OL’ FASHIONED DIRECTIONS

From Albuquerque

Take I-25 south to exit 139 US 380 East to San Antonio & Carrizozo (about 82 miles from the Albuquerque Airport.) Travel through Carrizozo to Highway 37 (approx 67 miles to Carrizozo & 8 miles past Carrizozo to the turnoff). Turn right onto Highway 37 towards Nogal/Alto/Ruidoso travel approximately 14 miles to the intersection of Highway 37 & NM 48. Turn right onto NM 48 go up the hill into Alto. Once you reach the top continue on. Airport Highway 220 will go off to the left (that’s where the Spencer Theater is) and the Flying J Ranch is just ahead on the left as you start to climb the next hill.

From El Paso

Take the north-south freeway/Patriot Freeway/US-54 north from the spagetti bowl. Continue on for about 90 miles through Oro Grande and on towards Alamogordo. Just as you enter Alamogordo (the intersection of US 54 or US 70 stoplight) there will be signs directing you to a “Relief Route” of US 54. Take this bypass through the next traffic light and under the bridge and on around Alamogordo. The separated freeway will come together and go over a bridge. Keep in the left lane. At this intersection of US 54 and US 70 you will turn left towards Tularosa. From this point into Ruidoso you will want to follow US 70 (US 54 will split off on the other side of Tularosa). Follow US 70 up the mountain, through Mescalero and on into Ruidoso. At the first traffic light you come to in Ruidoso (Downs) you will want to turn left onto NM-48/Sudderth Dr. for 2.8 miles. You will then turn right onto Mechem Drive (NM 48). See the “From Ruidoso” instructions. It’s about a 3 hour-15 minute 145-mile drive.

From Ruidoso

Take Highway 48 (Mechem Drive) north towards Alto. Travel on Highway 48, landmarks are the Ski Run Road (left side) and the Alto Lakes/Kokopelli entrance (right side), TR’s market & gas station and the Alto Post Office (left side). Approximately a half mile past (north of) the Alto Post Office, down near the bottom of the hill, watch for the LARGE YELLOW SIGN at the Ranch entrance. You will turn right into the Flying J Ranch. If you reach Airport Highway 220…you’ve gone too far. Turn around and try again.