The purpose of this bicycle ride information is primarily to provide the membership of the New Mexico Touring Society with ride data. This information can be used for upcoming rides or for planning club rides. The ride descriptions here are not the complete catalog of New Mexico rides but are typical New Mexico Touring Society rides. The data is as correct as possible but there are no guarantees. Construction or other changes in road conditions may change without notice and may not be reflected here. The rides are not rated for difficulty since this is so subjective depending on the rider(s), winds, rain, heat, etc. Use the mileage and elevation gain to determine the degree of difficulty of the ride for you. The rides can be remote, so be prepared for changes in weather, afternoon thunderstorms in the summer, snow flurries in winter and fall, and always wind.
Currently, the Route Library is being updated. Updated rides have new maps, cue sheets and GPS files to download. Look for the UPDATED! note after the ride description. Also, new rides are being added. The new rides will will also have maps, cue sheets and GPS files to download. Look for the NEW! note after the ride description. The GPS files work with many GPS devices as well as smart phones with GPS apps. For help getting your GPS to work with the files, go here: GPS HELP.
For riders interested in getting across Albuquerque or New Mexico, there is some information at bottom of this page. You can also find information on the proposed Bicycle Route 66 across New Mexico there.
Please report any errors or suggestions to Chris Marsh: Chris@candjmarsh.com
The routes are listed in four groups; Albuquerque area rides, Rides outside the Albuquerque area but in New Mexico, Rides outside New Mexico and Mountain bike rides. Most of the routes are single day rides but some are multi-day tours. Select the ride title to get detailed information on the route including pictures, maps, cue sheets, and GPS files.
Albuquerque Area Rides
4-Hills Follies, 5.5 miles, 527 ft.. Short option near Tramway and Central. UPDATED!
Albuquerque East Metric Century, 62.5 miles, 2,000+ ft. Ride goes through Tijeras Canyon into the East Mountains.
Albuquerque East Perimeter Loop (clockwise), 58 miles, 1,893 ft. NEW!
Albuquerque Perimeter Loop (counterclockwise), 66.2 miles, 2,520 ft. Albuquerque Registered PBAA perimeter ride around Albuquerque. UPDATED!
Algodones Sin Tramway, 58 miles, climb 1,503 ft. Ride to Algodones skipping Tramway on the return. NEW!
ART (Avoid the River Trail), 38 miles, 1,183 ft. The route carefully avoids the Paseo Del Bosque Trail. NEW!
Eastern Albuquerque Perimeter Loop, 50 miles, climb 1,450 ft. Albuquerque Registered PBAA perimeter ride around Albuquerque.
Balloon Fiesta Park, 8 miles, flat. Colorful way to see the event. UPDATED!
Bernalillo Blast, 46.5 miles, 1,814 ft. A popular ride with options. UPDATED!
Breakfast Burrito Ride, 40 miles, 1,617 ft. Pleasant ride around Eastern Albuquerque. NEW!
Breaking Bad Tour, 43 miles, 881 ft. This ride goes to many of the filming locations for the TV show Breaking Bad. NEW!
Boca Negra Climb, 2 miles, 154 ft. NEW!
City "Circle" Loop, 46 miles, flat. Pleasant ride through the 4 quadrants of Albuquerque.
Corrales and Rio Rancho Loop, 35 miles, 1,510 ft. Also know as the Rio Rancho Roundabout.
Double Eagle Dash, 38 miles. Scenic ride avoids Paradise Hills.
Double Eagle Half Century, 50 miles. Scenic ride starts at the Alameda Open Space. NEW!
Double Eagle Out-and-Back, 44 miles.
East Mountain Century, 108 miles, 5,600 ft. Challenging, scenic Century starting at Sandia Park.
East Mountain Metric Century, 62 miles, 5,500 ft. Includes favorite East Mountain rides.
East Mountain Up and Down, 47 miles, 3,219 ft. Ride in the East Mountains. NEW
East Mountain Whirl, 63 miles, 3,851 ft. Ride in the East Mountains. NEW!
East Mountain Whirl with Climb, 59 miles, 3,543 ft. Ride in the East Mountains. NEW!
East/West Ride, 44 miles, 875 ft. This ride goes to Downtown and out to Mesa Del Sol. NEW!
Fabulous Foothills Frolic, 36 miles, 4,664 ft. Lots of climbing in Albuquerque. UPDATED!
Fast 50, 50 miles, 170ft. Flat / Fast ride largely on bikepaths.
Fitter, Faster Ride, 40 miles, 4,179 ft. Lots of climbing. NEW!
Five Burros of the South Valley, 25 miles, 90ft. A tribute to the Five Burroughs of New York. NEW!
Five Fingers, Challenging short climbs. Steep. Steep. Steep.
