About the Tribe
The Mescalero Apache Tribe owns and operates both Ski Apache Ski Resort and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino as well as other reservation-based enterprises.
The Apaches have always lived in a hostile land. Every day provided confrontations with desert and mountains, droughts and flash floods, extreme heat or cold, as well as marginal food supply and potential enemy raids.
By adapting to these extreme forces, the early Apache crafted a unique culture that permitted maximum mobility with a minimum of personal belongings.
He was free in a land that belonged to no one and yet was to be used – wisely – by all!
The Mescalero Apache Indian reservation is located in South Central New Mexico.
The reservation is approximately 720 square miles and home to about 4000 Native Americans.
The Mescalero Apache Tribe is comprised of three sub-tribes:
- The Mescalero Apache
- The Chiricahua Apache
- The Lipan Apache.
Welcome to the Mescalero Apache Tribal Community
The Mescalero Apache Reservation is approximately 720 square miles located in south-central New Mexico. Elevation ranges from 5400 to over 12,000 feet above sea level. The high mountains of the reservation are part of the Sacramento Mountain region. The largest land feature is Sierra Blanca a 12,000-foot peak which is sacred to the Mescalero people. The Mescalero Apache Tribe’s mountainous lands have presented exciting opportunities for outdoor adventurers, skiing, hiking, fishing, and hunting.
The Mescalero Tribe offers many activities for our visitors. The Cultural Museum located on Highway 70 in Mescalero, provides insight into the Culture & History of the Apache people and maybe a good place to start. A must stop is a visit to St. Joseph Mission constructed by hand out of native stone to honor those who gave their lives in pursuit of peace. A visit to the Mescalero Tribal Fish Hatchery may be something you should consider seeing, watching the rearing of trout and an interpretation of the Native American fisheries.
For the more adventurous, we offer Camping and Fishing in the pristine beauty of the Sacramento Mountains. Several lakes and streams abound with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. World record Elk Hunting is an experience of a lifetime with guides sharing their knowledge of the country. No trip to Mescalero can be considered complete without a visit to the 18-hole championship golf course or a casual stroll around Mescalero Lake. Our visitors are cautioned to be aware of current fire restrictions before planning a visit.
This recreational paradise turns white in the winter when skiing and snowboarding become the activities of choice. Ski Apache, the Premier Ski destination in the Southwest, is known for its winter activities as well as year-round beauty.
For a taste of the local flavor and Artisans, events such as ceremonial dances, join us at the Mescalero Apache Ceremonials and Rodeo held annually for four days during the first week of July. The Mescalero Ceremonials and Rodeo are events for the whole family sure to give you hours of fun and relaxation.
The luxury of the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino and Conference Center, a four-diamond rated resort will provide you days of entertainment in our spacious lodging, spa, world-class entertainers and artists, first-rate several dining options, skeet shooting, and miles of walking and riding trails. If you are just passing through, take a few minutes for a fuel stop at Casino Apache Travel Center, a full-service truck stop, convenience store, restaurant, and casino. The nearby town of Ruidoso, NM abounds in unique shopping and dining opportunities, and the obligatory Wal-Mart, while the City of Ruidoso Downs sports a Major Racetrack.
The Mescalero Apache Tribal Government, includes a Tribal Council, President, and Vice-President. There are 17 Tribal Departments, each with a department director. Education of our youth is a major emphasis as evidenced by the Mescalero Schools. The Tribe operates several Tribal Enterprises including Ski Apache, Mescalero Forest Products, Mescalero Cattle Growers, Mescalero Apache Tribal Store, Mescalero Gas Company, Mescalero Apache Telecom, the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, and Casino Apache Travel Center. Employment opportunities with the Mescalero Apache Tribe enforce tribal preference policies. For more information regarding vacant positions contact the department director.
Join us on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation!