Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Lake
A sprawling mountain resort on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, offering a casino, golf, lake activities, and stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for outdoor activities
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Lake
Best Time
Ideal for outdoor activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling mountain resort on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, offering a casino, golf, lake activities, and stunning natural beauty.
"The setting is undeniably beautiful, with scenic views and a tranquil lake."
🎯 Book activities early
Popular activities like zip-lining and golf fill up fast, especially on weekends.
👟 Pack for the outdoors
Comfortable shoes and layers are essential for exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mescalero Lake Adventures
Lake Mescalero
Kayak, fish, or simply enjoy the serene waters with breathtaking mountain views.
Thrilling Zipline Experience
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort
Soar over the landscape for an unforgettable adrenaline rush and panoramic vistas.
Championship Golf Course
Inn of the Mountain Gods Golf Course
Tee off on a beautifully designed course with stunning mountain and lake backdrops.
Casino & Entertainment
Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino
Try your luck at the tables or enjoy live entertainment for a lively evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book activities early
Popular activities like zip-lining and golf fill up fast, especially on weekends.
👟 Pack for the outdoors
Comfortable shoes and layers are essential for exploring the beautiful surroundings.
🚗 Explore nearby Ruidoso
Just a short drive away, Ruidoso offers charming shops and dining options.
🎲 Casino hours vary
Gaming tables may not open until mid-afternoon; check schedules if gambling is a priority.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book activities early
Popular activities like zip-lining and golf fill up fast, especially on weekends.
👟 Pack for the outdoors
Comfortable shoes and layers are essential for exploring the beautiful surroundings.
🚗 Explore nearby Ruidoso
Just a short drive away, Ruidoso offers charming shops and dining options.
🎲 Casino hours vary
Gaming tables may not open until mid-afternoon; check schedules if gambling is a priority.
🍽️ Dining options diverse
Try the taco place for breakfast burritos; some reviewers found other spots overpriced.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests often praise the Inn of the Mountain Gods for its stunning natural beauty, mystical ambiance, and the variety of outdoor activities available, particularly at Mescalero Lake and the golf course. However, some visitors have noted that room rates can be high, especially on weekends, and have expressed concerns about the pricing and quality of food at certain on-site restaurants, as well as inconsistent service experiences in the casino.
"The hotel was very beautiful and mystical. I love the sound of the flute playing throughout the lobby. There is so much to see. So many details that make that place is beautiful like the paintings on the wall or the staircase in front of the lobby or the giant windows with the lake view. Even the lighting in the hallways were eye catching. And the golf course was one of the most amazing courses I’ve been on. We are definitely going back to play more golf."
MARNA GPena
"We stay here 8-10 times a year, and for the most part it's a good experience.
Our most recent was a complete opposite of past visits. Rooms are reasonable during the week, and the same room thats 169 or whatever goes up to 500+ for a Friday.
The gaming tables don't open until the middle of the afternoon, however, I believe there was a blackjack table and maybe roulette, but nothing else was open.
They opened the craps table at 4 PM and we came and played a couple of hours later. I did not recognize any of the dealers, and if I'm being honest, the evening crew sends off a different vibe than the crew that we are used to on the weekends.
One of the female dealers was very rude and kept talking to the gentleman who was shooting the dice, telling him in a very condescending way that he needed to hit the back wall, I mean the dude miss hitting the back wall twice during the probably half hour that he rolled.
Next, and the real kicker to the whole trip, was having to hear the dealers opinions about a celebrity who has been in the news recently. Some of the comments that they made were clearly hate driven, and in my opinion, disgusting. We cashed out immediately and left. We stayed our fourth night and checked out very begrudgingly Friday morning.
Never asked how our visit was, and as I mentioned before the vibe of the entire place really seems off from the last time we've been here. I don't know if they just don't care anymore or what it is. I'll drive the extra couple of hours and go to the Isleta casino next time.
For anyone considering eating at their food court, I would suggest avoiding Wahlburgers. I got violently sick. Sabarro was actually pretty good and the war shield taco place actually has some pretty good breakfast burritos. Wendells is over rated, over priced and just flavorless."
Romero Santos
"I came here on a daytrip to have some fun at the casino. I had a blast! The staff is extremely kind and hospitable. The grounds are absolutely beautiful.
The only thing that was a negative, was the food at the Broken Arrow Tap House. The service was top notch, however I wasn't a fan of the food. It was extremely overpriced and the quality isn't what you expected for the price (I ordered a Alfredo dish and the sauce tasted like it came from a can -it was super gross). However, I do plan on going back and trying another restaurant."
Heather
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Inn of the Mountain Gods is located in Mescalero, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. It's a scenic drive from major cities like Albuquerque (approx. 3.5 hours) and El Paso, Texas (approx. 2.5 hours). Many visitors drive, and the resort offers ample parking.
