Around 4000 Apache – not only Mescalero, but also Chiricahua and Lipan – live on this 720-sq-mile reservation, stretching south and west of Ruidoso on the flanks of the magnificent Sierra Blanca Peak. These nomadic peoples reached the area eight centuries ago; with their mobility increased by the acquisition of the horse, they later became much-feared raiders. They now own a casino hotel , a golf course (guest/nonguest from $60/75) and a ski area .
