Paseo del Bosque Trail Loop

The Paseo del Bosque Trail Loop is considered easy for mountain biking, with an official "Green" difficulty rating. It's mostly flat, featuring minimal elevation gain and descent, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels, including beginners.

The trail system offers a mix of terrain. You'll find a 16-mile paved multi-use pathway, along with about five miles of dirt trail and singletrack sections that run closer to the Rio Grande River. While paved sections are generally smooth, some areas may have expansion cracks or root heaves. The dirt and singletrack can be sandy or muddy, and occasionally submerged during high river flow. Overall, it's a notably flat ride.

You can expect picturesque views as the trail winds through the Rio Grande's cottonwood bosque (forest), offering shaded stretches and glimpses of the Rio Grande River and distant Sandia Mountains. When the foliage is full, parts of the trail form lush "tree tunnels."

The trail provides opportunities to observe various wildlife, including ducks, geese, and other bird species. You might even spot beavers, especially near the Rio Grande.

There are multiple access points with parking along the trail. A good starting point is near the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, which offers convenient parking.

Generally, there are no permits required to ride the Paseo del Bosque Trail itself. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions like the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, there might be a small entrance fee for the park facilities. You can check the City of Albuquerque's official website for the most current information regarding fees and regulations: cabq.gov.

Yes, the Paseo del Bosque Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your pet. Please be mindful of other trail users.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures for riding. Summer can be hot, so early mornings or late afternoons are preferable. Winter riding is also possible, though some dirt sections might be muddy or icy.

Along the route, you'll pass by or near several points of interest. These include the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, the Paseo del Bosque Trail itself, and the View of Rio Grande. The trail also provides access to the Albuquerque BioPark and the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and you might even find unique spots like "Bike In Coffee" nearby.

Yes, the route is part of an extensive trail network. It primarily follows the Paseo del Bosque Trail and also passes through sections of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail - Bernalillo County, the Gail Ryba Memorial Bridge, the Curandera Loop, and the Aldo Leopold Trail.

On weekends, some parts of the trail can become quite busy with other cyclists, walkers, and runners. It's advisable to be extra aware of your surroundings and other trail users, especially on the paved sections. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider riding during weekdays or earlier in the morning on weekends.