The best gravel rides around Santa Fe

There are over 10 gravel bike trails around Santa Fe listed in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 60 times, highlighting the region's popularity for gravel biking.

Santa Fe boasts over 320 days of sunshine annually, making it a great year-round destination for gravel biking. You can experience diverse climate zones, from arid deserts to alpine forests, often within a single ride. While most seasons are suitable, consider the high-desert climate and potential for snow at higher elevations during winter months.

Santa Fe is exceptional for gravel biking due to its unique high-desert climate, diverse landscapes, and extensive trail networks. Riders can enjoy everything from piñon-juniper woodlands to views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande. The city's commitment to cycling, including resources like 'The Gravel Adventure Field Guide,' further enhances its appeal.

Yes, for a less strenuous and family-friendly option, the Santa Fe Rail Trail offers a crushed gravel surface for much of its nearly 15-mile length. It's suitable for beginners and showcases diverse desert landscapes, starting from the historic Santa Fe Railyard Arts District. While the La Tierra Trails Loop from Santa Fe is rated moderate, the broader La Tierra Trails network provides terrain suitable for all skill levels.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop offer a difficult 39.3-mile path with spectacular vistas of the Rio Grande, Jemez Mountains, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Other difficult options include the Palace of the Governors – New Mexico Museum of Art loop from Santa Fe Depot and the Sphinx Overlook – Mao's Milestone loop from Santa Fe County/NM 599.

Gravel biking in Santa Fe offers incredibly scenic views. You'll frequently encounter dramatic backdrops of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, vast high-desert landscapes, piñon-juniper woodlands, and stunning vistas of the Rio Grande, particularly in areas like Caja del Rio and Rowe Mesa. Pacheco Canyon Road, for instance, transitions from desert scrub to higher elevation pine and aspen forests.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Santa Fe are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Popular options include the La Tierra Trails Loop from Santa Fe, the challenging El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop, and the Gravel loop from New Mexico Department of Game & Fish.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning views of the mountains and the Rio Grande, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels. The unique high-desert environment and extensive trail networks are frequently highlighted as key attractions.

Many gravel routes offer proximity to Santa Fe's rich cultural and natural attractions. You can explore the historic Palace of the Governors, visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, or immerse yourself in art at the New Mexico Museum of Art. For nature lovers, the Atalaya Mountain Trailhead offers hiking opportunities, and the Santa Fe Rail Trail itself is a popular highlight.

Yes, the Caja del Rio area to the west of Santa Fe is particularly rich with gravel options, featuring BLM and National Forest land. It offers a mix of unimproved doubletrack, smooth dirt roads, and cattle tracks, all with spectacular vistas of the Rio Grande and surrounding mountains. Rowe Mesa is another area known for its varied terrain and stunning views.

Given Santa Fe's high-desert climate and elevation, it's advisable to dress in layers. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, and even within a single ride as you change elevation. Sun protection, including sunscreen and sunglasses, is essential due to the abundant sunshine. Always carry enough water, especially on longer rides, as the climate is arid.