The Rail Trail Bike Ride is perfect for beginners, visitors acclimating to Santa Fe’s altitude, and families with younger children. Starting just south of Santa Fe, this bike trail follows the historic rail spur to the town of Lamy, an 18-mile spur that opened in February 1880 and connected Santa Fe to the AT&SF’s (now Amtrak) Chicago to Los Angeles cross country route. The Rail Trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains – the Sangre de Cristo, the Sandias and the Jemez Mountains. We love this trail year round; however, it is particularly lovely in the Fall when the asters and sunflowers are in bloom.
The Galisteo Basin Preserve (GBP) offers “the largest publicly-accessible, privately-owned trail network in the American Southwest”. The GBP trails cut across grasslands, along the ridges of sandstone formations and through arroyos or dry sandy riverbeds. There are approximately 50 miles of multi-use trails, ideal for beginner to intermediate-level mountain bikers.
Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains – the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Jemez, the Sandias, and the Ortiz Mountains – as you ride along sections with whimsical names such as Henry’s World, Nana’s Surprise, Derek’s Delight and Liam’s Lark.
A challenging high alpine bike ride, the beginning of the trailhead is located at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Ride the Aspen Vista Trail to the top of Tesuque Peak (12,045 feet) – a strenuous and long climb, 6 miles up; it’s not for the faint of heart. The views, however, are spectacular and it’s a particularly beautiful ride in the autumn when the aspens are changing color.
Located to the southwest of Santa Fe, White Ridge Trail in NM offers intermediate to experienced mountain bikers both spectacular views and a challenging ride along 15 miles of trails. As a blogger put it: “New Mexico mountain biking at its best. The White Mesa loop is fast and flowing, with a few technical hurdles, some exposed ledges and a couple of grunty climbs.”
Starting near the village of Abiquiu this bike ride takes you along the Rio Chama. It is a wonderful excursion for those wanting a scenic and idyllic mountain bike ride in O’Keeffe Country. Stop for lunch along the river or, for a bit more of a challenge, ride up to the Abiquiu Dam.
Ride an easy and visually stunning trail along the west rim of the Rio Grande Gorge near Taos, New Mexico. Traverse the sage-covered plateau in an area known as the Rio Grande Rift Valley, stop to enjoy views of the river 600 feet below the rim, and learn about the volcanic history of New Mexico. If you’re lucky, you may just catch a glimpse of a herd of bighorn sheep in the canyon.
