The best cycling routes in Santa Fe County
4.1
(11)
330
riders
59
rides
Touring cycling in Santa Fe County offers varied terrain across high desert landscapes, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the Rio Grande valley. The region features extensive trail systems, including routes through piñon-juniper woodlands and along historic rail corridors. Elevations range from river valleys to mountain passes, providing diverse cycling experiences. This area is characterized by its unique geological formations, mesas, and forests.
Best touring cycling routes in Santa Fe County
- The most popular touring cycling route is Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road, a 16.1 miles (26.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 40 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant climbs through forests with expansive views.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Santa Fe Rail Trail, a moderate 34.4 miles (55.3 km) path. This route combines paved and gravel sections, offering views of adobe homes and the Galisteo Basin.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail – Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Santa Fe Depot, a 12.8 miles (20.6 km) trail leading through the Arroyo de los Chamisos area, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Santa Fe County is defined by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, high desert terrain, and the Rio Grande, with routes suitable for various skill levels. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to challenging mountain ascents.
- The routes in Santa Fe County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.1 stars from more than 5 reviews. More than 350 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Santa Fe County's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
10
riders
26.0km
02:40
1,140m
130m
The Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road offers a visually rewarding and physically demanding touring cycling experience, transitioning from high desert to dense pine and aspen forests. As you climb, you'll be treated to expansive views of the Rio Grande Valley and the distant Jemez Mountains, with notable overlooks like Aspen Vista providing perfect photo opportunities.
This difficult 16.1-mile (26.0 km) route involves a significant 3746 feet (1142 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Starting in downtown Santa Fe, the paved road winds its way up to Ski Santa Fe, passing through Hyde Memorial State Park where you can find restrooms and water. Cyclists should be prepared for challenging climbs, as some sections may require very good fitness.
This byway is a popular route for local touring cyclists, known for its dramatic landscape changes and the stunning fall colors when the aspen trees turn gold. It's part of the larger Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, offering a taste of the diverse terrain within the 1.6 million-acre Santa Fe National Forest.
2.0
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27
riders
55.3km
04:37
290m
290m
The Santa Fe Rail Trail offers a unique journey from urban Santa Fe into the high-desert landscape, blending paved and unpaved sections. You'll start amidst public art in the Santa Fe Railyard Park, then transition to rolling hills and red-dirt terrain dotted with yucca and piñon trees, with views of the Galisteo Basin. The trail's varied surfaces and 'rollercoaster' profile make it an engaging ride for touring cyclists.
This moderate 34.4-mile (55.3 km) route, with 952 feet (290 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 4 hours and 36 minutes, is best tackled with a gravel or mountain bike for its unpaved southern half. The northern paved section is family-friendly and accessible via New Mexico Rail Runner Express stations. Always check trail conditions, especially after rain, as unpaved sections can become muddy.
Following the historic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line, this 'rail-with-trail' offers a glimpse into the region's past while connecting to other local trails like the Acequia Trail. It's a great option if you're looking for Santa Fe area cycling trails that combine historical significance with diverse scenery, from cityscapes to remote desert vistas.
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2
riders
45.8km
02:45
350m
350m
The Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop offers a fantastic touring bicycle experience, guiding you through Santa Fe's unique blend of urban and desert scenery. Expect a mostly paved path that follows a chamisa-lined arroyo, providing pleasant mountain views and a comfortable ride. This moderate 28.5-mile (45.8 km) route, with 1153 feet (351 metres) of elevation gain, is a great way to explore the city's southwestern side, taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and serves as a vital recreational and commuter link. It's a popular choice for cyclists looking for a safe alternative to busier roads, especially when heading towards downtown Santa Fe. The trail is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion along for the adventure.
This loop is a significant part of Santa Fe's extensive urban trail system, connecting various local amenities and attractions. A notable feature is its junction with the Santa Fe Rail Trail at Siringo Road, which opens up even more cycling possibilities if you're keen to extend your journey further into the New Mexico landscape.
17
riders
25.0km
01:35
180m
180m
The Old Santa Fe Trail – Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Santa Fe is a 15.6-mile (25.0 km) touring cycling route that offers a diverse ride through urban and high desert scenery. You will pedal along the paved Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail, passing through residential areas and green spaces, before encountering the more open, scrub-like terrain and gradual climbs of the Old Santa Fe Trail segment. This moderate route, with 605 feet (184 metres) of elevation gain, provides a good blend of city convenience and scenic vistas, making it a solid choice for a varied cycling experience.
