Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of all outdoor activities unrelated to snow. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors that don’t require skis. Have you ever tried horseback riding in winter? It’s a magical experience that you’ll treasure long after the snow melts.
Grindstone Stables just outside Ruidoso has been in business for 20 years.
The folks here offer one-hour long, guided rides that take you through the forest.
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Horseback expeditions through this section of the Lincoln National Forest are superb in summer.
But, in winter, the scenery is enchanting.
On this three-mile journey, soak in views of Grindstone Lake and the mountains in the distance.
The stables’ horses have calm temperaments so this excursion is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels.
You don’t need any riding experience, which makes this a very family-friendly experience. (You must be five-years-old to ride your own horse but younger children can share with a parent.)
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There are plenty of staff available to show you the ropes, provide riding tips, or simply to chat as you travel along the trail.
From this vantage point, you have a good view of the abundant wildlife in the area, so keep your eyes open!
If a relaxing, scenic ride sounds appealing then make a reservation by calling (575) 257-2241.
It costs $35 per person (plus a tip for the guides). Remember to bring cash, since cards aren’t accepted.
Grindstone Stables is located at 523 Resort Drive in Ruidoso. GPS tends to steer people off track. Here are some accurate directions.
Winter across the Land of Enchantment is, well, an enchanting time of year. Covered in a blanket of white, the landscape looks like it belongs in a snow globe. It's also a great season for a getaway. If you need a winter travel destination in New Mexico, check out Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort which offers dining, lodging, and fun in the snow!
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Ready to get away and explore the great outdoors during winter in New Mexico? If you head to Vadito, you can take a wonderful winter getaway at the Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort in Northern New Mexico.
Sipapu Ski Resort is one of the most affordable places to ski in the state. Because of this, it's quite popular for fun in the snow.
This ski resort has been open since 1952 and offers skiing and snowboarding along with dining and lodging options. It's a great winter getaway destination for those you who love hitting the slopes.
Guests can enjoy 40 trails of powder, six ski lifts, and three terrain parks for snowboarders. Once you've had your fill of skiing or snowboarding, head into the warmth of the Paradise Grill & Riverside Café for a bite to eat.
If you plan on spending the night, there are accommodations available by the slopes and by the river. This place is quite family-friendly as well!
There's a lodge, casitas, cabins, campsites, RV sites, and more. If you want to be by the slopes, be sure to book a room at the lodge!
Are you ready for a snowy getaway? What's your favorite winter travel destination in New Mexico? Let us know! For more information, visit the Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort website and give the Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort Facebook page a follow.
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Are you prepared for the cold weather in New Mexico? Check out our Ultimate Cold Weather Packing List to see what essentials you may need.
A lot of us have lived in New Mexico forever! Sometimes it seems like we have been everywhere and done everything that New Mexico has to offer. Fear not! We put together a list of things to do that are either brand new or maybe you have forgotten. So, pick an activity, grab your best buddy, and be prepared to see New Mexico like you haven't seen it before. Here are some of the best things to do in New Mexico to rekindle your love of this beautiful state.
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1. Visit an overlooked museum
Not all museums are stuffy and dull. Here are eight museums in New Mexico that are just too weird for words. There are probably some museums you missed too. Try these 11 fascinating New Mexico museums you never knew existed.
Check out one of the strange and wonderful museums in New Mexico. The American International Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque is one of our favorite hidden gems in New Mexico. Let's look around in this video from Crafty Coaster:
Grab a hammer and build a birdhouse. Play with watercolors or blow some glass. Even if you have never done it, it's never too late to try. Check your local entertainment publications or websites for creative opportunities. Local colleges and libraries are good too.
5. Visit a movie set
Map out New Mexico movie locations and head out for an adventure. If you spot a yellow sign with an arrow, you might be able to follow it to an active filming location. Meanwhile, head to a New Mexico town that is the nation’s oldest continuously used movie location and see if you can figure out which flicks were shot there.
6. Visit a castle
Outside of Las Vegas (NM), find a 90,000-square-foot castle. Montezuma Castle, on the campus of the United World College, has more than 400 rooms. The campus is usually closed, but check the UWC website for tour dates. If you're looking for a castle with dragons and giants, visit the New Mexico park that will make you feel like you walked into a fairy tale.
7. Do something good for your body and mind
Book a spa day or go for a soak. There’s no better place to be than these 12 hot springs in New Mexico. If you really want to try something good for you, look for a tai chi class or a drop-in yoga. You might be surprised how good you feel afterward. Find movement class info on the bulletin board at the local health food store or cafe. Check your community center too.
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The San Antonio Hot Springs is one of those unique places in New Mexico where you can find zen-like relaxation. Take a sneak peak in this video from WanderLust06:
8. Be a movie extra
Remember Wild Hogs, shot in Madrid? A lot of those gruff bikers and bar patrons were extras. Honestly, being an extra is a lot of waiting and repetition, but experiencing a movie behind the scenes is still a cool opportunity. The New Mexico Film Office has what you need to know about being a movie extra.
9. Go for some ice cream
There is always room for ice cream. Even if you're full, it just slides down between the cracks. Rent an RV and hit the road on this mouthwatering ice cream trail in New Mexico that is all you’ve ever dreamed of and more. There's always room for tacos, too. Go to a place you've never been to before. Your tastebuds will go crazy for this amazing taco trail in New Mexico.
10. Visit a library
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Yep, this is the right photo! Of course, you can check out books and movies at the library, but these days libraries are so much more! Look on your library website for activities for all ages like reading groups, crafts, classes, movie nights and even hands-on projects.
11. Volunteer
What's your passion? People? Pets? Planet? Whatever you're into, there is probably a group out there looking for help. Whether it's a one-shot community clean-up day or a long-term commitment, there are opportunities for almost every schedule and ability. Get started at Volunteer Match.
12. Go creepy!
We know you like ghost towns. We've got 'em and more! From underwater ghost towns to snake museums, check out this list of some of our state’s most creepy destinations. Creepy places to visit in New Mexico that’ll get your heart pounding.
13. Eat something new
This one's a dare! New Mexican's love tacos and chile-slathered everything, but there is some darn good food in the state that hails from around the world. Maybe a veggie masala chapati wrap or Kenyan-style beef kabobs? Try it! You might find a new favorite cuisine.
14. Relive your past
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Remember that school trip to the state capitol? Kind of fuzzy, right? Maybe it's time to visit those places you went as a kid; this time with fresh eyes and an adult's appreciation and understanding. Here are some amazing field trips every New Mexican took as a kid (And should retake now).
15. Have a perfectly New Mexico day
If you can't find something on this list to do, maybe just being in New Mexico is enough! Kick back and have the most New Mexico day ever!
Find more fun things to do in New Mexico in this video from AKFasso:
What else would you add to this list of the best things to do in New Mexico? Is there anything here that you have done and would recommend? Let your fellow New Mexicans know where they should go and what they should do if they think they have done everything.