Buckle Up: Ruidoso Welcomes the First Mountain Roller Coaster in New Mexico

Imagine a roller coaster in the middle of the woods! Actually, you don’t have to imagine anymore because that is an actual thing now and it’s only a few hours away from El Paso.

Thrill seekers and outdoor lovers prepare yourself for a new attraction that will have you screaming through the mountains: The "Screaming Eagle Roller Coaster."

The village of Ruidoso is now home to the first, and only, mountain roller coaster in the state of New Mexico. The “Screaming Eagle Roller Coaster” is just under a mile long and has a 360-degree helix with multiple dips.

The roller coaster opened at Winter Park over the Memorial Day Weekend and according to park officials it has already exceeded their expectations!

“It already had more than 8,000 rides and helped surpass the park’s total revenue from last summer,” said Winter Park President Tom Dorgan. “It allows Ruidoso to garner more attention. We have now established something here, I believe, that people will talk about.”

Riders are able to control the speed of their cart which can go up to 25 mph. Each cart is equipped with technology to prevent riders from crashing into each other. 

The new ride is something exciting for Village officials and they think it’ll bring in more tourists and hopefully keep them coming back.

Tickets start at $25 and you must be at least 9 years old and taller than 4’4 to ride the ride alone.

Guests are encouraged to reserve their spot ahead of time because there is only a limited number of rides per day.

Keep in mind that you are not making a reservation for a specific time. Reserving your spot online is to better assist with capacity management since there are a limited number of rides per day.

Be aware that sometimes there will still be a line to get on the ride and for each ride you purchase, you will have to re-enter the line queue.