Mountain Bike Trail Rides in the Taos Area

The Taos Area affords almost every level and type of off-road cycling available, from mesa trails and rides along the Rio Grande Gorge to Forest Roads and Steep, rocky singletrack. The views range from wide-open vistas of the surrounding Sangre de Christo
mountains to lush flower-filled meadows. With detailed maps available at Gearing Up Bicycle Shop, most trails are navigatable, but keep in mind that many trails are not well-marked. Many of the single-track trails can climb to well over 10,000 feet, so be prepared for any kind of weather. Always carry with you lots of water, food and clothing for changes in the weather.

South Boundary Trail - this is the epic trail that experienced riders do not want to miss. Gearing Up offers a shuttle to Angel Fire where the trail begins. Then it is a 22-24 mile singletrack ride back to a finish three miles from the center of Taos. There are also
several other accesses to the South Boundary trail.

Talpa Traverse Trail - an 8.5 mile out-and-back trail close to the center of town. This is a moderate trail, but has sections of tight single-track as well as double-track. It is usually rideable earlier in the season when the higher trails are still snow-covered.

The Rift Trail - known by the locals as the Taos Overlook Trail because it looks over the Rio Grande Gorge. A fun nine mile loop of single track with beautiful vistas.

Bernardin Lake - A beautiful 10-mile out-and-back single-track and double-track ride along the Rio de la Olla, along open meadows with beautiful wildflowers. This is a moderate ride but pretty consistantly climbing.

Cross Country Ski, Gallegos Peak and Woodpile Trails Loop - A beautiful, fun trail with lots of downhill, sometimes single track and sometimes barely a trail, because it has so little traffic. It is a profusion of wild roses, Dutch iris, penstemon and lupine in June. About 14 miles in length.

Northside at Taos Ski Valley - A self-guided, fee-based, mountain biking area in beautiful private alpine wilderness. Awesome single track and double track thru pines, aspens, and meadows with amazing views. Biking terrain for intermediate to expert level riders with Frazer Mountain as the highest point on the property at 12,163 ft. Host of the 2-day Frazer Mountain Madness bike races in July. Open from late June through October. More info at: www.RideNorthside.com

One could ride all season and not cover every trail in the area. Gearing Up has maps, books, and information about all the rides.