Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Ruidoso, one of New Mexico’s most popular resort towns, found itself engulfed in deadly flash floods that devastated property and took lives. As of July 9, 2025, at least three people had also died in their impacts, including various neighborhoods and resorts that were engulfed by the floods. Heavy rains that caused a downpour caused Rio Ruidoso to overflow and engulf lowlands. Other regions in the Lincoln County area were also destroyed by the storm, which made it more challenging to respond to the disaster.
With ongoing flooding affecting the area, rescue operations have been under way by emergency personnel, and evacuations have taken place, most prominently in Ruidoso’s Cedar Creek, Upper Canyon, and Paradise Canyon areas. Sierra Blanca Fire Department and local agencies are managing debris clearance and resident/tourist protection. Flash flooding has also been predicted by the National Weather Service, which will see more rain fall, potentially threatening to compound severely.
Interuptions to Travel and Tourism: Affected Locations and Transportation
Flooding has also widely disrupted travel and tourism in Ruidoso and other areas. Below are more detailed breakdowns of interferences:
Flight Disruptions: While there have yet to be reports of mass flight cancellations at Ruidoso, airports in the immediate areas, such as Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport and Roswell International Air Center, could see delays due to current weather and travel conditions.Other regional airports, including Albuquerque or El Paso, also have the potential to see more flight delays or rebookings when travelers are looking for alternative routes in order to travel around damaged roadways or limited access to Ruidoso.
Road Closures and Blockages
Highways such as the US Highway 70 and State Route 48 in and around Ruidoso have been severely destroyed by flash flooding, consisting of rocks, mudslides, and flooded roadways, which have made access extremely difficult. Also, roads to Ruidoso Downs and Ski Apache are shut down due to flooding, causing widespread travel disruptions for tourists who were visiting there originally. Road travel to Bonito Lake and Alto Lakes has also been halted, and hotel reservations and outdoor activities have also been cancelled by tourists.
Effect of Tourism in Ruidoso and Nearby Areas
Ruidoso Downs, which is the town’s well-known racetrack and casino, had to close temporarily due to flooding, which affected the gambling and entertainment sectors that attract various tourists. Cancellation of entertainment performances and racing meetings were other losses incurred by the tourism sector. Ski Apache, one of the region’s biggest ski resorts, has had to shut down its ski runs and mountain operations because of the hazard to people’s safety that the floods represent. Bonito Lake, another attraction place, has been engulfed, rendering it unapproachable for camping, boating, and fishing. Lincoln National Forest, which is also well-known for camping and hiking, fared no better, and several trails were shut down due to flooding.
Public Transportation and Railroad Services
Train travel to and from Ruidoso has been suspended due to flooding around train lines in L’Estaque, a picturesque area in the region of Marseille, which itself is also flooding. SNCF, the French railway company, confirmed that several train services have either been cancelled or delayed. Shuttle services and local bus services have also been affected, with some routes being closed and other routes running on lower timetables due to flooding and consequent safety hazards.
Humanitarian Aid and Long-term Rebuilding
Aid has been widespread throughout Ruidoso. Over 1,000 emergency workers have descended on Ruidoso to work on rescue and evacuation. Displaced families have been relocated to temporary shelters, and local businesses have made donations of foods, water, and supplies. Despite ongoing challenges, fire departments and emergency management workers are working around the clock to put the situation under control and establish order.
Flash Flood Warning and Travelers’ Safety Precautions
Residents around Ruidoso, Alamogordo, and other regions have been alerted by the National Weather Service (NWS) about a flash flood warning. Motorists should not travel through floodwater and stay off roads other than when necessary. Residents who have been affected should seek high ground and comply with evacuation instructions if ordered. New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) also recommended travel after bedtime to Affected areas and that one verifies their official Website for travel updates regarding road closures and conditions.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
Ruidoso’s tourism industry is also most vulnerable, since the region relies almost exclusively on summertime tourism and wintertime sporting events for revenues. When major attractions such as Ski Apache and Ruidoso Downs were shut down due to flooding, local businesses, from restaurants through accommodations to tour operations, are suffering tremendously financially. Several tourists have cancelled their plans, and tourism-related services are being run below normal levels.
Affected Vacation Spots Near Ruidoso:
- Ski Apache – It’s well-known for skiing and snowboarding, currently closed due to flooding and road-access issues.
- Ruidoso Downs – Both the casino and racetrack have closed temporarily due to impacts of the flood on the area.
- Bonito Lake – It’s a highly visited boating and fishing spot that’s underwater right now and can’t be accessed due to the floodwaters.
- Alto Lakes – Guests who were expecting to have vacation homes and outdoor activities on lakes have had their plans frustrated by flooding.
- Lincoln National Forest – Closed to hiking and camping due to flooding and damaged trails.
Conclusion
Recent flash flooding throughout Ruidoso has caused mass disruption to travel and tourism, such as road closures, cancelled flights, and shutdowns of tourist sites, which have had devastating effects on the area. While emergency services are trying to bring the situation under control and reinstate services, travelers are advised to stay well informed of the situation and comply with official recommendations concerning road conditions and flight changes. The flooding highlights susceptibility in natural and tourism resources throughout the area, which also requires collaboration between local government and travel agencies, including long-term restoration, as well as responsible travel management.
