Golf? Seven courses in varying price ranges including a Golf Digest top four and the most difficult course in New Mexico. Cool weather and magnificent views on every course.
Lots of places to stay including resorts and hundreds of rustic cabins for couples or families.
And while you're playing there's a ton of great shopping in midtown or all over town.
Your dining choices are nearly unlimited from gourmet to casual.
Ruidoso Downs is the finest horse track in the state. You sit in the cool outdoor shade and watch quarter horses and thoroughbreds run. We've found this to be family fun and the kids and grandkids all want to go. Racing is from Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends. There is also a small casino at the track.
The weather starts about Memorial Day and runs till September. The coolest weather will be in August and September.
Don't be misled. Ruidoso is the place to go.
If you have questions pm me. No, I don't work here, but we love it.
Almost forgot, our ski mountain is home to the longest zip line in the lower 48, over a mile long down the mountain.
I'm a Bearbacker
Thanks to all who posted. Much appreciated.
Brian Ethridge
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Enjoyed our time in Basalt, CO last summer and will return with flyrod in the car sooner than later. Ruidoso is a great little town as well.
If you go, be sure to eat at Tina's Cafe and Chef Shawn's Eatery. Both very casual.
Stranger said:
Well two years ago my wife and I sold our house in Waco and retired to Ruidoso. We bought a house with a view on top of a mountain and don't regret a moment of it.
I've been coming here since I was a kid in 1962. God wanted Texans to ski and a cool place to go in the summer so he gave them Ruidoso.
First let me address the other places mentioned. Red River, Angel Fire are probably better ski destinations but they are not better summer spots. The big complaint on both of them is there's nothing to do. There's not much in the way of a town and shopping and dining are very limited. Same for Cloudcroft. Weather is nice there but there is no town. There's a couple of mediocre restaurants and that's it. Not even a grocery store. If you want to go there it's 45 minutes from Ruidoso. As far White Sands (not recommended in summer, its in the desert) you're fifteen minutes further in Ruidoso. The road to Carlsbad runs through Ruidoso.
As for Ruidoso, start with a five star resort called Inn of the Mountain Gods complete with championship golf course, lake, gourmet dining, full casino, spectacular mountain views, zip lining, hunting all located about three miles from town.
Ruidoso offers fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking on dozens of trails including the Lincoln National Forest.
Golf? Seven courses in varying price ranges including a Golf Digest top four and the most difficult course in New Mexico. Cool weather and magnificent views on every course.
Lots of places to stay including resorts and hundreds of rustic cabins for couples or families.
And while you're playing there's a ton of great shopping in midtown or all over town.
Your dining choices are nearly unlimited from gourmet to casual.
Ruidoso Downs is the finest horse track in the state. You sit in the cool outdoor shade and watch quarter horses and thoroughbreds run. We've found this to be family fun and the kids and grandkids all want to go. Racing is from Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends. There is also a small casino at the track.
The weather starts about Memorial Day and runs till September. The coolest weather will be in August and September.
Don't be misled. Ruidoso is the place to go.
If you have questions pm me. No, I don't work here, but we love it.
Almost forgot, our ski mountain is home to the longest zip line in the lower 48, over a mile long down the mountain.
This is exactly right. I prefer Red River or Cloudcroft because they're smaller. The girlfriend refuses to return to either one because "there's nothing to do". So we rent a house in Ruidoso, I haul my motorcycle out. I ride, she shops, we have dinner together at night.
I spent every summer of my childhood at my grandparents' summer place in Ruidoso. Lots of good memories.
Taos. Whitewater rafting, fly fishing, Native American culture, Art.
Played golf yesterday in Ruidoso. 63 degrees. Very nice.
I'm a Bearbacker
my grandparents had a cabin in Ruidoso in the Upper Canyon. Started going there as a kid and have lots of fond memories of spending time there. Good mountain biking, fishing, hiking. Restaurants are okay but definitely a fun place to spend a week in the summer. As others have mentioned, White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns a short day drive to visit.
If you like to golf and go to the horse track, you won't get bored.
If you like to golf and go to the horse track, you won't get bored.
Ashley Hodge
Got to play The Outlaw Friday for the first time. It was 66 degrees so not exactly winter. Excellent, well maintained course some call the best in town.
