What is Grindstone Park like?
Located in Ruidoso, Grindstone Park is part of a New Mexico disc golf scene that now runs to 55 registered courses. Across 6,345 ft the course fits 27 holes at par 81, which works out to around 235 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is desert/open — open desert terrain, which puts the emphasis on distance with unforgiving rough. There is little to stop a disc once it lands, and the rough is genuinely rough, so accuracy is worth more than the open fairways suggest.
ThrowSpot rates the course demanding overall, making it experienced players who want a real challenge. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist. Most groups finish in about 150 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Grindstone Park?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
Grindstone Park charges $5 to play. Pay-to-play courses are the minority in disc golf, and the fee usually reflects better maintenance, dedicated staff, or private land. Check the course signage or the local club for how payment is collected. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Grindstone Park
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Grindstone Park
Ruidoso, NM — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Grindstone Park
More disc golf near Ruidoso
Grindstone Park is the only PDGA-listed course in Ruidoso, but New Mexico has 55 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in New Mexico.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Grindstone Park?
Grindstone Park has 27 holes with a total par of 81. The course measures 6,345 ft, averaging about 235 feet per hole.
Is Grindstone Park free to play?
No. Grindstone Park charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Grindstone Park good for beginners?
It is rated advanced difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist.
How long does it take to play Grindstone Park?
About 150 minutes for a typical group on 27 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Grindstone Park located?
Grindstone Park is in Ruidoso, New Mexico, at coordinates 33.32271, -105.68133. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Grindstone Park?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.