The Taos Area offers some of the most beautiful road rides anywhere. While there currently are no bike paths or "Rails to Trails", there are many routes in all directions, some with bike lanes or large shoulders, some without. Most of the locals tend to begin their road rides in the morning to avoid possible afternoon wind and showers, especially during "monsoon season" mid July through August. Temperatures are pretty moderate most of the summer and fall season. It is, however, recommended to carry a windbreaker or lightweight rain jacket, as weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Taos Area Road Bike Routes The Enchanted Circle - An 85 mile loop which includes Taos, Angel Fire/Moreno Valley area, Eagle Nest, Red River, Questa, and Arroyo Hondo. There are a couple 9-10,000 foot passes: Bobcat Pass and Palo Flechado Pass and you will experience spectacular views along the way, including Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest peak and Eagle Nest Lake. U.S. Hill - A beautiful, rolling hill ride through the Kit Carson National Forest, South and East of Taos, with a bike lane for the first eight miles, then a nice 4.5 mile climb up U.S. Hill to a scenic overlook of the Taos Valley.Tres Piedras to Hopewell Lake or The Brazos Pass - beautiful rolling hills through forest and ranch land, with very little traffic and nice wide shoulders. This is one of the favorites when we post a group ride. About 36 miles to Hopewell Lake and back, and about 56 miles to Brazos Pass and back to Tres Piedras. Arroyo Seco, Valdez, Arroyo Hondo Loop - About 28 miles round trip. Scenic riding through small villages in Northern New Mexico, through the valleys of Valdez and Arroyo Hondo, and back up to Arroyo Seco. Some say it reminds them of riding through small towns in Europe. The Taos Ski Valley climb - About 35.2 miles round trip from Taos to Taos Ski Valley. With elevation from 7000' to 9300', this scenic ride through alpine and alongside a river will take you from Taos to the little European-style village of Taos Ski Valley, through Arroyo Seco where you might want to stop at Taos Cow for refreshments or homemade ice cream. Contact Gearing Up Bicycle Shop for more rides and information.
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Valdez Valley in Fall
Wild Rivers Recreation Area
Wild River Recreation Area