Alto Lake and Recreation Area — Local services in Ruidoso

This has been our go to since they've killed the peace and quiet at Grindstone. Fish weren't biting the last few times we visited. I still enjoy it. The last time we went, we encountered a large family that completely took over the walking trail with their cooler and chairs, people were having to step over their belongings to get by, one man even knocked down their fishing poles because he couldn't step over them. They started blaring loud Tejano and hip hop music as if they were partying in their own backyard. We ended up moving to the opposite side of the lake and it still wasn't enough. It's sad to think people have absolutely no respect for a place like this. No regard for other people trying to enjoy the peaceful place that...

Easy trail to walk and a great view of the sunset! Alto Lake is very close to us and we love that we can get here easily. The trail is nice and loop around the lake is popular w joggers. We’ve gone around sunset several times and the view is always amazing! We love that you can see so much wildlife along the trail too; we’ve seen so many birds, deer, elk and even our first bear! Great place to get in a nice walk or to relax and fish or take a picnic or just...

Not much to say about the lake. It's a small fishing lake. Not really for swimming or boating.

But the hike path is nice. Fairly flat terrain with the exception of the climb up & down from the lake. Easy to follow hiking path. There is a small waterfall & pool to explore near the end of the loop. The only bathroom is at the parking lot. There are no trashcans along the trail...pack it out! There are numerous benches along the trail to rest &...