Ruidoso’s Grindstone Lake & Trails

Ahhhh Ruidoso. Its mountains don’t compare to the Rockies of Colorado, and its forests don’t hold a candle to the Pacific Northwest, but there’s just something really fun and special about this little mountain town.  I know that kind of reads like, “It’s mountains suck and its forests are lame”, but truly, Ruidoso is a cool travel destination, and is very beautiful.

(For more ideas on what to do in Ruidoso, check out my other posts!)

I’d been to Ruidoso many times before I finally went to see what Grindstone Lake was all about. My aunt actually showed it to me for the first time, but as it was January and snow was on the ground, I opted to save my exploratory adventures for a warmer, drier day.

My stellar observation skills allowed me to determine that people mainly come here for fishing.  I’ve never been here – winter or summer – without seeing at least 3 or 4 fishermen casting their lines.  It’s very pretty to look at, but if you’re not interested in fishing and feel like you’ve “seen it” after ten minutes than I definitely suggest hiking the Grindstone Trail System.

Directions:

If you are driving on Sudderth than you will see signs to take you to the Inn of the Mountain Gods.  Take that road and follow it until you see signs for Grindstone Stables.  (If you actually hit the Inn of the Mountain Gods, then you have gone too far.) You will turn right on Grindstone Canyon Road, with signs for Grindstone stables.  Keep following this road toward the signs for the Stables.  You will keep left onto Resort Dr, which takes you to the stables.  Drive past the stables on this road and you will soon see a sign for Grindstone Lake.  Turn left and go up the huge incline and you will see the lake!

Things to Consider:

• There are a few other things to do in the surrounding area.  Check out the Stables for horseback riding and the Disc Golf Course that they have set up!
• Bring lots of water & be aware of wildlife!
• Remember, monsoon season is usually right around July and August, so be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms that quickly pass!

The really nice thing about the Grindstone Trail is that you get to feel some seclusion and quiet on your hike when really you’re just 5 minutes from the heart of Ruidoso. Of course, you may see more hikers here than you would hiking around Ski Apache, but for being so close to town I was really impressed with what a peaceful hike it was.

Grindstone Trail is actually a 7-mile loop that takes you through the surrounding forest and back to your starting point.  The incline is only what I would consider moderate at a couple of points, but for the most part, it’s a pretty steady trail.  After one of the more moderate inclines, your view opens up to look back over the lake.

There are a couple of connector trails that are a part of this trail system, but we just stayed on the loop.  It’d be a pretty good trail for mountain biking if that’s your thing.

Always be ready to see wildlife! We actually saw a deer while we were hiking! Ruidoso is full of wildlife, in and around the entire town. You can see deer, elk, mountain lion, bear, and even wild horses (if you are lucky!), so always be aware of your surroundings, even if you’re hiking close to town.

Are you ready to go kill a couple of hours sitting by the lake and hiking up a storm??

What do you guys think? Have you been in the area?? Is there something else around here that would be cool to do?? Have you hiked the entire loop?? I wanna know!

Leave a comment and until next time!