Question: I'm coming to Ruidoso with my church group and was interested in what type and variety of hiking trails exist in the area. Thank you in advance for your answer.

Answer: Well you're welcome, after the fact, for your question. The good Lord did some of his finer handiwork in our area and there's no better way to see it for my money that hoofin' around the back country. Ruidoso sits smack dab in the middle of the Lincoln National Forest so trail access is nearby and convenient. To answer your question more fully, we've got lots of everything for the Timberland set. Prob'ly the best advice I can give is to visit the wonderfully nice folks at the Smokey Bear Ranger Station right on Mechem Drive in Ruidoso. These are the pros and they never disappoint with the quality information they have at their disposal. In the meantime, here's a link to their web site with trail information.

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Question: Ruidoso Rob ... what's your favorite hiking trail? Tell the truth!

Answer: I ain't lied since I was just a pip squeak ... and it was only about rippin' the eyeball off my sister's doll ... well that's another story. Anyway my favorite is the Crest Trail and if you have time for one really good romp in the New Mexcio Wilderness while you're up here ... this is the one. The trailhead is accessible by car just below Monjeau Lookout, medium hard even for a robust feller like myself and the views ... well just bring your camera ... you'll thank me later. The trail passes through sub-alpine meadows, grass-oak savannahs, plus mixed conifer and aspen stands giving y'all a special view of White Sands, the Malpais and the desert to the west. Heck, I'm soundin' like I'm on National Geographic all of sudden for gosh sakes!

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