Hotel at a Glance: High Sierra Condominiums

High Sierra Condominiums strives to make guests feel at home in the great outdoors—in addition to fully stocked suites, you’ll have the lush Lincoln National Forest for a backyard. The condos are just 7 miles from Fox Caves and Mescalero Lake; closer to home is the popular Billy the Kid Casino, just about a 10-minute drive away.

• Full kitchens: Microwave, dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, stovetop, oven, coffeemaker included
• Relax in the lounge: Feel free to play a game of chess, or pluck a book off the library’s shelves and cozy up next to the fireplace.
• Go for a swim in the indoor, heated swimming pool, or soak in the jacuzzi.
• Get breathtaking views of Sierra Blanca Peak and the Sacramento Mountains from the condos.

Ruidoso, New Mexico: Gems, Forests, and Caves in Nature’s Playground

Residents of Ruidoso have called it “nature’s playground,” and it’s hard to argue when you see the sun shine over Lincoln National Forest and the peaks of the Sacramento Mountains. On the area’s many mountain biking paths, such as the 17-mile Rim Trail, you can get beautiful views of the surrounding forest. Fishing is plentiful, too, especially in the Rio Ruidoso or Cedar Creek. The nearby Fox Cave—home to radiant gemstones such as amethysts, Ruidoso garnets, and even rubies—was once the hideout of legendary gunslinger Billy the Kid.

The outlaw is the partial inspiration for Ruidoso Downs Race Track And Billy The Kid Casino, one of the area’s biggest draws. It has up to 13 races a day during the season and is home to over 300 slot machines.

In town, art galleries sell jewelry and crafts made by local artisans. Delve into the town’s past at the Ruidoso River Museum, which has exhibits on the area’s mining history, Native American culture, and the Lincoln County War, which ravaged the area during the late 1800s.

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