Whether it’s riding on singletrack trails, abandoned Forest Service roads or high-speed downhill courses, northern New Mexico has a little bit of everything for mountain biking enthusiasts.
“There’s a fantastic opportunity in Santa Fe to have a real sense of adventure and return to town and have a four-star meal,” says David Bell, owner of Mellow Velo bike shop on Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe. “And access to the foothills and high country is phenomenal.”
Bell says cyclists in Santa Fe can ride a variety of trails just outside of town that range in elevation from 7,000 feet to 12,200 feet above sea level. Scenery varies from high alpine zones in the mountains to ponderosa pine, piñon and high desert in the foothills.
“I would categorize Santa Fe as an intermediate place to mountain bike,” says Bell.
Santa Fe’s Dale Ball Trail Network boasts 30-plus miles of duel-directional, mostly single-track trails that connect over a variety of terrain. The network is close to town, wellmaintained and has maps at trail junctions, says Bell.
“It’s really a progressive system and I would say one of the top 10 (mountain bike trail networks) in the U.S.,” he says.
Another classic ride is the 10-mile-plus Windsor Trail. The single-track route snakes along Tesuque Creek drainage, has approximately 15 river crossings, and riders descend through four climate zones from high alpine aspen forests to desert terrain.
However, Windsor Trail gets crowded and erosion is an issue, according to Bob D’Antonio in his book, “Mountain Biking Northern New Mexico: A Guide to Taos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque’s Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides.”
Peak ride
Bikers looking for a hefty workout with a hefty payoff might consider riding Aspen Vista. D’Antonio’s guide book says it’s a double-track Forest Service road that starts at an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level and goes to Tesuque Peak at 12,045 feet above sea level.
Summer is an ideal time of year to ride Aspen Vista, but bikers should reach the summit by noon because thunderstorms are common in mid- to late summer.
Bell says Santa Fe’s high elevation can pose health issues for some tourists because the air is thinner. And following heavy winters, snow and ice are often present through May on trails above 9,000 feet above sea level.
Another perk of riding in Santa Fe is that the city is generally bike-friendly, with the exception of four roads (St. Francis Drive, Cerrillos Road, St. Michael’s Drive and Paseo de Peralta), says Bell, and the sport is gaining popularity. There are also many locals committed to leaving their cars at home and riding to the trailheads. Cycling maps are available at bike shops and other businesses around Santa Fe.
“There’s a lot of exploration that can happen here in the Santa Fe environment,” says Bell.
Farther north
Taos and Angel Fire are two more prime destinations for mountain bikers.
“You can find really secluded trails in Taos with wildlife, quiet and streams ... and it’s endless,” says Doug Pickett, owner of Taos Cyclery on the south side of Taos. “Every year I ride something new.”
Pickett says Taos has about 700 miles of old, abandoned Forest Service roads and a selection of single-track and advanced or expert terrain. Like Santa Fe, the landscape varies from high alpine to high desert.
There are also rides near the Rio Grande Gorge — a steep canyon with the Rio Grande cutting through it — and a number of fourhour-plus endurance rides.
“In my opinion, after Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Taos is the best area for variety and not running into that many people,” says Pickett, adding that mountain bikers can even pull off a quiet and secluded ride on Memorial Day weekend.
South Boundary Trail is the area’s marquee ride, says Pickett, but it’s tough with some sections that are expert-level. It is 20-plus miles with challenging climbs and fast, singletrack descents, according to taoscyclery.com. The trail is also difficult to follow. But for die-hards, the payoff is worth it because it has some of the best scenic riding in the area.
Devisadero Loop (fiveplus miles) and Talpa Traverse Trail (eight-plus miles) are also great rides for intermediate and advanced cyclists, says Pickett.
The 12.2-mile Rio Grande del Rancho Trail is suited for novice riders, according to D’Antonio’s guide book. Primarily doubletrack with one section of single-track, it is south of downtown Taos and meanders through piñon and juniper.
He says it isn’t too challenging for beginners, and intermediate and expert riders can use the trail to log extra miles and push themselves in certain areas.
The 2.4-mile La Vista Verde Trail is another option for novices. It runs along the Rio Grande and boasts views of the Gorge.
Angel Fire Resort near Taos offers downhill, liftserved bike trails, Pickett says. Cyclists can take the Chile Express lift to the top of the mountain and ride to the bottom. Taos Ski Valley doesn’t offer lift-served terrain for bikers. Sipapu Resort (22 miles southeast of Taos) also has some wide single-track trails, according to Pickett.
Keep in mind
A lack of signs clearly marking trails can be a problem for some bikers visiting Taos. And weather can change quickly, especially in the higher elevations, so bikers should be prepared with additional clothing. Hail is a common occurrence during warmer months at elevations of 10,000 feet above sea level and higher.
There is a series of maps available for mountain bike trails in Taos and cyclists are discovering new routes all the time, according to Pickett. When in doubt, seek advice from the locals.