Plan for a ride that takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes, suitable for touring bikes given its mostly paved surfaces. You can easily access the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail from several points, including near Villa Linda Park or the Santa Fe Place Mall. While the Arroyo de los Chamisos section is generally easy, the overall loop is rated moderate due to the hilly nature of the Old Santa Fe Trail portion, so bring good fitness and be ready for some effort.
This loop is a vital part of Santa Fe's extensive urban trail network, connecting you to other routes like the Santa Fe Rail Trail if you wish to extend your adventure. The combination of urban pathways and high desert landscapes, with views of adobe homes and the Galisteo Basin, offers a unique perspective on the Santa Fe area. Cycling on the Old Santa Fe Trail also evokes a sense of history, as it follows a route that played a crucial role in connecting cultures.
4.0
(1)
13
riders
54.6km
04:31
1,210m
1,210m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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14
riders
19.3km
01:13
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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15
riders
34.8km
02:28
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
The Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Santa Fe Depot offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, primarily on paved surfaces that wind through urban and residential areas. You'll follow the Arroyo Chamiso, enjoying a natural corridor within the city, and can easily connect to the Santa Fe Rail Trail for expansive high desert views featuring yucca, junipers, and piñon trees. This easy 12.8-mile (20.7 km) route, with a modest 477 feet (145 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic way to explore Santa Fe's diverse scenery.
Starting directly from the Santa Fe Depot, this trail is incredibly convenient for public transport users or those parking in the Railyard area. The paved, flat terrain makes it suitable for all skill levels and ideal for a leisurely ride, taking approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. It's a great option for a casual outing, especially during the pleasant spring and fall months, and provides a safe cycling route away from busy city streets.
This loop is a key part of Santa Fe's urban trail network, providing excellent connectivity to local amenities like the Santa Fe Place Mall and various community centers. Its accessibility and mostly flat profile make it a popular cycling trail for families and anyone seeking a relaxed ride. The seamless connection to the Santa Fe Rail Trail also opens up possibilities for longer adventures into the scenic New Mexico high desert.
12
riders
19.5km
01:50
120m
120m
The Santa Fe Rail Trail loop offers a unique touring bicycle experience, transitioning from urban paved paths near the Santa Fe Railyard to rugged high-desert landscapes. You'll pedal through rolling hills, past piñon-juniper woodlands, and over red-dirt terrain, all while paralleling an active railway line. The varied surface, including crushed stone and gravel sections, provides an engaging ride that feels remote yet accessible.
Starting from the Rail Trail Parking, this 12.1-mile (19.5 km) route is rated easy, with 379 feet (116 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes. While the northern section is paved and family-friendly, the unpaved portions feature a 'rollercoaster' profile with moderate climbs and descents, making it ideal for gravel, hybrid, or mountain bikes. Always carry water, especially in the high desert, and be mindful that unpaved sections can get muddy after rain.
This trail stands out among Santa Fe cycling routes for its
11
riders
25.4km
01:31
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures in Santa Fe County
Tips from the Community
Santa Fe Plaza stands as the historic and cultural heart of Santa Fe. Founded in 1610, it’s one of the oldest continuously occupied public spaces in the United States. The Plaza was originally designed as the central square for the Spanish colonial Presidio, surrounded by residences, a chapel, and the seat of government. Over the centuries it evolved — welcoming trade caravans arriving along the historic Santa Fe Trail, serving as a gathering place for Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and later American communities, hosting centuries of civic, social, and cultural life. Today, the Plaza remains a lively public square ringed by adobe-style buildings, galleries, boutiques, and museums — including the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S. The plaza is also the official starting point for the Santa Fe to Taos thru-hike.
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Stretching from Franklin, Missouri, to Santa Fe, the Old Santa Fe Trail was once a key 19th-century trade route linking the American frontier with Mexico. Its final miles descend into modern-day Santa Fe, where ruts and landmarks still echo its storied past. Following this historic path north offers a rare sense of continuity between New Mexico’s present-day wilderness and its frontier origins.
