Ruidoso is a mountain resort town which lies in the Sierra Blanca mountain range of south-central New Mexico where it merges with the Sacramento Mountains to the south. Ruidoso is a resort community close to the slopes of Ski Apache, the Mescalero Apache Tribe-owned ski resort on Sierra Blanca. Because of its physical location in the state Ruidoso has become a favorite town for Texans to come to New Mexico for winter sports and summer temperatures as evidenced by those who have come to town to set up tourist businesses and to build summer homes.

The Ruidoso Downs Race Track is also an attraction in Ruidoso. The track hosts both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, notably the All American Futurity, the richest race in Quarter Horse racing.