The best cycling routes around La Tierra

La Tierra offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 45 options to explore. These routes traverse a diverse high-desert landscape, providing varied experiences for cyclists.

You'll experience a unique high-desert terrain characterized by rolling hills, open vistas, and paths winding through juniper glades. Many routes also offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains and incorporate features like arroyos. Some trails, such as the Santa Fe Rail Trail, combine urban views with desert environments, featuring mixed asphalt and dirt surfaces.

Yes, La Tierra has options for all skill levels, including 17 easy touring cycling routes. These trails often feature gentle grade changes, making them suitable for those new to touring cycling. A good example is the Loretto Chapel Museum – Santa Fe Plaza loop from Santa Fe, which offers a moderate ride through urban and scenic areas.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, La Tierra offers 9 difficult routes. These trails often involve significant elevation gains and more demanding terrain. The Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road is a notable difficult route, gaining substantial elevation through diverse forests to mountain peaks.

The touring cycling routes in La Tierra are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 6 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique high-desert scenery, the extensive and well-marked trail network, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels. Over 190 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area's varied terrain.

Yes, La Tierra features several circular routes, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. A popular option is the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop, a moderate 28.5-mile path that incorporates features like the Frijoles Arroyo.

While cycling in La Tierra, you'll encounter the unique beauty of the high desert, including rolling hills, open vistas, and juniper glades. Many routes offer expansive mountain views. Additionally, you're in close proximity to Santa Fe's historic downtown, where you can explore cultural attractions such as The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the Palace of the Governors.

Yes, La Tierra is known for its diverse trail offerings. While primarily a multi-use system, it includes features like the 'Hustle and Flow' trail, which is IMBA-sponsored and updated, known for its fun, fast, and flowy sections with rollable jumps. There are also skills parks, including Freeride-type technical riding areas and dirt jump spots like the 'Trashpit' and a pump track, for those looking to develop cycling skills.

Definitely. La Tierra's trail system provides a mix of urban views and desert landscapes. Routes like the Santa Fe Rail Trail combine both environments, allowing you to experience the city's charm and the natural beauty of the high desert. The trails are also easily accessible from Santa Fe, making it convenient to explore the historic downtown and its cultural attractions.

One of the longer touring cycling options is the Santa Fe Rail Trail, which spans 34.4 miles (55.3 km). This moderate route offers a comprehensive touring experience, combining urban and high-desert scenery.

Yes, for those who enjoy climbing, routes like the Peña Oscura Hill – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot offer substantial elevation gains. This difficult 33.8-mile route features over 1200 meters of ascent, providing a challenging workout and rewarding views.