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More links and info
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and Ruidoso NM

Lincoln County Daytrips

Southern New Mexico
There is beauty in simplicity in the graceful curve of a stark white dune or the smooth dome of a cave formation millions of years in the making. In the immense southern New Mexico desert, seemingly barren hills are transformed at sunset into moonscapes of shadow, light, and color. Southern New Mexico was one of the country's last frontiers, and its simple charm can still be found in the lingering patches of unspoiled wilderness.

Bursting with geological contrast, southern New Mexico is home to the vivid Fort Stanton Cave, the glittering desert of White Sands National Monument, and the pristine Sacramento Mountains. The Lincoln National Forest and White Mountain Wilderness provide rugged vistas for sightseeing and exploring. In the town of Ruidoso, the strong streaming Rio Ruidoso was believed to contain magical healing powers by the area's original residents, the Apache Indians.

The Spanish conquistadors, who first explored this region almost five centuries ago, established El Camino Real (the Royal Road). This trade route for the most part traveled parallel to the Rio Grande, north from what is now El Paso, Texas, on the east side of present-day Interstate 10 (I10), to near Las Cruces, continuing north from Las Cruces (at this point east of I25) through Socorro, passing Ruidoso (Lincoln County), and into Santa Fe. Mescalero Apaches and other Native American tribes lived throughout the area. To protect their homelands they sometimes launched vicious attacks against invaders.

In the late 1800s Fort Selden, south of Ruidoso, was the headquarters of several units of Buffalo Soldiers, a cavalry of African-Americans vital to the protection of pioneers claiming unsettled land. Buffalo Soldiers also were stationed at Fort Bayard, near Silver City, and Fort Stanton, in Lincoln County, to shield miners and travelers from Apache Indian attacks. The Apaches gave the regiments their name. The Indians thought the soldiers' hair resembled that of a buffalo. Knowing the respect the Apaches held for the animal, the men interpreted the comparison as a show of admiration by their enemy and did not take offense.

The grasslands in southeastern New Mexico were ruled by cattle kings such as John Chisum, who moved from Texas in 1872 to establish a ranch near what is now Roswell. During the infamous Lincoln County War, which raged during the first half of 1878, baby-face outlaw Billy the Kid became a legend throughout the region. Billy spent the last part of his live in Lincoln and Lincoln County, notable for its ghost towns and buildings preserved as relics from early copper, silver, and gold-mining operations.

These days southern New Mexico plays a key role in U.S. space exploration and defense research. Alamogordo's Space Center Museum and Hall of Fame illustrate rocketry developments, including the experimental programs that take place at nearby White Sands Missile Range and NASA's White Sands Test Facility.

Fauna and Flora
Lincoln County is located at an elevation of 6,500 - 8,500 feet. Ponderosa Pines, Pinion Pines, Oak, Juniper, Spruce and Douglas Firs are the predominant species of trees. The stable and lovely temperatures allow a wide range of wildlife and an abundance of spectacular wildflowers. Black bear, elk, deer, mountain lion, quail and wild turkey might be sighted in less populated areas. From the late spring to early fall, the land blooms with Columbine, Pennyroyal and New Mexico Groundsel.

Black bear are common in the area. Guidelines for being bear safe are available at our Resort. Bird watching and hunting are favorite pass time for many tourists visiting Ruidoso.

Fort Stanton Cave is worthwhile to pay a visit. Miles of amazing rock formations built over hundreds of years. You will be surprised.

Chilli and Wine
For New Mexicans, chilli is its own food group. New Mexicans celebrate their beloved chilli with festivals, countless chilli cook-offs and even an annual convention. Every New Mexican breathes chilli, whether it be salsa and chips, green chilli finely diced in a sandwich or burger, or a burrito smothered in red chilli. Completed with a zip of a tasteful local wine.

Cowboys
Cowboys are special. Living in the promised land. Well, they all went to New Mexico. Billy the Kid once was the infamous outlaw of the area. Visit the abandoned ghost towns with doors and windows sagging on their hinges, paint peeling from weathered walls and scary ghosts dancing down a dust-filled street.

A special tribute for the cowboy heroes is organized annually by the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium. Pack your saddlebags and join them for a historic overnight ride through Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. Enjoy delicious Dutch oven meals prepared on chuck wagons.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
From November until February tens of thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese and other migratory birds fly in to rest before continuing their journey north at this 57,000-acre wetland preserve. If you have never
experienced this many birds in flight, visit the refuge during the season; you'll never forget it. The Bosque is one of our nation's premier birding spots. South of Socorro.

