Old Grindstone Mesa

The Old Grindstone Mesa Trail is a climb up a dirt fire road, leading from a neighborhood trailhead on the outskirts of Ruidoso into the high elevation backcountry and the extensive Lincoln National Forest trail network.

At 1.9 miles in total out and back length, the Old Grindstone Mesa Trail begins at a trailhead at the end of Westminister Road. The trail hits a steady climb and maintains this as it weaves through forested hillside before reaching the mesa. At the mesa, the Old Grindstone Mesa Trail forks with the larger network of Ruidoso trail system paths that head deeper into the Lincoln National Forest.

This track follows a short loop on the mesa before returning to the main path and descending back to the tralihead along the same path.

The dirt track keeps a steady, slightly steep grade, though occasional views through the trees offer great places to stop and catch your breath. 

Parking is along the cul de sac shoulder at the end of Westminister Road in a residential neighborhood. There are mutiple trailheads here - the Old Grindstone Mesa Trail follows the main dirt road the continues behind the locked gate.