Mountain Bike Across Santa Fe and Beyond

The high desert riding offers expansive, sandy trails perfect for beginners to enjoy a smooth ride without technical obstacles. For those craving more adventure, the terrain includes thrilling technical sections, such as the IMBA-sponsored, recently updated "Hustle & Flow" trail. Additionally, the Freeride skills park promises plenty of excitement. Situated conveniently in town, La Tierra also offers fantastic riding spots. The dry, mostly loose terrain provides a fun challenge, with ample open space to explore.

The Galisteo Basin Preserve offers “the largest publicly-accessible, privately-owned trail network in the American Southwest.” The trails cut across grasslands, along the ridges of sandstone formations and through arroyos or dry sandy riverbeds. There are approximately 50 miles of multi-use trails, ideal for beginner to intermediate-level mountain bikers. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains – the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Jemez, the Sandias, and the Ortiz Mountains – as you ride along sections with whimsical names such as Henry’s World, Nana’s Surprise, Derek’s Delight and Liam’s Lark.

Located to the southwest of Santa Fe, White Ridge Trail offers intermediate to experienced mountain bikers both spectacular views and a challenging ride along 15 miles of trails. As a blogger put it: “New Mexico mountain biking at its best. The White Mesa loop is fast and flowing, with a few technical hurdles, some exposed ledges and a couple of grunty climbs.”