The best traffic-free bike rides in Santa Fe County

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails featured in this guide for Santa Fe County. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate to difficult, ensuring a suitable ride for various skill levels.

Santa Fe County's no-traffic gravel trails offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter everything from crushed gravel and improved natural surfaces, like on the Santa Fe Rail Trail loop from Zia Road, to packed dirt roads and even unimproved doubletrack. The landscape varies from high desert and piñon-juniper woodlands to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, providing stunning views and varied riding conditions.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the Santa Fe Rail Trail loop from Zia Road offers a relatively gentler experience with crushed gravel and improved natural surfaces. It's a great option for spinning out legs or acclimating to the elevation. For families with younger riders, consider shorter sections of the Santa Fe Rail Trail which are generally flatter and less technical.

The best time for gravel biking in Santa Fe County is generally spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are mild and the scenery is vibrant. Summer can be hot, especially in the high desert, so early morning rides are recommended. Winter riding is possible, but higher elevation areas may have snow, and conditions can vary, so always check local forecasts.

Yes, for experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, the El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop is a difficult route spanning over 63 kilometers. This trail offers extensive views of the Rio Grande, Jemez Mountains, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, traversing packed dirt roads and varied terrain.

Many of Santa Fe County's gravel trails offer scenic views and access to natural and historical landmarks. For instance, the Santa Fe Rail Trail showcases the Railyard Arts District and extends into the desert towards Lamy. Routes in the Caja del Rio area provide views of the Rio Grande and surrounding mountain ranges. You might also encounter historical routes like the Old Santa Fe Trail, or pass by natural highlights such as La Tierra Trails.

Yes, routes in the Caja del Rio area, such as the El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop, provide excellent opportunities for views of the Rio Grande. This area, encompassing BLM and National Forest land, is known for its packed dirt roads and panoramic vistas of the river and surrounding mountains.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking in Santa Fe County, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning and diverse landscapes, the quiet and car-free nature of the trails, and the unique blend of high desert, woodlands, and mountain foothills that make for a truly immersive outdoor experience.

Yes, Santa Fe County is quite accessible for cyclists. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express offers daily service connecting the Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor and has secure bicycle spaces on each train. This allows riders to start their journeys directly from the Santa Fe Railyard, which is a convenient access point for trails like the Santa Fe Rail Trail.

While this guide features routes rated moderate to difficult, the Santa Fe Rail Trail loop from Zia Road is generally considered more accessible due to its crushed gravel and improved natural surfaces. For absolute beginners, starting with shorter sections of the Santa Fe Rail Trail can be a good way to get accustomed to gravel riding in the area.

Yes, all the no-traffic gravel bike trails listed in this guide are circular routes. This includes options like the La Tierra Trails Loop from Santa Fe and the Gravel loop from Santa Fe Regional Airport, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point without retracing your steps.

Absolutely. Many routes in Santa Fe County traverse diverse ecosystems. For example, Pacheco Canyon Road (mentioned in regional research) transitions from desert scrub to pine and aspen forests at higher elevations. Similarly, routes like the El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop will take you through high desert, piñon-juniper woodlands, and offer views towards the mountains, showcasing the region's rich natural features.