Pedal Through the Land of Enchantment

New Mexico’s high-desert terrain offers an unforgettable cycling experience with endless routes to explore. The state’s elevation shifts more than 9,000 vertical feet, carrying riders through sandstone canyons, alpine forests, and wide-open mesas. Our geographic variety makes it possible to find everything from technical singletrack for seasoned mountain bikers to scenic roadways ideal for centuries and Gran Fondo rides!

New Mexico True: Pedal through the Seasons

Top Mountain Biking Destinations

Silver City & Fort Bayard: The Gila National Forest surrounds Silver City with over 200 miles of single-track trails that wind through ponderosa pines and ancient cliff dwellings. The Continental Divide also passes through town, while the Fort Bayard Recreation Area offers plenty of technical climbs and steep descents.

Lincoln National Forest: Stretching across south-central New Mexico, this forest system affords high-altitude riding through aspen groves and spruce forests. The Nogal Canyon and Bonito Lake areas provide challenging climbs with stunning Sierra Blanca views. The lower elevations here offer year-round riding opportunities.

Red River & Taos Surroundings: The Sangre de Cristo Mountains boast some of the region’s most dynamic mountain biking terrain, rising above 13,000 feet. Near Red River, the Greenbelt Trail system links directly to backcountry singletrack, while Taos plays host to all sorts of local trails, including the beginner-friendly Rio Grande Gorge to expert-level alpine rides through Carson National Forest.

Santa Fe: The Santa Fe National Forest ranges from 5,000 to 13,000 feet of elevation, making it a perfect location for advanced mountain bikers seeking challenging trails and beginners looking for easily accessible alpine thrills.

A person mountain biking through a forested trail, catching air over a dirt jump.

Prime Road Cycling Routes

Tour of the Gila Region: Silver City serves as the hub of New Mexico's premier road biking, where the annual Tour of the Gila race showcases challenging climbs and technical descents. The Gila Monster Gran Fondo follows New Mexico Highway 15 (along the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway), while shorter routes explore historic mining towns and geothermal hot springs.

Scenic Byways & Epic Climbs: The High Road to Taos (Highway 76) winds through historic villages with sustained climbs and dramatic mountain views. The Jemez Mountain Trail (Highway 4) provides a challenge through volcanic landscapes and several pueblos. Highway 518 (between Taos and Las Vegas) boasts a rolling terrain perfect for tempo rides.

Image showing a group of cyclists riding along a winding road flanked by rocky cliffs on one side and a panoramic view of distant hills under a clear sky.

Annual Bike Events & Races in New Mexico

Tour of the Gila: This professional UCI stage race in Silver City attracts international competitors each April. The five-day event includes criteriums, road races, and a challenging time trial, with amateur categories allowing recreational riders to tackle the same courses as the pros.
Tommyknocker 10: Fort Bayard’s signature mountain bike race combines endurance with technical skill across 10 hours of trail. Splash through creek crossings at this March event, which showcases the historic Fort Bayard!
Gran Fondo & Charity Events: Every year, Santa Fe Century and Albuquerque's Duke City Wheelmen host several popular Gran Fondos (long-distance bike races). Charity rides like the MS 150 provide organized group experiences for all racing levels.

A person sitting inside an orange tent next to a small trailer and bicycles, in a camping area during dusk.

Trails & Route Inspiration

Technical riders gravitate toward the Philmont Scout Ranch area near Cimarron, where backcountry trails demand advanced skills. The Santa Fe National Forest offers endless exploration opportunities, with trails ranging from gentle rail-to-trail conversions to expert-only rocky descents. Road cyclists find inspiration in New Mexico's network of quiet highways connecting historic towns. The Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and Albuquerque combines moderate climbing with cultural stops, while the less-traveled Highway 61 provides challenging grades through ranching country.

A gravel path winds into the horizon underneath blue skies

Lodging & Support Services

Silver City's cycling-friendly accommodations include the Bear Mountain Lodge, which offers bike storage and connects with local trails. The town also features several bike shops with rental fleets and guided tour services. Also, many bed-and-breakfasts throughout the state cater specifically to cyclists, providing high-protein breakfast options and secure bike storage

Aerial view of a large estate with a two-story building, surrounded by expansive green fields and a dense forest, with a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

Planning Tips

New Mexico’s high elevation, dry climate, and variable weather call for some preparation before heading out on the trails:

Start Early: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer, so aim for early morning rides when conditions are cooler and more stable.
Stay Hydrated: The air at high elevations can be very dry. As such, you should drink (and pack) more water than you think you’ll need. Carry electrolyte supplements to help prevent dehydration.
Prepare for Altitude: Thin air at higher elevations may affect performance until your body adjusts. Plan lighter rides during your first days and give yourself time to acclimate.
Protect Against the Sun: High-altitude sunshine can be intense. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeve clothing.

Seasonal Shifts

Spring and Fall: Ideal riding seasons with mild temperatures and minimal precipitation.
Summer: Ride higher in the mountains to beat the heat.
Winter: New Mexico’s lower-elevation routes remain accessible, so opt for those. Many of the state's alpine areas accumulate snow, which makes riding difficult. Southern New Mexico has excellent trail access and mild winter weather, making it a 4-season biking destination.

Pro tip: Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out. Conditions can shift rather quickly, especially at higher elevations.

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