The best road cycling routes in Gila National Forest

Gila National Forest offers a selection of road cycling routes, with komoot featuring 9 distinct tours. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate loops to challenging, long-distance rides.

Road cycling in Gila National Forest involves diverse terrain, characterized by rugged mountains, deep canyons, and high desert plateaus. You can expect winding mountain roads with significant elevation changes, as well as stretches through more open landscapes, often passing through extensive ponderosa pine forests and riparian areas.

While many routes in Gila National Forest are challenging, there is at least one moderate route available. For a less strenuous option, consider the Roadbike loop from Silver City, which covers 25.1 km with a moderate difficulty rating.

For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, Gila National Forest offers several difficult routes. The Wild Horse Mesa – Lake Roberts and dam loop from Arrastre Interpretive Site is a demanding 118.4 km ride with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Wild Horse Mesa loop from Silver City, spanning 74.4 km.

Given the region's high desert plateaus and mountainous terrain, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Gila National Forest. Summers can be hot, especially at lower elevations, while winters may bring snow to higher mountain roads.

Yes, Gila National Forest features several excellent loop routes. Popular options include the challenging Wild Horse Mesa – Lake Roberts and dam loop from Arrastre Interpretive Site, the Wild Horse Mesa loop from Silver City, and the Silver City, New Mexico loop from Lookout Point.

Along your road cycling routes, you can explore various natural and historical points of interest. Notable attractions include the Gila Hot Springs, the scenic Quemado Lake, and the panoramic views from Lookout Mountain. Some routes may also pass near the historic Mogollon Ghost Town.

Many road cycling routes in Gila National Forest start from accessible points with parking. For example, the popular Wild Horse Mesa – Lake Roberts loop begins near the Arrastre Interpretive Site, and other routes often start from towns like Silver City or Glenwood, where parking facilities are available.

Given the varied terrain and potential for significant elevation changes, it's advisable to bring appropriate gear including plenty of water, nutrition, repair kits, and layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions. A GPS device or a downloaded komoot tour is also recommended for navigation, as cell service can be limited in some areas.

While Gila National Forest is largely wilderness, routes often start or pass through small towns like Silver City or Glenwood. These towns typically offer amenities such as coffee shops, restaurants, and convenience stores where you can refuel and refresh before or after your ride.

Road cyclists using komoot often praise the challenging climbs, scenic descents, and the rugged, natural beauty of Gila National Forest. The extensive views and diverse ecosystems, from ponderosa pine forests to high desert, are frequently highlighted as key attractions.