Elite
Outfitters offers beautiful high-country trail rides in the White Mountain
Wilderness Area of the Lincoln National
Forest,
near Ruidoso, NM. A variety of ride lengths are offered to appeal to everyone
who has ever dreamed of riding in the Rocky Mountains. Elite’s goal is to
provide a true riding adventure for people of all experience levels. Come enjoy
the magnificent New Mexico backcountry from the saddle!
If you're looking for a mountain trail ride that is a step (or two) above the rest, you've found it. Mountain peaks, panoramic views and an abundance of forest life await you on these first-class rides. Elite uses experienced riding stock, accustomed to mountain travel, to ensure you an enjoyable experience. Elite specializes in small, personalized rides of 2 to 6 people, although larger groups of up to 10 riders can be accommodated upon request.
The
longer trail rides are geared toward experienced riders looking for a true
mountain-riding adventure. The shorter rides are oriented toward families
and novice riders.
Elite's trail rides will surpass not only every trail ride in this area, these rides will rival the best rides anywhere in the Rocky Mountains! Elite rides in the best mountain terrain with the most awesome views, rides the best mountain riding-stock on the planet and has the best stable area around. Visit the other stables in the area and see the difference yourself. Once you've done this ride, the rest will pale in comparison. If you want to impress your family or friends with your activity planning, book this ride. You'll be the hero of the day. It's a promise!
Seasons/Reservations
Elite conducts rides by reservation. The season runs from March through
September, weather
permitting. Call 575-354-1299 for reservations.
Rides & Prices
1-Hour Ride -
$35/person. Approximately 2 miles in length. The ride follows a beautiful,
secluded mountain trail with great views of the surrounding canyons. The net
elevation gain during the ride is 600 vertical feet. Sorry, no children under
age 8. Riding double is not allowed.
2-Hour Ride - $55/person. Approximately 4 miles in length. The most popular ride. The ride makes a loop up a canyon, follows a scenic ridge and eventually winds down a second canyon to the stable. The net elevation gain during the ride is 1,300 vertical feet. There is incredible scenery and an adventure element to this ride. Not recommended for children under age 12.
4-Hour Ride - $90/person. Approximately 7 miles in length. The ride follows an extremely scenic trail deep into the White Mountain Wilderness Area. The net elevation gain during the ride is over 2,000 vertical feet. A 30-minute rest stop is taken to allow you ample time to relax and enjoy the unsurpassed views. Absolutely stunning scenery. You must experience this ride to believe it. Not recommended for children under age 14.
6-Hour
Ride - $125/person. Approximately 10 miles in length. Conducted June
through August. The ride makes a
deep journey into the Sacramento Mountains. The net
elevation gain during the ride is over 3,000 vertical feet. We're talking
serious adventure here. Two rest stops are taken during the ride to allow you to
stretch and enjoy the forest. Not recommended for novices or children under age
16.
Evening Elk-Viewing Ride - $100/person. Approximately 4 miles in length and 3 hours in duration. Conducted June through August. If you want the best chance to view elk in their native habitat, this ride is for you. The ride winds up a scenic canyon for one hour onto a high ridge where Elite's guides will set up and locate elk in the canyons below. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be provided to get up-close views of the elk. If you have binoculars, you are welcome to bring them. After spending over an hour viewing elk, the ride winds back down the canyon to the stable. This ride is conducted at 5:30pm - 8:30pm during the summer months to coincide with the times elk movement is highest as they move into their night-time feeding areas. The start time will be moved earlier in the day during the spring season to coincide with the last three hours of daylight. Not recommended for children under age 12.
Romance Ride - $250/couple. Approximately 5 miles in length and 3 hours in
duration. Conducted June through August. This ride is designed for couples. You and your loved one will enjoy
an exclusive ride high onto a mountain
top where you will spend over an hour in the serenity of the wilderness. Your
guide will provide you with a bottle of sparkling cider, stemmed glasses, cheese
and crackers, a blanket, and time to yourself. After relaxing and enjoying the magnitude of
the mountains with your loved one, the ride will resume as you wind back down
the mountain to the stable. Sorry, no children allowed on this ride.
What to Bring
Personal gear such as cameras and a jacket are recommended and can be stored in saddlebags. Dress in layers. Avoid short pants and sandals and you will be forever grateful. Ponchos are provided in case of a rain shower.
Where to Go
Take Mechem Drive (Hwy 48) north out of Ruidoso to Hwy 37. Turn left on Hwy 37 and go to Nogal Canyon Road, located just past mile-marker 9. Turn left onto Nogal Canyon Road and go 4 miles until you see the "Elite Outfitters" sign on the left. The address is 507 Nogal Canyon Road. You can't miss it. Allow 30 minutes, from the Ruidoso Village limits, to reach the stable.
Sorry! We do not accept credit cards. However, your personal check or cash is welcome.
Thank You!
For Reservations (March thru September), Call 575-354-1299