Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
55.00 ft (16.76 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.40 mi (2.25 km)
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The Ruidoso River Trail is a popular paved walking trail following beside a three quarter mile length of river in central Ruidoso and is very popular for everyone from walkers to joggers to families.

The path is easily accessible, with its own dedicated parking area, though it can be reached from Two Rivers Park which has benches, a playground and other park facilities. The path follows a generally flat course, nestled between the river on one side and Raven Ridge hill - which also has numerous small foot paths leading up its gravely slope - on the other.

The trail is a peaceful walk, and small paths lead right down to the water's edge. As it proceeds further away from Two Rivers Park, it crosses a couple foot bridges spanning the water and enters a neighborhood, where a part of the route is along the shoulder of a quiet road. Eventually, the trail comes to an end at a bend with a few benches.

The beginning is the busiest area, with other users thinning out at the first bridge and road crossing. 

The Ruidoso River Trail is very family friendly at even had a number of fairies hidden along the path to encourage children to observe and explore their surroundings. As of 2025, recent flooding has altered parts of the trail as the river area goes through repair and restoration efforts.

Parking and the trail are day use only. Bathrooms and water are located in Two Rivers Park, and any other amenities can likely be found at the nearby businesses in central Ruidoso.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easily accessible.

Cons

Portions are along a road. Recovering from flood damage.

Trailhead Elevation

6,540.00 ft (1,993.39 m)

Highest point

6,590.00 ft (2,008.63 m)

Features

ADA accessible
Family friendly

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

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