Alto Lake and Recreation Area

Alto Lake Recreation Area is a scenic alpine lake located in Ruidoso, New Mexico at 854 NM-48, managed by the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation department. The facility offers fishing for rainbow trout, catfish, and smallmouth bass year-round, along with hiking trails including a 0.5-mile scenic crushed-rock loop and a 2-mile natural surface trail leading to waterfalls, plus picnic areas, kayaking, and biking opportunities on non-motorized vessels. The park is open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM with free entrance, parking, and picnicking, though it features one of only two public lakes in the area permitting non-motorized boats and is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking wildlife viewing and mountain recreation.