Grindstone Lake Picnic Area — Local services in Ruidoso

Very nice place to hike and observe nature! We were able to see a wide variety of wildlife. Mostly birds, several different kinds including woodpeckers, towhee, sparrow, swallow, osprey, heron, and other variations. Some ducks on the lake. We also saw deer in the forest and a couple of "wild horses", but they were not bothering humans, just minding their business up in the woods. It was a peaceful place for a hike, not too many other humans when we were there, but plenty of space regardless. Some people were fishing and at least one couple on a boat on the lake....

I’ve been here when it was nice but sadly with the water this low, the fires and the rain, the lake is NASTY. The mud at the edge is thick like sludge and it keeps going beyond just the edge far into the water. With each step you sink further in, and the water turns black because of the sludge. My dogs were covered in mud and the worst part is that it stinks like sewage. It was such a waste of a drive and our Saturday off. Wish I would have know the state of the lake before...

Beautiful place to take a short hike. We just walked around the lake and back. The trail is very well tracked and the area is so quiet and peaceful. There are portapotties along the river near the trails.

I know some may think "it's just a lake" but this lake is worth walking around at least once. It takes about 45 mins. You can easily spend an hour here. Week days are nice because it's free and hardly any people, it's like you have the lake...