Cook Canyon Camp

From US Highway 70 just east of Ruidoso Downs, turn south at milepost 266 onto Hale Lake Road (Forest Road 443). Travel five miles following the blue "Cook Canyon" signs until you arrive at the white Cook Canyon gate.

This is a gravel road with some sharp turns, so drive carefully and take your time. If the road is dry, most any vehicle with normal clearance will encounter no difficulty. However, if the road is snow packed or muddy, parts may be slippery. If the weather forecast indicates significant rain or snow, be sure to contact the Cook Canyon office prior to traveling up the mountain to check on current road conditions.

The first step is to indicate your interest via the "CONNECT" link above. Upon receipt of your inquiry we will contact you to discuss next steps and answer any questions you have. Positions are limited, so those that indicate an interest earlier are more likely to be selected.

Yes, we attempt to accommodate dietary needs for individuals who have been medically diagnosed with food allergies or digestive issues. Guests with these special dietary requirements are asked to submit a Meal Accommodation Request two weeks before attending an event at Cook Canyon (link to this form at the bottom of this page).

For guests who favor a vegetarian or vegan diet, the following is generally available

• Fresh Fruit, Cereal & Oatmeal at breakfast

• Fresh Fruit, Salad and cooked vegetables at lunch and dinner

• A meat substitute may be offered upon request and if available

Please note: Prepared food items are not guaranteed to be meat-free.

Typically the weather here is great! We fully experience the four seasons, so it can get cold in the winter, warm in the summer, windy in the spring, and is usually glorious in the fall! We're at 7200 feet elevation, so even in the summer it cools down nicely after sundown. If you check the weather in Ruidoso Downs, we're usually five to ten degrees cooler. Be sure to bring a jacket! If you come during the winter, wear layers. Our rainy season is July-September, so a raincoat or umbrella can be handy during these months.

Yes. Our water comes from two deep wells and is tested on a monthly basis by a certified water system operator and analyzed by a laboratory sanctioned by the State of New Mexico Drinking Water Bureau.

You should plan on it taking 1/2 hour to travel down the mountain from Cook Canyon into town, where you will find restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, and medical facilities. Weather conditions may result in it taking longer.

Depending on your exact location and carrier, your cell phone access will range from decent to nonexistent. Wi-Fi access is available in the Resident Lodges, Main Lodge, Guest Lodge and the Event Center. There is no cell phone connectivity or Wi-Fi access in any of the Standard Lodges.

Being located in a high mountain valley, the terrain ranges from being uneven to steep. Surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in and aaround the camp. However, at an altitude of over 7000 feet, shortness of breath and even mild altitude sickness may be encountered. So plan on drinking plenty of water and taking it easy at first until you become acclimated.

Sightings of deer, elk, and turkey are common, depending on the season and the level of activity within the camp. We've also seen coyotes, foxes, and badgers. Sightings of bears and mountain lions tend to be rare, but we do ocassionally find evidence of their existence around the camp. Of course, there are plenty of birds to watch and even an ocassional snake to watch out for. Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife! Doing so may jeopardize the safety of guests and the wildlife. Be alert to your surroundings. Don't hike alone, walk only on the road or established paths, and never step or reach where you can’t see.

To help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all, the following policies are in effect...

1. The following are not permitted without advance authorization from the Director of Cook Canyon; alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, firearms, pets, fires, fireworks, swimming or wading in the pond, recreational use of motor vehicles.

2. Please leave furnishings in the buildings where placed by camp staff.

3. Please don't waste resources; Turn off lights and heating/cooling units when rooms/buildings are unoccupied, and report water leaks or toilet problems to camp staff.

4. Keep wildlife outside! Please keep doors and windows closed.

5. Septic systems are in use at Cook Canyon. Avoid putting grease down drains, use only a minimal amount of toilet paper, and place feminine products in trash receptacles.

6. Vehicle use should be minimized. Drive slowly and only on gravel roads. Recreational use is not permitted. When not in use, vehicles should be parked at the Event Center. Drivers must be licensed and at least 18 years old.

7. Qualified supervision is provided at scheduled times for activities that require supervision. Please do as instructed by Cook Canyon Staff.

8. Do not feed or approach wildlife! Always be alert to your surroundings, walk in pairs or groups, and never step or reach where you can't see!

9. Fees may be assessed to the Guest Organization for damage to facilities or property, vandalism, leaving a lodge in excessively poor or dirty condition, or missing items.