Loved the mountainous layout. Can't wait till it greens up. I'd rank it behind Rainmakers for sheer beauty and difficulty but a very pleasurable outing. Some stunning vistas.
Y'all come on out!
Loved the mountainous layout. Can't wait till it greens up. I'd rank it behind Rainmakers for sheer beauty and difficulty but a very pleasurable outing. Some stunning vistas.
Y'all come on out!
I'm a Bearbacker
My parents have a home that sits right above the driving range at The Outlaw. It's a beautiful area and golf course. I am still amazed that you can play basically year round there.
Jpgrocery_bf said:
My parents have a home that sits right above the driving range at The Outlaw. It's a beautiful area and golf course. I am still amazed that you can play basically year round there.
No snow this year so I've played four times in January and twice in February.
I'm a Bearbacker
Stranger said:
Well two years ago my wife and I sold our house in Waco and retired to Ruidoso. We bought a house with a view on top of a mountain and don't regret a moment of it.
I've been coming here since I was a kid in 1962. God wanted Texans to ski and a cool place to go in the summer so he gave them Ruidoso.
First let me address the other places mentioned. Red River, Angel Fire are probably better ski destinations but they are not better summer spots. The big complaint on both of them is there's nothing to do. There's not much in the way of a town and shopping and dining are very limited. Same for Cloudcroft. Weather is nice there but there is no town. There's a couple of mediocre restaurants and that's it. Not even a grocery store. If you want to go there it's 45 minutes from Ruidoso. As far White Sands (not recommended in summer, its in the desert) you're fifteen minutes further in Ruidoso. The road to Carlsbad runs through Ruidoso.
As for Ruidoso, start with a five star resort called Inn of the Mountain Gods complete with championship golf course, lake, gourmet dining, full casino, spectacular mountain views, zip lining, hunting all located about three miles from town.
Ruidoso offers fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking on dozens of trails including the Lincoln National Forest.
Golf? Seven courses in varying price ranges including a Golf Digest top four and the most difficult course in New Mexico. Cool weather and magnificent views on every course.
Lots of places to stay including resorts and hundreds of rustic cabins for couples or families.
And while you're playing there's a ton of great shopping in midtown or all over town.
Your dining choices are nearly unlimited from gourmet to casual.
Ruidoso Downs is the finest horse track in the state. You sit in the cool outdoor shade and watch quarter horses and thoroughbreds run. We've found this to be family fun and the kids and grandkids all want to go. Racing is from Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends. There is also a small casino at the track.
The weather starts about Memorial Day and runs till September. The coolest weather will be in August and September.
Don't be misled. Ruidoso is the place to go.
If you have questions pm me. No, I don't work here, but we love it.
Almost forgot, our ski mountain is home to the longest zip line in the lower 48, over a mile long down the mountain.
Up until my son was born, Ruidoso, Cloudcroft, Angel Fire and Red River were close to yearly destinations for me. Stranger is exactly right in that Ruidoso is a real town, with almost unlimited things to do.
Angel Fire is very isolated as is Red River though skiing there is more reliable. They just don't have the "life" of a town like Ruidoso, lots of art galleries there too, loved walking the levels of downtown.
Cloudcroft with The Lodge and golf course was my favorite, very isolated, very beautiful, incredible weather. Not my wifes cup of tea though, too cowboy and too small. I had the best breakfast I ever had there, the "mountain man breakfast". Super clean air, wind constantly whistling through the tall trees. great place for an artist type. Lots of scenic views including the old railroad tressels, but you do have to go somewhere for much past the staples. Still that's how I grew up so I'm good with it.
Have longtime friends in the Cloudcroft area. Been there dozens of times .
Ruidoso is very nice and has more to do .......but I prefer the Cloudcroft area. Smaller, prettier and the Sunspot Observatory is nearby.
Capitan and Lincoln , New Mexico are north of Ruidoso and also worth a visit .
Ruidoso is very nice and has more to do .......but I prefer the Cloudcroft area. Smaller, prettier and the Sunspot Observatory is nearby.
Capitan and Lincoln , New Mexico are north of Ruidoso and also worth a visit .
Ditto!
Santa Fe in August should be nice. 7200 foot elevation.. Average lows in the 50's and average highs in the low 80s for August. And that is with close to no humidity. 82 degrees never felt so cool in your life. And 50 at night is incredibly chilly. Santa Fe is easily one of the best towns in the country.
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