Sightseeing
The Smokey Bear Museum not only tells the history of Smokey who was found in the forest by Capitan, but it has great exhibits showing the dangers of forest fires and how they can be prevented. The museum and gift shop have a great selection of items for all ages. Smokey Bear is buried in the park next door.
15 locals recommend
Smokey Bear Museum
102 Smokey Bear BlvdThe Smokey Bear Museum not only tells the history of Smokey who was found in the forest by Capitan, but it has great exhibits showing the dangers of forest fires and how they can be prevented. The museum and gift shop have a great selection of items for all ages. Smokey Bear is buried in the park next door.
White Sands became a National Park in 2020 and has a rich history. It's a must see for the impressive size and beauty of crystal white dunes, and a fun place to surf the dunes year-round (although it IS hot in the summer).
244 locals recommend
White Sands National Monument
White Sands became a National Park in 2020 and has a rich history. It's a must see for the impressive size and beauty of crystal white dunes, and a fun place to surf the dunes year-round (although it IS hot in the summer).
Lincoln New Mexico is frozen in time when the Lincoln County wars split the county and made Billy the Kid famous. Visiting Lincoln is going back in time to the old west.
35 locals recommend
Lincoln
Lincoln New Mexico is frozen in time when the Lincoln County wars split the county and made Billy the Kid famous. Visiting Lincoln is going back in time to the old west.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
26225 US-70Grindstone stables is a popular place for trail rides year round. Since the trails emanate from Grindstone Lake, the views are priceless. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Grindstone Stables
Grindstone stables is a popular place for trail rides year round. Since the trails emanate from Grindstone Lake, the views are priceless. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Grindstone Lake has it all, and is very popular with locals and visitors alike. It is beautiful. You’ll find horseback riding, disk golf, fishing, boat rentals, swimming, hiking, biking, and picnicking. A concession stand sells snacks and drinks. A variety of boats and fishing gear are available for rent, and fishing supplies and bait are available for sale. In the summer months, a floating waterpark is set up.
140 locals recommend
Grindstone Lake
501 Resort DrGrindstone Lake has it all, and is very popular with locals and visitors alike. It is beautiful. You’ll find horseback riding, disk golf, fishing, boat rentals, swimming, hiking, biking, and picnicking. A concession stand sells snacks and drinks. A variety of boats and fishing gear are available for rent, and fishing supplies and bait are available for sale. In the summer months, a floating waterpark is set up.
Food scene
Oso Grill is on the corner of the two main streets in Capitan, directly across from the Smokey Bear Museum. The ingredients to every menu item are fresh and delicious. There's also a gift shop next door.
10 locals recommend
oso grill
100 Lincoln AveOso Grill is on the corner of the two main streets in Capitan, directly across from the Smokey Bear Museum. The ingredients to every menu item are fresh and delicious. There's also a gift shop next door.
SO enjoyable! The food is fresh and delicious, and the outside patio is a great place to relax. Tuesday is poblano corn chowder day and it's so popular that they usually sell out. It's an easy walk from Cabin in the Sky, and our favorite lunch spot.
32 locals recommend
The Village Buttery
2107 Sudderth DrSO enjoyable! The food is fresh and delicious, and the outside patio is a great place to relax. Tuesday is poblano corn chowder day and it's so popular that they usually sell out. It's an easy walk from Cabin in the Sky, and our favorite lunch spot.
More than a bakery, for sure! Fresh breads and baked goods, muffins, pastries, cakes, pies...they have it all including the fresh coffee grounds to take home. Wonderful breakfasts and lunches popular for a reason.
98 locals recommend
Cornerstone Bakery Cafe
1712 Sudderth DrMore than a bakery, for sure! Fresh breads and baked goods, muffins, pastries, cakes, pies...they have it all including the fresh coffee grounds to take home. Wonderful breakfasts and lunches popular for a reason.
For a quiet relaxing evening, Michael J’s is the place to go. Reservations are highly recommend as it is quite popular.
43 locals recommend
Michael J's Italian-American Restaurant
601 Mechem DrFor a quiet relaxing evening, Michael J’s is the place to go. Reservations are highly recommend as it is quite popular.
Casa Blanca is a favorite of locals and visitors, so in peak times the wait can be long. The bar has food and drink service both inside and out while you wait.
44 locals recommend
Casa Blanca
501 Mechem DrCasa Blanca is a favorite of locals and visitors, so in peak times the wait can be long. The bar has food and drink service both inside and out while you wait.
For a great burger, Jacks is the place to go. Outside seating is our preference when weather permits. Both entrees and appetizers are tasty, and service is friendly and fast.
39 locals recommend
Anaheim Jacks
1097 Mechem DrFor a great burger, Jacks is the place to go. Outside seating is our preference when weather permits. Both entrees and appetizers are tasty, and service is friendly and fast.
Tina is the best cook in town. Normally a breakfast and lunch venue, she now opens for dinner on weekends. Give Tina’s a try.
46 locals recommend
Tina's Cafe
2825 Sudderth DrTina is the best cook in town. Normally a breakfast and lunch venue, she now opens for dinner on weekends. Give Tina’s a try.
Rio Grande has great ambiance and delicious food. How can you beat that?
55 locals recommend
Rio Grande Grill and Tap Room
441 Mechem DrRio Grande has great ambiance and delicious food. How can you beat that?
For great home cooking, Alto Cafe is well worth the short drive north. Friday is catfish night (with a full menu too), and it’s crisp and delicious. Their bbq is smoked onsite and outstanding. The parking lot is almost always packed, but service is fast and friendly.
36 locals recommend
Alto Cafe
810 County Rd 48For great home cooking, Alto Cafe is well worth the short drive north. Friday is catfish night (with a full menu too), and it’s crisp and delicious. Their bbq is smoked onsite and outstanding. The parking lot is almost always packed, but service is fast and friendly.
Pet Store
Our Cavalier, Bailey, knows exactly which door to enter when we walk in Midtown. His tail starts wagging as soon as we approach ‘No Bones About It’. He picked out his winter snowsuit here and loves the cookie bar. SO many good things are packed into this small establishment. You’ll love it.
No Bones About It
2540 Sudderth DrOur Cavalier, Bailey, knows exactly which door to enter when we walk in Midtown. His tail starts wagging as soon as we approach ‘No Bones About It’. He picked out his winter snowsuit here and loves the cookie bar. SO many good things are packed into this small establishment. You’ll love it.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Winter Travel in the Mountains
If you are traveling to the mountains in winter, be aware of seasonal dangers. Be prepared for freezing temperatures and associated precipitation. Drive a vehicle suitable for steep climbs and snow. Make SURE you have all season tires with deep tread. Chains are lifesavers, and worth the investment on the chance you may need them. Always carry blankets and heavy jackets in case you have to spend unexpected time in your vehicle.
What to pack
Packing for the mountains
Bring clothes to layer regardless of the season. Also pack hiking boots to protect your ankles if you plan to hike. Commercial walking sticks are great for hiking, as are sticks found in the forest. In the winter, pack a bag with snow gear just in case a surprise storm hits the area. Forecasts are notoriously inaccurate, and car trouble could leave you stranded. In the summer, sweatshirts are needed in the cool mornings and evenings. The 7,000 ft sun is gloriously warm during the day.
Don't miss
Wildlife at the cabin
Spend time out on the deck and keep your eyes trained on the windows to spot the wildlife visitors. You won’t hear them, but you will enjoy their presence. The wild horses, elk, and deer regularly graze at the cabin on their way to the river. Bear are in the area as are turkey and the occasional fox, but are rarely seen. Don’t forget that these magnificent animals ARE wild. Enjoy them from a safe distance.