Hiking in Ruidoso’s White Mountain Wilderness

Hello everyone!! I am excited to say that I finally bought a new computer after a year of going without!! I am so excited to be able to edit my photos again, although I will say that catching up on editing a years worth of photos has been a little taxing and time consuming!

I’ve been going through a lot of my older photos and I’m starting to get nostalgic about some of my favorite places in Ruidoso, NM. I know people who are not from around there think New Mexico is just a flat, dusty, desert-y place…and that certainly can be true! However, there are truly a lot of beautiful spots in the state!! I got to know Ruidoso very well during my time served in Carlsbad (someone even joked with me that I was the Mayor of Ruidoso, lol!), and I can tell you that the White Mountain Wilderness was one of my favorite places to go hiking in the area!

There are A LOT of hiking trails in this area with many different access points.  The two spots I usually started out at was off 107, a road NW from Ruidoso, or I drove up to Ski Apache and hiked the trailhead right by the parking lot. Either way will quickly connect you to the network of trails through the wilderness! I’ve hiked several trails through the area, but if I had to pick a favorite I’d say the Crest trail accessed from the Ski Apache trailhead was probably my favorite!

(Note: the trailhead by Ski Apache is not named Ski Apache trailhead or anything, I just can’t remember the actual name and so I refer to it as such.)

I highly suggest visiting the Smokey Bear Ranger Station located on 901 Mechem Dr if you are new to the area. My sister and I went there on our first trip to Ruidoso and they were very helpful with finding hiking trails, and even provided us with maps.

Directions to trails accessed by Ski Apache from Ruidoso: This is a super easy place to find, with well marked signs. Take 48 heading North out of Ruidoso. On the outskirts of town there will be a marked turn off with signs for Ski Apache with a road number of 532. Turn left on this road. 532 will wind you up the mountain all the way to Ski Apache. Right before you get to the parking lot at the top there will be a pull off with a trail head on your right. If you hike this trailhead it will take you into the network of trails. From there you can choose which trail you want to take.

Tips from this starting point:

• This is a truly beautiful drive up the mountain with awesome views of the surrounding area! Stop at some of the turn offs and enjoy the scenery!
• That being said… this road is extremely winding with some hairpin turns. Be cautious with driving!
• Depending on where you are from, you may or may not do well with the elevation change that awaits you up near Ski Apache. The base elevation at the starting point is 9,600 ft.
• There are wild animals up here!! Please be aware while hiking and be watchful of your kids!
• Bring water and snacks, but mind the rule of pack in/pack out to avoid any unwanted contact with critters!
• Definitely bring a hat/sunscreen! The sun is very direct up here!
• There are sections of hiking up here that were burned several years ago in the wild fires.  My sister and I always greatly enjoyed hiking up here even in the damaged areas.

Driving up 532 to Ski Apache:

The above picture is the entrance to Ski Apache, and the trailhead is right before you get to this sign!

Starting out from this trailhead:

In the above picture, the trail switchbacks up this hill.  Once you get to the top there is an intersection of a few trails.  We usually took the Crest trail.

View from the top of the hill looking back on the road you drove in.

I have a lot of pictures from Crest trail, but that is a different blog post all on its own!

Directions to trails accessed off 107/Bonita Lake Rd: Head North on 48 heading out of Ruidoso. Turn Left onto 37.  From 37 turn left onto 107/Bonita Lake Rd.  There have always been signs in the past so it should be well marked.  You will pass Bonita Lake, keep on the road until it dead ends into parking.

Tips from this starting point:

• This road is not smooth in all places.  We always made it just fine in our Honda, but if it has recently rained the road might be muddy and I would not suggest it unless you have all wheel drive/4 wheel drive.
• There is a point after you pass Lake Bonita where you are driving through someone’s property…it always feels a little weird driving though there because you feel like you’re trespassing, but I promise if you keep going you’ll hit several trailheads.
• You can access different trails off this road, but if you stay on it and keep driving it will dead end into a trailhead as well. So hike wherever your little heart desires!
• Again, there are wild animals out in this area, so please be aware and keep an eye on your kids
• Bring plenty of water and snacks
• These hikes have been a little more shaded in my experience, but a hat probably is never a bad idea!
• As always, planning a trip in late July or August is the best time to see wildflowers! Fall would be my second pick, as there are usually beautiful fall colors here as well!

Driving to trailheads/passing Lake Bonita:

Like I said, there are a few different trailheads along 107. If you stop at the Ranger Station in Ruidoso and get a map beforehand, it will better help you navigate where you wanna go!

Here are some pics from hiking in this area:

Trailhead for Bonito Trail

Overall these areas are super enjoyable to hike, and not far from Ruidoso at all!

Final parting tip: Never really had a problem with crowds, but then again I was careful not to go to Ruidoso at all when there are horse races.  That town is NOT set up for the number of people that flock to the area during those events!!!

Well, I hope I’ve inspired someone out there to make the White Mountain Wilderness part of your hiking itinerary!!! Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!!

Until next time!