Things to do / Travel Guide
The wide-open desert plains and high mountains and forests of this region make it a paradise for cyclists. Whether you want to sail down a high-speed desert straightaway or dart through a singletrack mountain trail, the cycling options in this region will leave you breathless, no matter what type of shape you're in.
Biking outside of Taos
This 18-mile off-road trail traces the top of the 700-foot deep Rio Grande Gorge outside of Taos. Beautiful views of the gorge and surrounding countryside are a constant companion on the ride. Beginners need not fear, the ride is relatively smooth with easy ups and downs, and shouldn't take more than 2-3 hours. The trail starts right outside of Taos, so your best bet is to rent a bike in town and pedal out to the trailhead.
Biking the Manzano Meander
Starting out in Albuquerque, this 55-mile paved roundtrip ride passes by the Manzano Mountains and will take you through villages nearly 200-years-old. This long ride does have some more intermediate climbing, but more than enough rolling descents and straight-aways to keep you coasting past the mountain majesty - expect to spend at least three hours on this spin. Several bike rental companies operate in and around Albuquerque.
Biking in Capulin Volcano National Monument
Starting on the outskirts of Raton, this climb is more strenuous and lengthy, but the beauty of the national monument and the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains will reward your efforts. The ride features an 800-foot, three-mile climb to the top of Johnson Mesa with ranches, deer, and conifer forests all along the way. From the top of the cinder-cone bluff you can see snow-capped mountains and four states at once. The 90-mile roundtrip ride can be pretty exhausting, but it's nothing a little Mexican food and a tall margarita can't fix. Bring your own bike or rent one in nearby Taos.
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