The devastating flash flood in Ruidoso on Tuesday afternoon severely damaged many homes and caused the death of three people, including two young children from El Paso.
Ruidoso is a popular resort village for many visitors from across the country who visit throughout the year. Most want to support businesses, but are unsure if they should visit at this time.
Mayor Lynn Crawford, during a news conference on Wednesday morning, said he would not be encouraging people to visit Ruidoso on Wednesday. Some businesspeople also woke up to find their businesses inundated with water and damaged, and will need time to assess and repair the damage.
Here is a quick glimpse of what is open or closed in Ruidoso and the surrounding area.
What is open and closed in Ruidoso
Ruidoso Lodge Cabins, at 300 Main Road in Ruidoso, reports that two cabins were affected by the flooding. However, they recommend people with reservations call to check conditions before driving into town. The roads are open, but the water has been shut down in the area. Information: 575-257-2510.
The Pony Ring at 101 Robin Road in Ruidoso has water damage in its facility. It is closed indefinitely.
Ski Apache, at 1286 Ski Run Road, in Ruidoso, is currently closed. It plans to reopen Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13, depending on the weather. Information: 575-464-3600.
Innsbrook Village Country Club & Resort, at 146 Geneva Drive in Ruidoso, is open and fully operational. Managers are sending guests an email that informs them that there was no damage to property. “The water was able to flow through the widened creek and not flood any units,” according to the email. Information: 575-258-3589.
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, is open and operating without issue.
Is Inn of the Mountain Gods open?
The Inn of the Mountain Gods, at 287 Carrizo Canyon Road in Mescalero, New Mexico, is open and fully operational.
“We have not been affected by the flooding in nearby Ruidoso. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our neighbors and their families,” said Sarah Kazhe, Inn of the Mountain Gods director of marketing.
Is Ruidoso Winter Park open?
The owners of Ruidoso Winter Park announced that the park will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, July 9-10, out of respect for the flood devastation in Ruidoso.
“We are deeply sorry for the unfortunate events that affected our community yesterday. Out of respect and care for everyone, we will remain closed today and tomorrow. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted. Stay safe,” the owners posted on their Facebook feed.
The park, at 121 Ski Run Road in Alto, N.M., plans to reopen on Friday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers tubing, a mountain coaster and a zipline during the summer. Information: www.ruidosowinterpark.com
Is Ruidoso Trading Post open?
The Ruidoso Trading Post, located at 2553 Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso, will be closed on Wednesday, July 9, due to flooding and water damage.
“I got some bad news. We had a huge flood. It came through the building. There’s probably between $2 and $4 million worth of turquoise jewelry in Alamogordo right now. The water rose 10 feet in the store, washed things out and we are in bad shape, but everybody is safe and everybody’s home and comfortable …. Bear with us. I’m not sure how long it’s going to take to get us back in business,” said Arnold Duke in a video on the store’s Facebook page.
Is Ruidoso Downs open?
Severe flooding has damaged the Ruidoso Downs Track and Casino in Ruidoso, causing horses to panic and escape. Jockeys spent part of Wednesday, July 9, calming the racehorses and getting them to higher ground.
Officials with the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino issued a statement stating that they would assess the damage to determine the next steps.
Is White Sands open?
White Sands is still operating as usual. The national park is about to celebrate July’s Full Moon Night at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, in the park’s outdoor amphitheater. The event will include a performance by The Out Cats, a blues duo from Las Cruces.
The park will have extended hours, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., for the event. Seating is not provided at the amphitheater. People can set up on the surrounding dunes and bring camp chairs, blankets, and coolers with food and drinks. The program is free, but park entrance fees will apply. A standard pass is $25 for a private vehicle.
To get to the amphitheater, drive approximately six miles beyond the fee station to an intersection just after the Backcountry Camping Trail parking lot. Take a right at the intersection and then turn left again. Drive approximately one mile further and the amphitheater will be on the right side. The parking lot will open at 7 p.m.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Is Inn of the Mountain Gods open? What’s open and closed after Ruidoso, NM flooding
Reporting by Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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