Taos Area Mountain Biking

The Taos area offers the best mountain biking in all of New Mexico. The variety and beauty are unlike anything the state has to offer. This is not, however, Disneyland mountain biking. Meaning, riders need to have their wilderness skills intact. Come prepared for varied weather conditions. Monsoon season starts around the middle to end of July and lasts into September. This means rain, snow, and hail at or above 10,000 feet, so bring enough clothing to cover your arms and legs. Trails are poorly marked and sometimes not marked at all. So, orientation skills are important to prevent getting lost in unfamiliar territory. For rides lasting over three hours, always bring as much food and water as you can carry. This is a place where a little imagination and preparation can lead you on the adventure of a lifetime. Come to Taos Cyclery for accurate trail information and all the maps you’ll need to insure a safe and happy return home.

Taos Area Mountain Bike Trails

South Boundary Trail - This is the one you’ve heard about. Over twenty miles of luscious single track. The trail can be done in a variety of ways ranging from an end to end, or tourist version; to an all day ride including any number of adjoining trails. This is our marquee trail and not to be missed.

The Taos Valley Overlook, The West Rim Trail, and Horse Thief Trail -
These are all along the beautiful Rio Grande Gorge. These trails range from beginner to advanced intermediate. They include some old jeep road and single track with scenic views all along the gorge. These are most popular in the late fall and early spring seasons.

The Devisadero Loop and Talpa Traverse Trails - Local gems just minutes from the center of town. Devisadero offers all anyone could want in a hard hour of technical mountain biking. While the Talpa Traverse is famous for its early season skills building.

The Northside at Taos Ski Valley - This pay to use area is a legend in the making. Although known for its steep terrain, it's also some of the most scenic riding in all of Taos County. Trails are being put down yearly, so intermediate as well as expert level riders can enjoy the experience. The saying “ What goes up must come down” has never applied more than here. For more information go to www.RideNorthside.com.

The Woodpile Trail - One of the hardest trails to find in some of the most beautiful forest around. Hard climbing followed by insanely fast descending. You’ll never have more fun being lost. What more could you ask?

Cerro Vista - This is El Rey, the King of mountain bike rides. Even the shortest version of this monster is around 40 miles; with a 65 mile loop that includes the Woodpile Trail; and an 80 mile loop with the South Boundary Trail as a cool down. Riders start at 7,000 feet and climb to 11,900 feet along rough abandoned forest road. This one is for the strongest endurance junkies only.

These are just a sampling of what’s out there. Come by Taos Cyclery and we can customize any ride for your ability as well as provide the right maps.

10-8-09

Trail options vary depending on snow conditions. It’s not unusual to ride South Boundary Trail, the Woodpile, or Northside at Taos Ski Valley into late November and early December, although the latter is not ideal for spring snow pack. Make sure you are prepared for cold weather. Sun light is your best friend right now as shadows and shade can drop the temperature greatly. Sustained climbs can really warm riders up. These followed by fast freezing descents can really cause some problems. Layer up and bring extra shells and covers for feet, hands, and head. If you’re familiar with the terrain bring lights for a late finish. The last thing you want is to get caught out after dark without lights and warm clothes. This is the recipe for disaster, so avoid it.

Once snow fall closes the higher terrain, and it will, look to rides closer to town like the Devisadero Loop and Talpa Traverse. The Devisadero has a rocky exposed south face that can be ridden almost year round as the trail freezes and thaws in sun light. Ultimately, the gorge rides will be the last trails ridden this year and the first next. These include Horse Thief Trail, West Rim Trail, and The Rift Valley/Trader’s Trail (formerly referred to as The Taos Valley Overlook). These are beginner to intermediate level rides with fast rolling terrain and great views into the Rio Grande Gorge. The Rift Valley Trail has a new parking area off of highway 68 about six or seven miles south of Taos. This is a new trail network with approximately 15 to 20 miles of signed and mapped single track and old road. Check it out, as it’s a great job by the BLM of providing some excellent public land for multi use trail.

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