Ruidoso is a small mountain village/city in Lincoln County, New Mexico, USA and is part of the Lincoln National Forest. The population was 7,698 at the 2000 census. The village of Ruidoso Downs is a suburb of Ruidoso.

Ruidoso lies in the rugged Sierra Blanca of southeastern New Mexico, in the area where this range merges with the Sacramento Mountains to the south. Ruidoso is a rapidly growing resort community, due to the region's alpine scenery, and nearby ski slopes. Ruidoso Downs racetrack and a Mescalero Apache Indian owned casino are also within the area.

The city has been experiencing explosive growth, and massive investment has poured into the town from many developers. Major projects including large housing subdivisions, condos, and retail establishments have altered the face of the once "Western" town, and has brought metro Ruidoso into the hectic pace of the 21st century.

The village received its name from the Rio Ruidoso (Spanish for "Noisy River"), a small stream in the vicinity.