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You get uninterrupted views across the red earth from the packed dirt path. Here the Santa Fe Rail Trail meets the Spur Trail.
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Today the chapel is a wedding venue and museum, which you can visit for $5. It features a highly unique spiral staircase, which was built without a center pole such that the weight of all the stairs rests on the base step, and the staircase springs up and down like an accordion when faced with heavy vibrations. For the first ten years, it didn't even have a railing.
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The Basilica was built in the late 1800s by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, 26 years before New Mexico even became a U.S. state. However the site is much older than that, as the current structure is built on the foundations of earlier churches dating all the way back to 1626.
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Arroyo De Los Chamisos Trail is a 3-mile paved trail in the Santa Fe urban trail system. The trail runs through a mix of urban and residential spaces, so there are plenty of options for amenities along the path.
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Old Santa Fe is the historic downtown area. It's known for its mix of Naive Pueblo and Spanish Colonial styles of architecture and is an excellent mix of culture, history, shops, and views. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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This museum preserves and honors the legacy of one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, Georgia O'Keeffe. The museum includes work and personal items of Georgia O'Keeffe and rotates throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Santa Fe County?
Santa Fe County offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find routes traversing high desert landscapes with juniper-studded hills and mesas, challenging climbs through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and scenic paths along the Rio Grande. The region also features extensive trail systems through piñon-juniper woodlands and along historic rail corridors, providing varied surfaces from paved roads to gravel paths.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Santa Fe County?
There are over 70 touring cycling routes available in Santa Fe County, catering to various skill levels. This includes 24 easy routes, 34 moderate routes, and 12 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Santa Fe County offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Santa Fe Rail Trail – Santa Fe Plaza loop from Santa Fe Depot, which is 19.3 km long and has minimal elevation gain. Another easy choice is the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail – Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Santa Fe Depot, covering 20.6 km.
What are some challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Santa Fe County has several difficult routes. The Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road is a demanding 26.0 km trail with significant climbs and expansive views. Another difficult option is the Peña Oscura Hill – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot, which spans 54.4 km and features substantial elevation changes.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Santa Fe County?
Santa Fe County boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for year-round cycling. However, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for touring. Summer can be warm, especially in the high desert, while winter can bring snow to higher elevations, though lower routes often remain rideable.
Are there any loop touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Santa Fe County are loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop (45.8 km) and the Loretto Chapel Museum – Santa Fe Plaza loop from Santa Fe (25.9 km).
What kind of scenic views can I expect on Santa Fe County's touring cycling routes?
Touring cycling routes in Santa Fe County offer breathtaking scenic views. You can expect vistas of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, expansive high desert landscapes with colorful mesas, and charming views of adobe homes and the Galisteo Basin along routes like the Santa Fe Rail Trail. Higher elevation routes provide sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and distant Jemez Mountains.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Santa Fe County?
The touring cycling routes in Santa Fe County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from more than 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from high desert to mountain forests, and the well-maintained trails that offer a mix of paved and gravel surfaces. The region's natural beauty and the variety of routes for all skill levels are frequently highlighted.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks to see along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, Santa Fe County is rich in history and culture. Many routes pass by or are near significant landmarks. You can explore the historic Old Santa Fe Trail, visit the Palace of the Governors, or see the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Routes leading to Nambé Falls also pass through historic pueblo settlements, offering a glimpse into the region's ancestral heritage.
Are there any routes that combine paved and unpaved sections?
Yes, several routes in Santa Fe County offer a mix of paved and unpaved sections. The Santa Fe Rail Trail is a prime example, starting paved in the Railyard Arts District and transitioning to a gravel path as it extends towards Lamy. This allows for a varied cycling experience, combining smooth surfaces with more rugged gravel sections.
Where can I find parking at touring bike trailheads in Santa Fe County?
Many popular touring bike trailheads in Santa Fe County offer designated parking areas. For instance, routes like the Santa Fe Rail Trail – Santa Fe Plaza loop from Santa Fe Depot often start near accessible parking facilities in and around Santa Fe. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for precise parking information for your chosen starting point.
Are there any routes that offer views of the Rio Grande?
Yes, the Rio Grande carves through the landscape of Santa Fe County, and several touring cycling routes offer scenic views of this iconic river. The Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, for example, presents road cyclists with sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley as they climb through picturesque forests.
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