Yes, the Inn of the Mountain Gods is very close to Ruidoso, New Mexico. It's often considered part of the Ruidoso area's attractions, with Ruidoso's Main Street just a short drive away for additional shopping and dining. +1
Information on specific shuttle services to and from the resort isn't widely publicized. It's best to check directly with the resort or arrange private transportation if you are not driving.
Driving is the most common and recommended way to reach the Inn of the Mountain Gods, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
The closest major airports are Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and El Paso International Airport (ELP). From either airport, you would need to rent a car for the drive to the resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the resort grounds and common areas is generally free. However, specific activities like zip-lining, golf, and access to the casino or certain entertainment events may require tickets or fees. +1
The resort itself is typically open 24/7, but individual amenities like restaurants, the casino, and activity centers have their own operating hours, which can vary. It's advisable to check the resort's official website for the most up-to-date schedules.
While the lake is a central feature, access for activities like fishing or kayaking may have associated fees or require rentals. Check with the resort's recreation department for current pricing.
Yes, booking popular activities like zip-lining, golf tee times, and spa treatments in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Resort fees can vary. While not always explicitly stated, some reviews suggest that guests pay the same prices for amenities as day visitors, implying that the room rate covers general access. It's best to confirm any potential resort fees directly with the hotel when booking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The resort offers a wide range of activities including fishing, kayaking, zip-lining, hiking, golfing, batting cages, and a casino. Live entertainment is also frequently featured. +2
Yes, the Inn of the Mountain Gods features a pool, which is a popular amenity for guests looking to relax and cool off.
The resort offers a blend of natural beauty and upscale amenities. Visitors often describe it as beautiful, mystical, and a great escape with stunning views and a unique ambiance, though some reviews mention a shift in the casino's atmosphere.
The resort is located on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and sometimes features cultural elements, such as the 'Dance of the Mountain Gods' statue and information about Native American culture. +1
The views are consistently praised as breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of Mescalero Lake and the surrounding mountains. Many rooms offer lake views. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort offers several dining venues, including Wendell's (fine dining), Broken Arrow Tap House (gastropub), and a food court with options like Sbarro and Wahlburgers. Breakfast burritos from the taco place are also recommended.
Some reviewers find the food at certain on-site restaurants, like Wendell's and the Broken Arrow Tap House, to be overpriced for the quality or portion size. Sbarro and the taco stand are often cited as better value.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but most restaurants offer a variety of dishes. It's recommended to inquire with the restaurant staff directly about available vegetarian or vegan choices.
Room service availability can vary. It's best to check with the front desk upon arrival or consult the in-room directory for current offerings.
Reviews are mixed. While Wendell's and the Broken Arrow Tap House are popular, some guests found them overpriced. Sbarro and the taco place received more positive mentions for value and taste.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spots include the views of Mescalero Lake from the resort, the 'Dance of the Mountain Gods' statue, the grand lobby with its unique architecture, and scenic overlooks along the golf course. +2
Absolutely. The surrounding mountains, the lake, and the expansive skies offer fantastic opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. +1
Photography is generally not permitted inside the casino gaming areas for security and privacy reasons. However, you can usually take photos in the public areas of the resort, like the lobby and exterior.
The 'Dance of the Mountain Gods' statue is a unique cultural landmark perfect for photos. The resort also occasionally features special events like hot air balloons that make for striking images. +1
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views still make for great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the resort has a casino, it also provides a beautiful natural setting for kids to explore. The proximity to Ruidoso also means families can easily access additional kid-friendly activities in town.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the free natural beauty surrounding the resort, such as the lake views and hiking opportunities. If you're looking to save on accommodation, you might also consider staying in nearby Ruidoso and visiting the Inn of the Mountain Gods for specific activities or dining.
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
Golfers should plan to book their tee times well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as it's a popular amenity. The resort provides a memorable golfing experience with its challenging fairways and picturesque greens.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Adventures on Mescalero Lake
Many guests highlight the lake as a must-do, appreciating the opportunity to connect with nature. Whether you're an avid angler or simply looking for a peaceful paddle, the lake provides a refreshing contrast to the resort's other amenities. Remember to check with the resort for any rental information or specific regulations for lake activities.
Adrenaline-Pumping Activities
Beyond the zipline, the resort also offers batting cages for those looking for some sporty fun. These activities are perfect for families and groups seeking adventure and memorable experiences. It's highly recommended to book these popular attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Casino and Entertainment Scene
Beyond the casino floor, the resort often hosts live entertainment, adding to the lively ambiance. From musical performances to other shows, there's usually something happening to keep guests entertained in the evenings. Checking the resort's schedule upon arrival is a good way to plan your evening entertainment.
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