Ruffing Around in Ruidoso, New Mexico
- Luie Boone
- Jul 19
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 7
This vacation destination is a part of our third series of blog posts titled Rover Ready.
Ruidoso, New Mexico? More Like Ruff-doso. Luie Boone wants you to know that this spot is just as awesome as it sounds. Ruidoso isn't just a scenic mountain retreat; it's a top-notch dog-friendly destination where you and your pup can unwind and adventure together. This quaint town is nestled high in the Sierra Blanca mountains, known for its pine-scented air, friendly locals, and plenty of pup-welcoming accommodations. It is the ideal destination for dog owners who want to explore without leaving their furry companion behind.
Imagine starting your morning with an outdoor breakfast in the fresh mountain air, your dog curled up at your feet (or in Luie Boone's case, sitting right in your face, pulling off the best puppy-dog-eyes known to man and begging for whatever tasty treat you've got that morning). The Village Buttery is a place that Luie Boone would recommend you go for breakfast. You can sit out on a pup-friendly shaded patio, while you enjoy a fresh cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee. Or, you can check out Zocca Coffee & Tea. This spot serves up locally roasted brews and even has pup cups on the menu—Luie Boone will talk more about those delicious delicacies later.
No trip to Ruidoso would be complete without some outdoor exploration. With forests all around, the area offers countess trails for hiking, walking, and zooming. You and your dog can meander through shady paths, climb to scenic overlooks, or take a casual stroll along a quiet lake. There are even open spaces and designated parks, where dogs can run and play off leash.
If you're looking for a slower pace, the town itself has a relaxed, walkable feel. You and your dog can wander through charming streets, pop into a few pooch-friendly shops, and maybe even find a local treat or two! Luie Boone needs you to know about "No Bones About It," which is a gourmet dog bakery in town that offers handmade treats, unique toys, and even custom birthday cakes for pups. It's not Luie Boone's birthday, but who's to say he can't treat himself with a birthday cake?
For a truly unique experience, stop by Wingfield Park, where dogs are welcome at concerts and events held throughout the year! It’s a great place for both two-legged and four-legged visitors to soak up the local culture.
And if your pup needs a little TLC after a big day of adventure? Treat them to a grooming session at Mountain Mutts Pet Salon, or let them relax with a doggie massage at Paws & Relax Spa, where pampering isn't just for the humans.
Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, relaxing by a fire, or enjoying a bite to eat, Ruidoso offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort for both humans and their dogs. It’s a place where tails wag a little faster, and memories are made one pawprint at a time.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Blue Sky
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 3 baths.
Photos courtesy of Ruidoso Vacation Rentals
It features the following amenities:
Furnished patio, with seating for alfresco dining with a view
Private hot tub
Stunning scenery
Gas grill
Outside bar
Fenced-in yard, which provides a safe space for your furry friends to roam
Nearby hiking trails to explore
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
Blue Sky? Who doesn't love a blue sky? It usually means soaking in the sun and getting in a walk or two! In Ruidoso, New Mexico, "Blue Sky" is the rental we would be staying at. I don't know exactly where it is in Ruidoso—that's for my hoomans to figure out with their phones—but I do know that Ruidoso is full of tall pine trees, mountain air, and tons of new smells to sniff. That sounds like a doggy dream come true! And this "Blue Sky" rental? It's a gorgeous house with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, which means plenty of room for me and my wolf plushie Wolfie (creative name, right?) to explore. My hoomans keep talking about the mountain views, but I'm mostly focused on whatever's going to be cooked up in that fancy kitchen! Best of all, there's a fenced-in yard just for me. I'm a good listener, but the fenced-in yard means my hoomans don't have to worry. They can let me off leash to get out my zoomies! In the rental, there's a also a game room, a big patio, and a hot tub. I'll stick to the grass and cool dirt, while my hoomans toast their bones and bubble like soup. They better not ask me to fetch their drinks, though. First of all, I don't have opposable thumbs. And, second of all, I'm too busy giving this spot 2 paws up!
Paws Venture Here
Grindstone Lake Recreation Area
This recreation area is one of the best places in the state to enjoy all the outdoor fun and adventure with your canine companion—from hiking, to swimming, to so much more!
Alto Lake Recreation Area
Another recreation area? Don't worry, Alto Lake Recreation Area is just as cool. Here, you can pull your car right up to the shore and spend the day. Luie Boone promises he won't do a cannonball off the roof of his hoomans' car... maybe, well especially not if already he's too busy walking the trails.
White Mountain Wilderness Area
This wilderness area is known for its wonderful hikes, which are best enjoyed with furry friend. Be sure to take water with you! And if you come from a lower elevation, make sure you do a few walks around town to get acclimated before you attempt a more strenuous hike.
Cedar Creek Trails Recreation Area
This recreation area is surrounded by forested terrain with a mix of pine and juniper trees. Hiking is among the most popular activities here. While on your hike, you and your pooch may see a number of different wildlife, including mule deer and elk in the area.
Monjeau Lookout
Monjeau Lookout is a famous landmark in the Smokey Bear Ranger District. This site is a wonderful and adventurous place to visit! To get to the top, the Monjeau Lookout via Crest Trail is available. Luie Boone can't wait to enjoy the views!
Two Rivers Park
This is a beautiful little park with a river and paved path to walk along your dog. It has plenty of accessible places to get into the water. Just be sure to watch for deer as they may follow you to the end of the walking path. Luie Boone's cool with it. Fame has its price, you know?
Whenever Watersports
Your furry friend can enjoy smooth and effortless water adventures on Grindstone Lake with Whenever Watersports. It is an intuitive self-serve kayak rental kiosk.
Zocca Coffee
This is the perfect place to bring Fido when you're craving a hot cup of caffeine. Your pup is welcome to join you inside the shop or at one of their dog-friendly outdoor tables. No matter where you sit, you pup can check out their partial dog menu and enjoy a pup cup! There is also a little dog treat jar at the checkout counter. Though once Luie Boone gets his paws on that little jar, it might be a little empty.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Ruidoso, New Mexico
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Ruidoso, New Mexico is way up in the Sierra Blanca Mountains. And let me tell you, it's packed with trees, like a lot of trees. Ponderosa pines, piñon pines, junipers... all these fancy tree names. Honestly, I'm just focused on their sniff-ability and sniff-quality rating. But, here's the part I'm still trying to figure out: Apparently, the ground is covered in pine needles. And not just a few sprinkles here and there. Nope, those needles are everywhere. On trails, in parks, even around houses—I won't be able to avoid them! My hoomans made a joke that I'm like a pine needle tree, because we both shed stuff all over the place. Me: soft, beautiful fur. Those trees: a prickly mess. Does that prickly mess poke your paws? Stick to your tail? Will I bring a whole prickly mess home with me? I've got no idea. But if I do, I'm blaming the trees. After all, I'm just trying to enjoy the sniff-worthy life without turning into a walking porcupine!
Heads up from your furry travel buddy:
Luie Boone usually just talks about tail-wagging adventures, but right now, he needs to mention that Rudiso, New Mexico is dealing with the aftermath of some serious flooding. If you want to help pups and people affected, please do! Just be sure to double-check donation info with trusted sources before sending anything.
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