The best cycling routes around Tano Road
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222
riders
51
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Touring cycling around Tano Road offers a diverse landscape for riders. The region features a mix of urban and semi-urban environments, with routes often incorporating scenic byways and converted rail trails. Riders can expect varied terrain, from relatively flat paths along arroyos to more challenging climbs through hilly areas. The network provides access to both natural scenery and historical points of interest.
Best touring cycling routes around Tano Road
- The most popular touring cycling route is Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road, a difficult 16.1 miles (26.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 40 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain and offers scenic views along the byway.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Sphinx Overlook – Santa Fe Rail Trail loop from South Capitol, a moderate 32.8 miles (52.8 km) path. This route combines panoramic overlooks with the generally flatter terrain of a rail trail.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Peña Oscura Hill – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot, a 33.8 miles (54.4 km) trail leading through hilly terrain and historical areas, often completed in about 4 hours 30 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Tano Road is defined by scenic byways, converted rail trails, and varied hilly sections. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to more difficult climbs.
- The routes in Tano Road are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 6 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Tano Road's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
10
riders
26.0km
02:40
1,140m
130m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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.
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5.0
(2)
14
riders
19.3km
01:13
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. 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.
6
riders
22.6km
01:30
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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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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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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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Tano Road?
There are over 50 touring cycling routes in the Tano Road area, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Tano Road offers several easy routes. For a relatively flat and accessible ride, consider the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail – Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Santa Fe Depot, which is about 20.6 km long. Another great option is the Santa Fe Rail Trail – Santa Fe Plaza loop from Santa Fe Depot, covering approximately 19.3 km.
What are some challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenge will enjoy routes with significant elevation gain. The Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road is a difficult 26.0 km route with substantial climbs. Another demanding option is the Peña Oscura Hill – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot, a 54.4 km trail through hilly terrain.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Tano Road area?
Yes, many routes in Tano Road are designed as loops. For example, the Sphinx Overlook – Santa Fe Rail Trail loop from South Capitol offers a moderate 52.8 km ride combining panoramic views with rail trail sections. The Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop and the Santa Fe Rail Trail – Santa Fe Plaza loop are also excellent circular options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Tano Road?
The Tano Road region offers diverse terrain. You'll find relatively flat paths, particularly along converted rail trails and arroyos, as well as more challenging climbs through hilly areas. Routes often incorporate scenic byways and a mix of urban and semi-urban environments.
What are some scenic viewpoints or attractions I can visit along the touring cycling routes?
Many routes offer access to natural scenery and historical points of interest. You can explore landmarks like The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the historic Old Santa Fe Trail. The Palace of the Governors is another notable site.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Tano Road?
The Tano Road area generally offers pleasant cycling conditions during spring and fall, with milder temperatures. Summer can be warm, especially in the midday, while winter cycling is possible but may require checking weather conditions for colder temperatures or occasional snow at higher elevations.
Are there options for less crowded touring cycling routes?
While some popular routes can see more traffic, the region's extensive network of over 50 routes means you can often find quieter paths. Exploring some of the less-known local loops or venturing onto routes slightly further from the main urban centers can provide a more serene cycling experience.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Tano Road?
The Tano Road area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscape, the combination of scenic byways and converted rail trails, and the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels.
Is public transport available to access the touring cycling routes?
Many routes in the Tano Road area, particularly those starting from Santa Fe, are accessible via local public transport options. For example, routes like the Sphinx Overlook loop and the Santa Fe Rail Trail loop both start from the South Capitol or Santa Fe Depot, which are often well-connected.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes around Tano Road?
Parking is generally available at various trailheads and public access points, especially for routes that start near urban centers like Santa Fe. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages on komoot or by checking local Santa Fe parking guides.
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