West Texas Trail Walkers
HIKE WITH AN ALTITUDE
RUIDOSO
October 10-12, 2025
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Join the West Texas Trail Walkers to hike the rugged Sacramento Mountains of Southern New Mexico near Ruidoso. Come to see these beautiful mountains in full fall color, and to discover the local history and legends of Lincoln County, New Mexico, known as the “Land of Enchantment”.
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Visit DiscoverRuidoso.com to find things to do in the area. Ruidoso and Lincoln County in New Mexico are famous for the legends of Smokey Bear and Billy the Kid.
The walks have changed for our 2025 event
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Due to the fire and flood events of June 2024, we no longer offer the Jerryatrics or Cedar Creek events. We now offer Big Bonito and Grindstone lake instead. (See some of the damage on the Jerryatrics trail here - photos on Randy's personal hikes site.)
The four shorties had to also be amended. The trails around Alto Lake are not available; Two Rivers suffered severe damage, and the Fitness trail is in the Cedar Creek area. The Links trail is still good, and we added two trails near Inn of the Mountain Gods.
FRIDAY October 12
Sawmill Trail
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6k: 525' elevation gain; rated 3C
10k: 715' elevation gain; rated 4C
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Highlights: The 6k passes through a meadow and forests on a trail that has gradual inclines in long, swooping switchbacks. The 10k walk takes you to a viewpoint of the Inn of the Mountain Gods and Mescalero Lake.
Trail Description: The trail surface is dirt, rocks and roots. There is quite a bit of sun on this hike.
Saturday October 11
Big Bonito / Argentina Trails
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4k: 217' elevation gain; rated 3C
7k: 759' elevation gain; rated 3C
10k 1260' elevation gain; rated 4C
20k: 1575' elevation gain; rated 4C​
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Highlights: These hikes feature beautiful views of the White Mountain Wilderness. October is a good time to see fall colors. You will cross Rio Bonito creek many times (water levels are usually low.) Views from the Crest Trail are exceptional.
Trail Description: Dirt trails with very rocky surfaces and switchbacks. This is a rugged, advanced, high-altitude hike.
Sunday 12 October
Grindstone Lake
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6k: 297' elevation gain; rated 1C
11k: 715' elevation gain; rated 2C
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Highlights: Grindstone Lake trails are very popular. The hike offers scenic views of the lake and Ruidoso. The 11k is a loop while the 6k is an out and back that follows the shoreline. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The lake trails are also good for bird watching.
Trail Description: The trail surface is dirt, rocks and roots. Most of the hike is in shade.
Black Bear in webmaster's backyard
Wednesday - Sunday October 8-12
Three Fun Shorties
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The Links Trail: White Mountain Sports Complex, 687 Hull Rd. #659, Ruidoso, NM 88345. This 5k trail circles the Links Golf Course. The trail is paved and is fairly level with minor climbs. It is possible to see elk especially early morning.
Carrizo Trail: A fitness trail off Route 4 across the street from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Golf Clubhouse. The trail is paved and meanders through a forested area. You might see wild horses or elk along this path. The pathway has some steeper inclines. Choose to hike any distance out and back up to 10k. Restrooms are in the casino or clubhouse.
Mescalero Lake Trail: Mescalero Lake path behind the Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino. Start this walk on the sidewalk between the golf pro shop and the casino hotel. Walk towards the lake and turn right once you reach the lake. Follow the pathway along the lake enjoying the lake views and casino amenities (i.e., zipline, snack shack, boat rentals, public restrooms). Turn left onto the dam and walk until the end of the dam. Turn around and return to the start. 3k. Be sure to stop into the casino to see the native artwork and perhaps enjoy a snack. Restrooms in the golf pro shop.
Ruidoso Community Center
501 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM. The community center is on the south side of the road just before the Ruidoso Fire Department.
Annual Meeting/Banquet
Saturday Oct 11 @ 7:00 PM
Ruidoso Community Center
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The cost is $38 for genuine New Mexico cuisine. On the buffet is red beef enchiladas, Hatch green chili chicken enchiladas, and red cheese enchiladas. Sides include rice, beans, salad, chips/salsa, queso, guacamole, sour cream, and corn/wheat tortillas. Dessert: sopapillas with honey. Drinks are iced tea, lemonade. A short awards ceremony and business meeting will be held after the dinner.