The best cycling routes in New Mexico

The Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road offers a visually rewarding and physically demanding touring cycling experience, transitioning from high desert to dense pine and aspen forests. As you climb, you'll be treated to expansive views of the Rio Grande Valley and the distant Jemez Mountains, with notable overlooks like Aspen Vista providing perfect photo opportunities.

This difficult 16.1-mile (26.0 km) route involves a significant 3746 feet (1142 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Starting in downtown Santa Fe, the paved road winds its way up to Ski Santa Fe, passing through Hyde Memorial State Park where you can find restrooms and water. Cyclists should be prepared for challenging climbs, as some sections may require very good fitness.

This byway is a popular route for local touring cyclists, known for its dramatic landscape changes and the stunning fall colors when the aspen trees turn gold. It's part of the larger Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, offering a taste of the diverse terrain within the 1.6 million-acre Santa Fe National Forest.

The Santa Fe Rail Trail offers a unique journey from urban Santa Fe into the high-desert landscape, blending paved and unpaved sections. You'll start amidst public art in the Santa Fe Railyard Park, then transition to rolling hills and red-dirt terrain dotted with yucca and piñon trees, with views of the Galisteo Basin. The trail's varied surfaces and 'rollercoaster' profile make it an engaging ride for touring cyclists.

This moderate 34.4-mile (55.3 km) route, with 952 feet (290 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 4 hours and 36 minutes, is best tackled with a gravel or mountain bike for its unpaved southern half. The northern paved section is family-friendly and accessible via New Mexico Rail Runner Express stations. Always check trail conditions, especially after rain, as unpaved sections can become muddy.

Following the historic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line, this 'rail-with-trail' offers a glimpse into the region's past while connecting to other local trails like the Acequia Trail. It's a great option if you're looking for Santa Fe area cycling trails that combine historical significance with diverse scenery, from cityscapes to remote desert vistas.

The Juniper Campground loop offers a challenging yet incredibly scenic touring cycling experience, winding through varied terrain on Mount Diablo's western slopes. You'll navigate unpaved surfaces and fire roads, tackling significant inclines and declines. The reward for your effort is expansive views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding valleys, with west-facing spots providing particularly stunning sunsets. This difficult 29.7-mile (47.7 km) route, with its 2213 feet (675 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes to complete.

Starting from the Juniper Campground, this route is a popular choice for cyclists. The campground itself provides facilities like flush toilets and showers, though it's wise to check their current availability due to potential maintenance or drought conditions. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers to the area, while winter can occasionally surprise with snow, creating a unique riding environment. Plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the best conditions and avoid the valley heat.

Beyond the physical challenge and panoramic vistas, the Mount Diablo area is a

The Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop offers a fantastic touring bicycle experience, guiding you through Santa Fe's unique blend of urban and desert scenery. Expect a mostly paved path that follows a chamisa-lined arroyo, providing pleasant mountain views and a comfortable ride. This moderate 28.5-mile (45.8 km) route, with 1153 feet (351 metres) of elevation gain, is a great way to explore the city's southwestern side, taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and serves as a vital recreational and commuter link. It's a popular choice for cyclists looking for a safe alternative to busier roads, especially when heading towards downtown Santa Fe. The trail is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion along for the adventure.

This loop is a significant part of Santa Fe's extensive urban trail system, connecting various local amenities and attractions. A notable feature is its junction with the Santa Fe Rail Trail at Siringo Road, which opens up even more cycling possibilities if you're keen to extend your journey further into the New Mexico landscape.

The American Springs Loop offers a rugged touring cycling experience through the high desert forests of New Mexico, a moderate 11.4-mile (18.4 km) route that packs 1110 feet (338 metres) of elevation gain into about 1 hour and 28 minutes. You'll traverse a two-track dirt road, winding through oak and aspen groves, then into denser stands of ponderosa pines and firs near the historic American Springs. Expect intermittently rocky and ungrated surfaces, especially past a certain gate, making it a challenging but rewarding ride for touring cyclists seeking adventure and scenic views of the Los Alamos Valley.

Planning your visit means preparing for a sunny ride with limited shade, so bring ample water and consider cooler times of day or year. The route is accessible and shared with vehicles and foot traffic due to activities like wood gathering and camping. While no specific permits are typically required for cycling, always check local regulations if you plan to extend your stay or engage in other activities.

This loop is nestled within the Santa Fe National Forest, showcasing an ecosystem shaped by past burns, which influences the current vegetation. The American Springs themselves historically served as a vital watering stop for cattle and sheep drives, adding a layer of historical context to your ride. It's a route that combines natural beauty with a touch of local history, perfect for those who appreciate a less manicured cycling path.

Experience a moderate 16.5-mile touring cycling segment of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route through Carson National Forest, featuring Ab

The South Mesa loop near Los Alamos, New Mexico, offers a distinctive touring cycling experience across sweeping mesa landscapes. You'll find yourself on mostly flat terrain, meandering through open meadows and along mesa edges, with good soil conditions that are particularly enjoyable for winter riding. While generally not technical, be prepared for sandy washes, tight turns, and minor ledges that add a fun challenge to this route.

This moderate 14.3-mile (23.0 km) route, with 1236 feet (377 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 32 minutes to complete. It's best suited for touring cyclists with gravel or mountain bikes, or those confident in handling varied surfaces, as it's less ideal for bikes with slick road tires. Always check local conditions and regulations before you go, and consider visiting in winter for optimal trail conditions.

This trail stands out as a great option for practicing off-road cycling skills in a scenic, high-desert environment. Its blue difficulty rating reflects the mix of terrain, making it a popular choice for those seeking a moderately challenging ride away from overly technical singletrack. The South Mesa loop provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region on two wheels.

Cycle the moderate 23.8-mile Trading Post loop near Cuba, New Mexico, offering scenic views of badlands and mountains.

The Canyon Rim Loop in Los Alamos offers a truly accessible and scenic touring cycling experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 7.9-mile (12.7 km) route, with a gentle 433 feet (132 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 53 minutes to complete, rewarding you with stunning canyon views and glimpses of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

This family-friendly trail is primarily paved, making it suitable for all skill levels and even those with strollers or wheelchairs. You can easily access the route from Los Alamos, and it's unique for being plowed, allowing for year-round enjoyment, even during winter months.

Unlike other similarly named trails that are technical mountain biking routes, this Canyon Rim Loop is designed for easy touring cycling, providing a significant amount of natural beauty and wonder within its relatively short length. It's a fantastic option for anyone looking for a high-payoff, low-effort ride in New Mexico.