The best gravel rides around Tano Road
4.5
(4)
29
riders
6
rides
Gravel biking around Tano Road, Santa Fe, offers diverse terrain across high-desert scenery and piñon-juniper woodlands. The area features a mix of dirt double-track, rustic paved segments, and well-maintained gravel roads, providing varied riding conditions. Routes often traverse parts of the Santa Fe National Forest, with some offering views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande River. This region provides accessible gravel bike trails for various skill levels.
Best gravel bike trails around Tano Road
- The most popular gravel bike trail is La Tierra Trails Loop from Santa Fe, a 15.3 miles (24.6 km) trail that takes 2 hours 4 minutes to complete. This moderate route explores varied terrain characteristic of the local woodlands.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop, a difficult 39.3 miles (63.2 km) path. This route features varied terrain, including sections leading towards Diablo Canyon and the Camino Real trail.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Gravel loop from New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, a 25.1 miles (40.4 km) trail leading through high-desert landscapes, often completed in about 3 hours 29 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Tano Road is defined by high-desert scenery, piñon-juniper woodlands, and mountain views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate to difficult routes.
- The routes in Tano Road are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.1 stars from more than 5 reviews. More than 20 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Tano Road's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
1
riders
24.6km
02:04
280m
280m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
1
riders
63.2km
05:33
480m
470m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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4.5
(2)
4
riders
40.4km
02:58
340m
340m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
riders
60.0km
04:00
1,250m
1,250m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
22.6km
01:18
180m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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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 is the start of the La Bajada Mesa switchbacks. This is one of New Mexico’s most spectacular natural landmarks. The winding trail has been used for centuries by travelers passing through the area.
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One of several points to access La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site. The rock art site has thousands of petroglyphs believed to be 400 to 600 years-old.
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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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The Calabasas Trailhead leads you to the northeastern end of the La Tierra Trails system. There is a short loop hike you can do along the northern boundary here, or you can connect with the rest of the trail system for a longer hike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Tano Road?
The Tano Road area offers a diverse mix of terrain, including dirt double-track, rustic paved segments, and well-maintained gravel roads. You'll traverse high-desert scenery, piñon-juniper woodlands, and areas characteristic of the Santa Fe National Forest, with some routes providing views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande River.
Are there gravel bike trails suitable for beginners or families in the Tano Road area?
Yes, the Tano Road area offers trails for various skill levels. While some routes are more challenging, you can find moderate options. For example, the La Tierra Trails Loop from Santa Fe is a moderate route exploring varied woodlands, suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride.
What are some notable natural features or viewpoints along the gravel bike routes?
Many routes offer breathtaking high-desert scenery and panoramic mountain views, including the iconic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Some trails, particularly those within the Caja del Rio area, also provide glimpses of the Rio Grande River. You'll ride through piñon-juniper woodlands and diverse landscapes that transition from sparse pine forests to meadows and canyons.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking around Tano Road?
The Tano Road area experiences four distinct seasons, ensuring varied natural beauty throughout the year. Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for riding. During the rainy season, some dirt sections, like those in Dalton Canyon, can be prone to rutting, so it's advisable to check conditions if planning a ride during those times.
Are there any challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop is a difficult 39.3-mile path featuring varied terrain, including sections leading towards Diablo Canyon. Another difficult option is the Palace of the Governors – New Mexico Museum of Art loop from Santa Fe Depot, which includes significant elevation gain.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Tano Road?
The gravel biking routes in Tano Road are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from more than 5 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic high-desert landscapes, and the accessibility to various trails for different skill levels.
Are there any loop trails available for gravel biking?
Yes, there are several excellent loop options. The La Tierra Trails Loop from Santa Fe is a popular moderate choice, and for a more challenging ride, consider the El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop. Another great option is the Gravel loop from New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, which takes you through high-desert landscapes.
What attractions or landmarks can I visit near the Tano Road gravel trails?
While exploring the Tano Road area, you're close to several significant attractions. You could visit historical sites like the Old Santa Fe Trail and the Palace of the Governors. For art and culture, the New Mexico Museum of Art is also nearby, as is the impressive The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Where can I find parking or trailheads for gravel biking in the Tano Road area?
Tano Road itself provides access to numerous trails and serves as a gateway to areas like Caja del Rio and Dalton Canyon. Many unnamed roads and pull-off areas along Tano Road and its vicinity offer suitable spots for parking and accessing the trails, including large BLM areas and Santa Fe National Forest lands.
Are there any cafes, restaurants, or accommodation options near the Tano Road gravel trails?
While Tano Road itself is more rural, the city of Santa Fe is a short distance away and offers a wide array of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. You'll find everything from casual eateries to fine dining, and numerous hotels, motels, and guesthouses.
Most popular attractions around Tano Road
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