Flying Star Out and Back, 52 miles, 2,130 ft. Chocolate.
Frost Road Frenzy, 26, 33, 38 and 55 miles. The Original (clockwise or counterclockwise) Sedillo Hill Option S-14, Rollers, Frost Road
The Good and the Bad, 35 miles, 3,092 ft. Ride up and down the foothills. NEW!
Heartbreak Hill, 48 miles, 2,800 ft. Yet another poplar ride including the challenging Heartbreak Hill. UPDATED!
Hollywood is Halfway, 52 miles, 617 ft. Ride to Hollywood Casino and back. NEW!
Jemez Dam, 39 miles, 1,057 ft. Rio Rancho to Jemez Dam. UPDATED!
La Llorona Bike Trail, 32 miles, 450 ft. Very Flat, includes the scenic Riverside Bikepath.
La Luz Climb, 4.7 miles, 996 ft. A short but challenging addition to rides on Tramway. UPDATED!
La Madera Climb Option, 8 miles, 600 ft. A steep climb option north of the 'Triangle".
Last Minute Shoppers Ride, 36 miles, 1,289 ft. Usually featured as an NMTS holiday event. NEW!
Lester's East Side Ride, 45 miles, 2,779 ft. The route takes roads less traveled through east side open space and housing developments. NEW!
Los Lunas Spin, 50 miles, flat. Classic picturesque ride in the South valley.
Madrid Gold Rush. 72 miles, 3,750 ft. East Mountain ride out to trendy Madrid. Hard climbs returning.
Moriarty Loop, 115 miles, 4,580 ft. Tijeras - Moriarty - Mountainair - Tijeras.
Mountainair Loop (2-days), 144 miles. Overnight in Mountainair.
NM 217 Rollers, 45 miles, 2,600ft. Popular ride in the East Mountains.
NMTS Sunday Ride, 33 miles, flat. Popular multi-user paved trail paralleling the Rio Grande. UPDATED!
The Northeast Loop, 38 miles.
Oak Flat (old), 32 miles, 2,150ft. Popular East Mountains road ride.
Oak Flat Loop (new), 52 miles, 3.453ft. New version of the popular East Mountains road ride. NEW!
Osuna Bear Canyon - Tramway Loop, 24.5 miles, 1,192 ft. Use urban trails to get to the big downhill. NEW!
Paseo del Mesa Trail, 9 miles, 470 ft. Ride across Petroglyphs National Monument. NEW!
NEW!
Petroglyphs, 27 miles, 481 ft. Ride to the Petroglyphs National Monument. NEW!
Randy's Real Estate Ride, 39 miles, 1,917 ft. Nice loop around east Albuquerque. NEW!
Ride the Rail Runner, 46 miles, 148 ft. Ride down to Belen and take the trail back. NEW!
Riverside Bike (multiuser) Trail, flat. Paved bikepath, picturesque. All levels of users.
Sandia Crest Climb, 54 miles, 5,887 ft. UPDATED!
Sandia Crest via Gutierrez Canyon, 60 miles, 6,116 ft. Alternative to the popular Sandia Crest Climb. NEW!
Sandia Mountain Century Loop, 105 miles. Albuquerque, Tramway - Bernalillo - Turquoise Trading Post - NM14 - RT66 - Tramway.
San Felipe Flyer, 31 miles. Nice, flat, winter ride.
Sedillo Hill, 28 miles.
See San Ysidro, 41.2 miles, 1,500 ft. UPDATED!
South 14 Rollers, 45 miles, 2,600ft. 750' Smiths to Tijeras, 1850' from Tijeras. Popular ride in the East Mountains.
Tajique Tango, 80 or 66 miles, 4,400 or 3,540 ft.
Triangle and Back, 27 miles, 1,922 ft. Popular to the "Triangle". NEW!
Taylor Ranch - Double Eagle, 50 miles, 1960 ft. Includes the popular 9-mile Hill and Double Eagle legs.
Taylor Ranch to Placitas, 58 miles, 1,946 ft. Ride north and west of town with some climbing. NEW!
Taylor Ranch - Rio Puerco Out and Back, 37.8 miles, 1939 ft. UPDATED!
Tijeras Trot, 13 miles, 850ft. Gateway to the East Mountain rides.
Tour de Timbuctu, 38 miles, 1,736 ft. Ride to a restaurant in Rio Rancho that is now closed. NEW!
Tour de Chavez, 68 miles. 2,372 ft. Tour visiting at least 13 Cahvez-named landmarks. UPDATED!
Tour of Rio Rancho and Corrales, 35 miles., 1,574 ft. UPDATED!
Tour of the Rio Grande Valley (TORGV), 50, 75 and 109 miles. Kit Carson Park south to Belen, Los Lunas, Bernardo, and back (old route).
