Ruidoso, NM Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

The Sacramento, Capitan and Jicarillamountains , which rise at the western edge of the Llano Estacado, 85 miles northwest of Carlsbad, form a rare respite from the scrubby flatness. Spread out along winding roads that cut through dense groves of pine, fir and aspen, the main town here, RUIDOSO – named for the Ruidoso ("Noisy") River – is the fastest-growing resort in the Southwest. The Ruidoso Downs racetrack, just east of town, plays host to a 77-day racing season that culminates on Labor Day with the All-American Futurity , one of the world's richest horse races. Alongside, the … more »