Albuquerque International Sunport to Ruidoso

Directions and Things to Do & See

Directions from Albuquerque International Sunport to Hawthorn Suites, Ruidoso NM

Exit Airport to I 25 South.  Travel 82 miles, exit #139 US 380 East toward San Antonio and Carrizozo.  Travel 75 miles through Carrizozo to Highway 37. Turn right toward Alto & Ruidoso.  Travel 14 miles to NM 48, turn right.  Travel approximately 10 miles to Sierra Blanca Drive (U.S Post Office on the left).  Turn left.  The Ruidoso Convention Center is at bottom of the hill on left.  Total Miles  - 181.  Driving time approximately 2 ¾ hours.

San Antonio, NM

In San Antonio look for the Owl Café on the left.  Enjoy outstanding green chili cheeseburgers.  Although it doesn’t look like much on the outside, the inside is immaculate and the signed dollar bills covering every square inch of the walls will amaze you.

Consider visiting the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge…one of the best in America.  It’s on the Central Flyway of North America’s migrating birds. Take a right at the blinking light in San Antonio and travel approximately 8 miles to the reception center. In the fall, winter and spring the refuge is home to hundreds of thousands of whopping and sand cranes, Canadian geese, ducks and even bald eagles as well as hundreds of other species of birds. 

Valley of Fires State Park

On the way to Carrizozo, you’ll approach the Valley of Fires State Park.  As you come down the hill you’ll notice a black band of volcanic matter 5 miles wide and 40 miles long from lava flow over 1500 years ago.  It’s worth a stop for a great photo opportunity.

Carrizozo, NM

Carrizozo is the county seat of Lincoln County and is an emerging arts community.  A couple of places worth visiting include Carrizozo Joe’s (the bread pudding is world class) for breakfast or lunch, the Sierra Blanca Micro Brewery (try the Nut Brown Ale) and the Zo Zo gallery.  Turn right on Central Avenue at the light.  Carizozo Joe’s is 1 block on the left.  Continue 1 block to the left to the Sierra Blanca Brewery and the Zo Zo Gallery.

White Oaks, NM

From Carrizozo, head North on U.S. 54 3 miles and then right 9 miles to White Oaks.  It’s an historic mining town and budding artist colony.  Enjoy the many Victorian homes being restored and the White Oaks saloon.

Nogal, NM

After turning right on Highway 37 you’ll be treated to a wonderful 14 mile drive with great views.  Stop at the Nogal General Store for a cool drink and local conversation.