Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Valles Caldera Visitor Center
Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Valles Caldera Visitor Center
3.1
(29)
31
riders
Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Valles Caldera Visitor Center
05:21
55.2km
540m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
25 m
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
Today it is a …
Tip by
48.1 km
Cerro Piñon
Highlight • Summit
52.4 km
View of Redondo Peak
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
55.2 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
29.6 km
25.6 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
55.2 km
133 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,740 m)
Lowest point (2,590 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Tuesday 23 June
28°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Valles Caldera Visitor Center is one of those touring cycling routes that truly earns its "difficult" rating, offering a challenging yet rewarding journey through a unique landscape. This 34.3 miles (55.2 km) route, with 1757 feet (536 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 5 hours and 21 minutes to complete. It's best suited for experienced touring cyclists with very good fitness looking for a substantial day out in the high-altitude New Mexico mountains.
What to expect on Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Valles Caldera Visitor Center
As you embark on this Cerro Piñon loop, you'll find yourself immersed in the diverse terrain of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The route promises a mix of surfaces, from rolling gravel roads and primitive two-track to potentially rougher sections, all winding through dense Ponderosa pine groves and vast, open grassland meadows known as "valles." Redondo Peak, standing at 11,258 feet, will be a constant, majestic backdrop. Be prepared for a significant physical challenge; the high altitude, typically above 8,500 feet, adds to the effort, making this a ride that demands a robust touring bike, possibly with wider tires, rather than a lightweight road setup.
Planning your visit
Starting from the Valles Caldera Visitor Center, this route offers year-round bicycle access, though checking current conditions and regulations is always a good idea, as permits or reservations may be required for certain activities or areas. Given the high altitude and varied terrain, it's wise to check the weather forecast before you go. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially the abundant elk, which are a common sight along the route. For those planning their visit, remember that the Valles Caldera Visitor Center parking cycling permits might be necessary, so confirm ahead of time.
Trail details
- Distance: 34.3 miles (55.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 1757 feet (536 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 21 minutes
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