Grindstone Reservoir is the recreation lake of Ruidoso – a small, scenic 75-acre lake tucked into the pine-covered foothills of the Sierra Blanca, right beside the popular mountain resort town. Ringed by an excellent trail network and stocked with trout, it’s a favorite for fishing, hiking, mountain biking and paddling, all minutes from Ruidoso’s shops and slopes.
This guide covers Grindstone Reservoir: the fishing, the trails, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Grindstone Reservoir at a glance
- Surface area: ~75 acres in the foothills above Ruidoso
- Location: Lincoln County, south-central New Mexico (at Ruidoso)
- Top fish: rainbow trout (stocked), smallmouth bass, channel catfish
Fishing Grindstone Reservoir
Grindstone is stocked with rainbow trout and also holds smallmouth bass and channel catfish. A New Mexico fishing license is required. The quiet, no-wake water is ideal for fishing from the bank, float tubes, kayaks and canoes, and the scenic pine-and-mountain setting makes even a slow day pleasant. It’s a popular, easy-access spot for Ruidoso visitors and locals.
Trails and recreation
Grindstone is best known for the Grindstone Trails – a superb network of hiking and mountain-biking routes that loop around the lake and into the surrounding hills, among the most popular in the region. Paddling, picnicking and wildlife watching round out the recreation, all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Blanca. The lake’s closeness to downtown Ruidoso makes it an easy add-on to a mountain getaway.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Grindstone Reservoir is just southwest of downtown Ruidoso off Resort Drive/Grindstone Canyon Road in south-central New Mexico. The Ski Apache resort, the Mescalero Apache lands and Lincoln National Forest are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- Trails galore: bring a bike or hiking shoes for the Grindstone trail network.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for trout, hiking and biking.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Grindstone Reservoir?
Stocked rainbow trout, plus smallmouth bass and channel catfish.
Where is Grindstone Reservoir?
Just southwest of downtown Ruidoso in Lincoln County, south-central New Mexico.
Related: explore the small lakes of New Mexico, or head back to the New Mexico Lakes Database.
Explore more New Mexico lakes: the largest lakes in New Mexico and the deepest lakes in New Mexico.
