Alto is an unincorporated community in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States. Description Alto is located at an elevation of in the Lincoln National Forest, north of the village of Ruidoso. Alto received its name from the Spanish word "high" because of its elevation. Alto Lakes is a planned, residential and recreational community covering 1689+ acres along two mountain ridges in Alto. Alto Lakes was conceived and developed by Don Blaugrund beginning in 1967. The heart of the community is the Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club which includes two private 18-hole golf courses, dining, swimming and tennis facilities. Membership in the club is included with ownership of a home, town home, or lot within the community. The residential area of the community includes 1,150+ homes, 83 town homes, and approximately 1,000 vacant lots. Alto Lakes is governed by the Alto Lakes Water & Sanitation District and by the Alto Lakes Special Zoning District as well as community covenants. Transportation Airports Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, located approximately west of Alto. Major highways New Mexico State Road 48 New Mexico State Road 220 See also References External links Alto Lakes - Local Government Web Site Unincorporated communities in Lincoln County, New Mexico Unincorporated communities in New Mexico