Located in Southern New Mexico’s Sacramento Mountain range on Highway 70 about 50 miles from Alamogordo and about 75 miles from Roswell, Ruidoso is easily reached by car or bus (Greyhound has routes from Las Cruces, Alamogordo, El Paso, and other cities to Ruidoso). The nearest international airports are in Roswell, Albuquerque, and El Paso. Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, just north of Ruidoso off Highway 220, is available for corporate and private flights. Here are some general directions.
Getting There by Car
One of the best parts of visiting Ruidoso by car is the drive itself. Once you’ve entered the Lincoln National Forest, the air becomes cleaner, the scents intoxicating, and the views spectacular. You’ll feel your stress and day-to-day anxieties melt away as nature surrounds you.
From Albuquerque
To get there from Albuquerque, drive south on I-25 for about 80 miles. Watch for exit 139, San Antonio/Carrizozo, 11 miles past Socorro. Take Highway 380 east about 73 miles to Highway 37, then go south on Highway 37 about 14 miles to Highway 48. Continue south on Highway 48 into Alto and Ruidoso. The drive will take you between 2½ and 3 hours, depending on your speed.
From El Paso
To get there from El Paso, travel west on I-10 for 89 miles to Highway 54, taking 54 through Alamogordo and then 12 more miles to Tularosa. In Tularosa, Highway 54 curves east and becomes Highway 70. Take Highway 70 for 38 miles through the Mescalero Apache Reservation into Ruidoso. This drive will take you around 2½ hours.
From Roswell
To get there from Roswell, take Highway 70 west for approximately 75 miles. It will take around 1½ hours to get there.
Posted by Ruidoso.com
