Rio Ruidoso facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rio Ruidoso |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| Counties | Lincoln |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sierra Blanca Mountains Lincoln County 2,260 m (7,410 ft) 33°20′13″N 105°44′38″W / 33.33694°N 105.74389°W |
| River mouth | Rio Hondo (New Mexico) Hondo, New Mexico 1,615 m (5,299 ft) 33°22′54″N 105°16′17″W / 33.38167°N 105.27139°W |
The Rio Ruidoso is a river about 30 miles (48 km) long in New Mexico, United States. Its name means "noisy river" in Spanish. It flows through the Sierra Blanca and Sacramento Mountains. The river is an important part of Lincoln and Otero counties.
Contents
Where the Rio Ruidoso Begins
The Rio Ruidoso starts high up in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Its source is near the top of Sierra Blanca Peak, which is about 11,981 feet (3,652 meters) tall. This area is part of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.
The River's Forks
The river's upper part has three main branches, called forks:
- The North Fork is the longest. It begins on the north side of Sierra Blanca at Ice Spring, close to the Ski Apache ski area.
- The South and Middle Forks start on the south side of the mountain.
These forks come together in a place called Cow Canyon. After they merge, the river flows through the Sacramento Mountains. These mountains are part of the Lincoln National Forest.
Flowing Through Ruidoso Village
The river then flows through the village of Ruidoso. The village was actually named after this very river! Just east of Ruidoso, two other streams, Cedar Creek and Carrizo Creek, join the Rio Ruidoso.
The River's Journey and End
As the Rio Ruidoso travels its 30-mile (48 km) path, it drops about 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) in height. This big drop helps make it a "noisy river." The river eventually meets another river, the Rio Bonito. This meeting happens just west of Hondo, New Mexico. When these two rivers join, they form a new river called the Rio Hondo.
Fish Living in the Rio Ruidoso
The clear, cool waters of the Rio Ruidoso are home to several types of fish. Many of these are popular kinds of trout.
See also
In Spanish: Río Ruidoso para niños
