The best cycling routes in Santa Fe County
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(8)
341
riders
63
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…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
10
riders
26.0km
02:40
1,140m
130m
Cycle the difficult 16.1-mile Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road, gaining 3746 feet through diverse forests to mountain peaks.
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(1)
26
riders
55.3km
04:37
290m
290m
Cycle the Santa Fe Rail Trail, a 34.4-mile moderate route through urban and high-desert landscapes, gaining 952 feet.
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2
riders
45.8km
02:45
350m
350m
Cycle the 28.5-mile Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop in Santa Fe, a moderate route with urban views and desert landscapes.
17
riders
25.0km
01:35
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
12
riders
54.4km
04:30
1,210m
1,210m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
riders
19.3km
01:13
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
34.8km
02:28
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
19.5km
01:50
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
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.
Most popular routes in Santa Fe County
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