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Enjoy quarter horse and thoroughbred racing throughout the summer, including the All American Futurity with a purse of several million dollars.

Sacramento Peak national Solar Observatory
Rising 13 stories above the ground, the vacuum telescope, specifically designed to cut through the atmosphere, is perched on the edge of Sacramento Peak, shimmering white in the glowing light of the sun, and can be seen from 50 miles away on the desert floor. Commonly called "Sunspot" by the locals, this is the premier solar observatory in the Americas and is open to the public. Just south of Ruidoso.

Smokey Bear Museum
The real Smokey Bear was found by a New Mexico game warden in 1950, an orphaned cub clinging to a charred tree after a 17,000-acre forest fire. Smokey is buried in the Smokey Bear State Historical Park in Capitan which houses a museum and gift shop.

The Space Center
From the rocket sled outside the entrance to the collection of historical space artifacts inside the International Space Hall of Fame, this museum will amaze visitors of every age. The five-story structure houses the technological discoveries and personal stories of the men and women who made space travel possible. Alamogordo.

White Sands National Monument
One of the great wonders of the world, these sparkling white gypsum sands cover over 275 square miles. One nature trail, the spectacular Big Dune Trail, is one mile long and has interpretive stops along the way. Lake Lucero is the genesis of the white sands producing millions of crystals that gradually grind themselves into gypsum. Guided tours are available.

Ski Apache
Owned and operated by the Mescalero Apaches, Ski Apache is located on the north shoulder of Sierra Blanca Peak, sacred mountain of the tribe. The Peak rises over 12,000 feet and provides slopes with a challenge for every ability. It has some of the best warm-weather powder skiing in the world. Open from Thanks Giving through Easter.

Ski Cloudcroft
Ski Cloudcroft in the beautiful Sacramento Mountains offers challenging runs for every level but is ideal to introduce skiing to beginners and is perfect for family ski vacations.

Museums
The Museum of the Southwest pays special attention to the cowboys best friend. Rodeos and bull roping competitions are frequently organized and are an unforgettable experience. Make sure you do not miss them and take your camera along to take breath taking pictures.

Trails
Adjoining Alto Hombre Gordito is Lincoln National Forest with over 50 trails for hiking, biking, back packing and horse back riding. Descriptions of trails are available at Alto Hombre Gordito.

The official national Pecos Trail is extended with roads through New Mexico. One of those roads with stunning views is highway 37 where Alto Hombre Gordito is located.

Performing Arts
It's been called an aristocrat among theaters, splendid, elegant, yet intimate and welcoming. Overlooking the Sacramento Mountains and Sierra Blanca peak, the Spencer Theater is located on a high mesa near Ruidoso. The theater opened in October 1997 and immediately assumed its position as an assertive arts, cultural and architectural landmark in New Mexico. Outstanding performances of highly celebrated national and international artists guarantee a varied program year round.

Bright Starry Nights and The Arts
The air in north-central New Mexico is so pure, colors look intense bright. Many artists settle down in areas like Ruidoso and Santa Fe, and are inspired by the beautiful and bright colors nature offers. Artists invite visitors in their ateliers. It is worthwhile to pay them a visit or to attend one of the many art exhibitions.

Take the opportunity and peak at the stars at night, the brightest of New Mexico. You may catch a falling star and have a wish come true.

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site
Interested in a glimpse of the past? At this fascinating site, over 20,000 individual carvings lay strewn along the rocky terrain. While some carvings, such as the bighorn sheep, the scorpion, the hunter, and the rattlesnake can be easily recognized, some of the other etchings are less decipherable. This attraction is a must-see while visiting Lincoln.

Lincoln National Forest
Ruggged, spectacular high country is the main feature of this forest area. The White Mountain Wilderness peaks at 11,500 feet at the tip of Sierra Blanca and is home to elk, deer, wild turkey, cougar and many other species of animal. Bonito Lake is famous for fishing and is stocked with trout annually. Many horse trails, shared with hikers, lead to the Rim Trail overlooking the desert floor from an average of 10,000 feet.

For Ski Packages visit Alto Hombre Gordito Hideout and Total Blast.

The Very Large Array (VLA)
On the plains of St. Augustin, 49 miles west of Socorro, sits the world's largest radio telescope listening for sounds from deep space. The array is comprised of 27 movable 210-ton dish antennas on three 12-mile rails. They are periodically arranged in different formations to cover diverse parts of the universe.

NEW at Alto Hombre Gordito Hideout

Horse stables and guided horseback riding into the Lincoln National Forest.
A great way to discover the fun of horseback riding.
Organized by Spaceport America Vacation Tours Inc.