The best MTB trails in Santa Fe County

15% blue, 85% green

15% of it is blue difficulty, 85% of it is green

The Winsor Trail is a 6.1-mile singletrack primarily used for downhill mountain biking, hiking, and trail running that begins near the Santa Fe Ski Area. The entire trail features a 2,513 ft descent with an average -7.2% grade, making it a challenging black diamond trail that is popular for both shuttled descents and the occasional out-and-back ride. This particular section of the trail from the Aspen Peak to FR 102 is a very, very popular section with downhill riders, bikers coming back uphill from completing the Upper Rio en Medio Trail, for example, and hikers, so please be cautious and courteous, especially on blind corners.

The Upper Rio en Medio Trail is a popular, challenging 1.9-mile trail located near Santa Fe, New Mexico. It features a mix of steep grades, tight switchbacks, rock gardens, creek crossings, and scenic waterfalls, making it ideal for experienced mountain bikers seeking a backcountry adventure. This downhill-only trail begins near the Santa Fe Ski Area, following the river with a tough initial section before transitioning into smoother, faster segments. As you draw closer to Aspen Ranch, there are several alternative paths you can take if you want to change things up. At Aspen Ranch you have a few options: you can continue down the Lower Rio en Medio trail for a truly epic backcountry experience that takes you all the way down to the base of the mountains (shuttling cars is a must, unless you want an even more epic day), or, if you haven't shuttled a car to Aspen Ranch), you can turn back uphill to Ski Santa Fe on the Aspen Ranch Road (Forest Road 412), which you can connect to Pacheco Canyon (Forest Road 102) and either back up to the paved road or to the Winsor Trail. Although riding on trails is usually preferable, the Winsor Trail is usually ridden as a downhill trail and is very popular with hikers, making it for a sometimes trying uphill experience. Regardless of what you do at the end of the Upper Rio en Medio Trail, it's a truly fabulous section of backcountry downhill riding in the mountains above Santa Fe.

Atalaya Trail is a steep challenging trail up to Atalaya Mountain. Despite its difficulty, it's a popular challenge among local mountain bikers and a great way to get some serious exercise and some great views in close to town. It features tight turns, narrow, rocky singletrack, and steep grades, all between 7,000 and 8,000 feet! If done in the winter or early spring, there can also be ice at spots. While it can be ridden up or downhill be aware of hikers - this is a popular trail to get to the summit of the mountains.

With 9,121 feet, Atalaya Mountain is one of the highest peaks around the city of Santa Fe. It is part of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Up here, you will be treated with a stunning view towards Santa Fe, Sun Mountain, Picacho Peak and Thompson Peak.

Chips and Salsa is a popular downhill only trail in the Glorieta Adventure Camps Trail System. It runs adjacent to the longer, more challenging Jagged Axel trail, making it a more doable option for the intermediate rider, or those looking for a mellower day out. It is often combined with Cairn Me Up Trail to make the popular "Chips and Salsa loop."

Glorieta Adventure Camps is a private retreat and summer camp with public access for their 20 miles+ of singletrack mountain biking and hiking trails. The main trailhead and access point for this trail system is the Baptist Bypass Trailhead is right off of 35 NM-50, Glorieta, NM. The trails are free and open to the public, and e-bikes are allowed. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails and avoid the main campus. To check trail statuses visit the Glorieta Adventure Camps website: https://glorieta.org/trails/