Bear Butte Lodge offers some of Ruidoso’s best views of the pine-studded hills and the Sierra Blanca. But don’t be fooled by the bucolic setting and the rustic furnishings: This 3-bedroom home is just a 5-minute drive from the shops, galleries, and restaurants of downtown.

From Bear Butte Lodge’s huge wraparound deck you’ll have panoramic views that you can relish while relaxing on one of the well-padded chairs. Sip your morning coffee outside among the chirping hummingbirds and the fresh mountain breezes; savor a nightcap while pointing out constellations in the star-studded sky. The fenced-in yard offers plenty of space for the kids to play hide-and-seek and for your dog to run around—Bear Butte Lodge can accommodate up to 3 dogs as well as 6 people.

Two of the deck’s features will be especially inviting when you return from a day on the slopes, the links, or the hiking trails. One is the hot tub; its massaging jets of water are instant therapy for your tired muscles. The other is the relaxing enclosed sauna. Staying at Bear Butte Lodge is like having your own private spa!

The great room offers the same glorious views as the deck, thanks to its numerous picture windows. With its pine floors and vaulted ceiling, stone-surround gas fireplace, and handsome wood bar (flanked by sconces made from old snowshoes!), the room complements the woodland setting perfectly. You’ll hardly be roughing it, however: The leather sofa and armchairs are luxurious spots for watching your favorite cable shows on the flat-screen TV or surfing the web via the free WiFi.

The great room also encompasses the dining area, with a large table that easily seats 6, and the kitchen. No doubt you’ll be heading out to the numerous nearby restaurants for many of your meals, but when you want to cook, you’ll find all the appliances, cookware, and tableware you’ll need in Bear Butte Lodge’s kitchen. As a bonus, behind the kitchen, is a laundry room with a full-size washer and dryer.

In addition to the great room, the main floor is home to the master suite. From its king-size bed, you’ll wake up to a glorious view of the mountains. This spacious bedroom also has a flat-screen TV, generous storage, and perhaps best of all, a private bathroom with a jetted tub as well as a walk-in shower. This en-suite bathroom just might become your favorite room in the house.

Bear Butte Lodge’s other 2 bedrooms are downstairs. Each has a queen-size bed, a walk-in closet, a ceiling fan to help lull you to sleep, and lovely views; don’t be surprised to see wild turkeys strutting or deer frolicking in the woods while you linger in bed. These rooms share the 2nd bathroom, which has a combination shower/tub.

For even more flora and fauna, head to Grindstone Lake and Trail System, less than a mile away. Not only can you fish, boat, hike, ride mountain bikes and horses, and play disc golf, but you might spy ospreys, mule deer, black bears, and elk while there. Only a 15-minute drive from Bear Butte Lodge is Alto Lake and Recreation Area, which has a lake stocked with trout. And you can drive to Ski Apache in just 40 minutes.

Please note that you need to walk a flight of 15 steps to reach the main floor of Bear Butte Lodge. Also, because the driveway is steep, vehicles with 4-wheel drive or chains are required for access when it’s snowy or icy, and it’s not well suited for motorcycles or low-profile vehicles. But those caveats pale in comparison to the comfort, convenience, and sheer luxury that Bear Butte Lodge has to offer. Book your stay today—before someone else beats you to it!

Please note that this property has a steep driveway and that four-wheel drive and/or chains are absolutely required when ice or snow are present. This driveway is not ideal for motorcycles or low profile vehicles.