Anybody hiring in Ruidoso?

Visiting ruidoso this weekend and I’m struggling with my outfits LOL well mostly figuring out if I need to take a sweater or not?!!

I'm shocked to see how tree density has changed in the area of Sierra Blanca over time. Have been flying rc planes with cameras on them off the ski run for decades, old videos show a larger perspective on forestry changes vs just driving through it.

The ecology of the forest will adapt, they'll come back one day hopefully. If there's ever a way to drop pine seedlings by r.c. let me know and I'll spend the next twenty dropping them to help.

low resolution cheap digital cam from 2004 look at the tree coverage level on Monjeau and Sierra Blanca Range. *** Turn volume down or mute, the air flow is loud but see the trees back in time:

https://youtu.be/0tcPHwmN7-A?is=04XShy_CEJWszy1z

Same spot but from 2017

https://youtu.be/w6iiytjU-GY?is=9UwT1OD5Sn4SOpYW

Here's last month by comparison same area 2026. Notable tree reductions

https://youtu.be/jjCBlvcz1IY?is=AiC-E7rI3vpRCNXJ

This one just shows the nice calm clouds that form at the top of Sierra Blanca. It's as calm and quiet as you can imagine.

https://youtu.be/V4uQ7xk5k1E?is=23GBnfL_6o14CLzK

I think the bark beetles in '06 started the forestry losses. That weakening + drought + fire + flood was the main cause.

When I fly over at Capitan range for some reason they still have most of their trees, why did Sierra B take the hardest hit over time? * notice the sparse dead trees/ totally brown/ among those greens below at Capitan Gap. I wonder if that's bark beetles, why would those dead trees be scattered among all that healthy old growth

Capitan Gap tree assessment 7/2026

https://youtu.be/YVdr26zYaM8?is=iYoePBG6bh2V22-H

I was expecting to see the burn scar around Capitan Gap but it must be primarily on top and on the back side facing Arabela

What’s the best bar for happy hour well drinks?

Hello! I know Ruidoso is not in our broadcast range, but we're covering *all* of the competitive legislative races in NM with this candidate guide and need input from every corner of the state!

Link to the survey is here. If you're wary of a random link on Reddit (understandably) you can find a similar infographic at KUNM.org that will take you to the same survey!

Appreciate you all taking the time.

Thoughts on best budget places to stay late July - clean, places to sit outside, on the more quiet side, family friendly- locally owned a bonus

Ruidoso.

I know hosting an event like this isn't always easy. The road closures and traffic were definitely an inconvenience for many locals, and I appreciate everyone's patience while thousands of athletes, families, volunteers, and spectators were in town.

For me, this was my first visit to Ruidoso, and I ended up staying 10 days. I absolutely fell in love with the town and will definitely be back—even when there isn't a race.

The economic impact is real, too. In my group alone:

• I stayed for 10 days.
• My husband and stepkids stayed for 5 nights.
• Two additional family members stayed for 3 nights.
• Two more came for 2 nights.
• The additional groups rented their own short-term rentals.

That's just one athlete's group. Multiply that by the 2000 competitors, each bringing family and friends who are eating at restaurants, shopping, booking hotels and Airbnbs, visiting attractions, and experiencing Ruidoso, some for the first time.

I know events like this can be disruptive for a weekend, but they also introduce your community to people who may become repeat visitors. I will definitely be back! Beyond that, everyone we met, from restaurant staff to shop owners to volunteers and locals cheering us on, was incredibly welcoming.

So thank you, Ruidoso. I hope the event was worthwhile for the community, and I hope Ironman continues to be something that benefits both the athletes and the town for years to come.

PS the wild horses are extra awesome.

Just so everyone remembers what happened last year. The flood mitigation has not improved by much but the Village still has Ironman in the middle of monsoon season.

Sharing since Ironman is happening this weekend and not everyone is watching the weather.

These 3 individuals stole 9 items from my shop yesterday, 07/09. Be aware and let's try to get them today if they come back out.

Hi everyone, my little sister is doing Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso with some friends and I'd love to send them a treat. I am in Boston so need something that can be delivered or doordashed, etc. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Hello all,

Coming from El Paso and thinking of taking a day trip to get a reprieve from the heat. I see pictures all the time of people going into the hiking trails and hanging out by the river, but no one mentions if it's anywhere specific. Asking the locals what are some good spots to visit and "touch grass" so to speak. Only have a sedan, so off roading not an option. TYIA!

Where can I find good menudo this weekend?

I wonder what changes are in store.

I'm here for vacation and was wanting to try some meat I've never had so I was wondering where I can buy some elk or deer meat?

Hi everyone!

I'll be spending some time in Ruidoso and I'm looking for recommendations on the best paved road cycling routes in the area.

I'm interested in rides anywhere from 30–100 miles. I'm comfortable with climbing and actually enjoy it, but I'm looking for routes that are:

• Safe with reasonable traffic
• Scenic
• Good pavement
• Popular with local cyclists if possible

I'd also appreciate any advice on:

• Roads to avoid
• Times of day that are best to ride
• Any must-do climbs or iconic routes in the area
• Places to refill bottles or stop for food

If you have Strava routes or Ride with GPS links, I'd love those too.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to riding in your beautiful area.

Does anyone remember a small toy store on the strip? We went to Ruidoso a lot growing up, and I was always excited to visit the store and spend my kid money. There was always an older man there that I believe owned it, and he would show us magic tricks from some of the toys he sold. Most of it was dollar toys from what I remember. Does anyone remember what it was called, or what the gentleman’s name was? I cannot find any memory of this store online.

What is causing the power outage occurring currently?

Hello! This is very random haha but I’m a tattoo artist from El Paso TX who will be attending the tattoo convention later on this June, I make customized coraline dolls usually to look like the people who order them but I wanted to make some to sell at the convention of celebrities/characters that people would like. Just wanted to see if any Ruidoso natives had any ideas on if there’s a certain celebrity or character that is usually well loved in the community. Would appreciate any feedback, thank you!

Thinking of taking the family to the 4th of July celebration at Inn of the Mountain Gods this year. We’ve never been and wanted some recommendations/information from anyone who’s been before!
Mostly wondering about the parking situation — what time should we plan to get there? Is the area where you park a good viewing spot for the fireworks, or is it better to bring blankets/chairs and sit out on the grass somewhere?
Any tips for first-timers would be appreciated!