1.
Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED
23.2km
01:51
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best cycling routes around Totah Vista
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 2, 2026
If you’ve ever tried to plan touring cycling around Totah Vista, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. It’s tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That’s where komoot comes in. Our community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed countless routes here, so we’ve done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best, saving you the guesswork.
Touring cycling around Totah Vista means immersing yourself in a landscape defined by colorful mesas, towering cliffs, and high desert terrain. You’ll find dramatic geological formations, including badlands and wind-etched hoodoos, providing truly unique backdrops for your rides. The region is also shaped by the Animas and San Juan river systems, with many routes following their courses. With nearly 300 days of sunshine annually in the nearby Farmington area, you’ll find plenty of clear days for riding.
If you only do one route, we’d point you straight to the Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED. At 14.4 miles (23.2 km), it’s a moderate ride that perfectly captures the distinctive high desert landscape. For something a little easier and family-friendly, the Boyd Park loop from Morningstar Bluff is a fantastic choice, offering a gentle 5.6 miles (9.1 km) through local parkland and along the river. With more than 20 touring cyclists already exploring Totah Vista with komoot, you’re in good company. Get out there and discover your next favorite ride!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED | 23.2 km | 220 m | Moderate |
| Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED | 29.2 km | 310 m | Moderate |
| Boyd Park loop from Morningstar Bluff | 9.06 km | 20 m | Easy |
2.
Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED
29.2km
02:43
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Boyd Park loop from Morningstar Bluff
9.06km
00:34
20m
20m
The Boyd Park loop from Morningstar Bluff offers a pleasant, easy touring cycling experience, perfect for a relaxed spin. With only 77 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain over 5.6 miles (9.1 km), you can expect a mostly flat or gently undulating path, making it an accessible option for riders of all skill levels. The route is designed for a quick outing, taking approximately 33 minutes, and is well-suited for those seeking a family friendly cycling adventure.
When planning your ride, consider that many "Boyd Park" and "Bluff Trail" areas feature paved or well-maintained surfaces, ideal for touring bikes. While specific trailhead parking for this exact loop isn't detailed, most parks offer convenient access points. Checking the weather for touring cycling and the best time of year to cycle will ensure a comfortable trip, as conditions can vary.
This loop provides a straightforward cycling opportunity in the Farmington area, offering a taste of the local terrain without demanding significant effort. It's a good choice if you're looking for beginner touring cycling routes or a short, scenic ride to complement a longer day out. The minimal elevation profile means you can focus on enjoying the ride rather than tackling challenging climbs.
View route
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Sign up for free
See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
Matthew
February 19, 2024, Hood Mesa Trail System
The Hood Mesa Trail System is filled with smooth dirt roads, intersecting double-track trails, and rocky singletrack paths. Most of the intersections are marked well, and with the lack of trees in the area, you get pretty open views the entire time.
0
0
Matthew
February 14, 2024, Hood Mesa Trail System
The Hood Mesa Trail System is filled with smooth dirt roads, intersecting double-track trails, and rocky singletrack paths. Most of the intersections are marked well, and with the lack of trees in the area, you get pretty open views the entire time.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Totah Vista?
Komoot offers several touring cycling routes around Totah Vista. You can explore options like the Boyd Park loop from Morningstar Bluff for an easier ride, or the more challenging Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Totah Vista?
The Totah Vista region benefits from over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for touring cycling year-round, weather permitting. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for longer rides.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes for beginners or families in Totah Vista?
Yes, for an easier and family-friendly option, consider the Boyd Park loop from Morningstar Bluff. This route is rated as easy and covers just over 9 kilometers, making it suitable for a relaxed ride.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Totah Vista?
Touring cycling in Totah Vista offers diverse terrain. You'll encounter colorful mesas, towering cliffs, and unique rock formations characteristic of the high desert. Some routes, like those in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, can involve significant elevation changes, while others follow river systems or flatter park areas.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Totah Vista?
Yes, several routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Hood Mesa Trail System loop from The UPS Store offers a moderate 29.65 km circular ride, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
The Totah Vista region is known for its dramatic landscapes. You can expect to see colorful mesas, unique geological formations, and potentially follow river systems like the Animas and San Juan Rivers. The high desert terrain with its badlands and wind-etched hoodoos provides a unique backdrop for your rides.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Totah Vista?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique geological formations and the blend of cultural immersion with scenic beauty found along the routes.
Are there any routes that offer cultural or historical points of interest?
While specific historical sites are not directly on the listed komoot routes, the broader Totah region is rich in history. Touring cycling here can involve exploring areas near old Spanish villages and 17th-century mission churches, offering a blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty. The High Road to Taos, for instance, is known for its cultural stops.
What are the elevation changes like on touring cycling routes in Totah Vista?
Elevation changes vary by route. For example, the Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED involves an ascent of approximately 215 meters. Some areas in the wider region, particularly towards the Sangre de Cristo range, can feature significant climbs, reaching elevations of 8,500 to 9,000 feet.
Can I find routes that are suitable for a longer touring cycling adventure?
For a longer, moderate touring cycling experience, consider the Hood Mesa Trail System loop from The UPS Store, which spans nearly 30 kilometers. This route offers a good duration for an extended ride through the scenic landscape.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