Tramway Bikepath. Popular, paved multi-use bikepath in east Albuquerque with awesome views.
Twisty Up and Down, 46 miles, 3,237 ft. Ride to the East Mountains. NEW!
West Mesa Loop, 50 miles, 1,352 ft. NEW!
Westside and Downtown Tour, 35 miles, 326 ft. Nice loop around west and Downtown Albuquerque. NEW!
New Mexico Rides Outside the Albuquerque Area
Acoma Loop, 41 miles, climb 1,391 ft. A fairly flat scenic loop near Acoma/Grants. UPDATED!
Bosque del Apache Birdwatching Loop, 30 miles, flat. A pleasant off-road ride to view the migrating flocks. Note: Check with the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge in advance to see about where they will let you ride. In recent years, local regulations have limited bicycling in the Refuge.
Capulin Volcano Loop, 72 miles. Loop from Raton to Capulin National Monument. UPDATED!
Chama to Antonito (2-days), 80 miles.
Chama to Antonito to Tres Piedras to Chama Loop (3-Days), 140 miles, 8,000 ft. 3 Day/2 Night Scenic Loop - Chase the train, includes Cumbres Pass and La Manga Pass and the Brazos overlook.
Cloudcroft "Ride to the Clouds" Loop (2-Days), 72 miles, 5,000 ft. 2-Day hard climb from Tularosa to Cloudcroft plus options.
El Malpais National Monument - West, 49 miles, 1,250 ft.
El Malpais National Monument - East, 59 miles, UPDATED! 1,422 ft.
El Morro National Monument Out-And-Back, 84 miles, 2,657 ft. Can also be a two or three day ride. UPDATED!
El Rito Loop, 66 miles. Abiquiu - El Rito - Ojo Caliente - Abiquiu
El Tour de Valencia, 43 miles, flat. Very scenic loop in Los Lunas, Belen, and the Rio Communities.
Emory Pass, 30 or 54 miles, 2,600 or 5,540 ft. Start in Kingston or Silver City.
Enchanted Circle (one day), 85 miles, 5,741ft. Taos - Questa - Red River (Bobcat Pass)- Eagle's Nest (Palo Flechado Pass) - Angel Fire - Taos. NEW!
Enchanted Circle (two day), 89 miles, 5,300 ft. Taos - Eagle Nest (Palo Flechado Pass) - Red River (Bobcat Pass) - Questa - Taos.
Fort Union 28 miles, 951 ft. Starts in Las Vegas. NEW!
Lake Cochiti/Tent Rocks, 41 miles, 1,606 ft. Pretty flat, fast ride with great views of the Jemez Mountains. UPDATED!
Mountainair Meander, 58 miles, 1,625 ft. Starts in Estancia, great area, flat, light traffic, scenic views. UPDATED!
Moriarity Loop, 115 miles, 4,580 ft. Tijeras - Moriarty - Estancia - Mountainair - Tijeras.
Gila Inner Loop Tour (2-days), 88 miles, 5,100 ft. Two day tour starting in Silver City.
Gilman Tunnels, 42.5 miles, 1,602 ft. Starts at the Big Chief gas station on US 550. UPDATED!
Lee's Ride, 54 miles, 2,756 ft. Nice ride on the west side of Santa Fe. NEW!
Lollipop Loop, 61 miles, 3,003 ft. Ride starts in Las Vegas and goes to Mora and back. UPDATED!
Los Lunas Lunacy, 62 miles, flat. Starts in Los Lunas. WARNING - OUT OF DATE RIDE!
Mesilla Valley Metric Century, 31 or 62 miles. Ride in Las Cruces.
Pecos Canyon, 49 miles, 3,600 ft. Starts in Pecos. UPDATED!
Philmont Boy Scout Ranch Loop, 61 miles, 2004 ft. NEW!
Ristra Ride (2-days), 130 miles. Two day ride from hatch.
Santa Fe Bypass, 56 miles, 3200 ft.
Santa Fe Century, 103 miles, 5,151 ft. Popular century. UPDATED!
Santa Fe Ski Area Climb, 33 miles, 4,200 ft. Starts from de Vargas Mall.
Seboyeta Out and Back, 41 miles, 1.458 ft. Easy ride from Laguna to Seboyeta. UPDATED!
Si New Mexico. Ride Across New Mexico (Many days).
Socorro to Datil (2-days). Two day ride from Socorro.
Southern Enchanted Loop, 104 miles, 6,200 ft. Ranchos de Taos - Holman - Mora - Angle Fire (Palo Flechado Pass) - Ranchos de Taos. UPDATED!
Taos Dixon-US Hill Loop, 62 miles, 4,100 ft. Lovely loop with a steep climb S of Taos.
Taos High Country Loop (2-days), 89 miles, 5,300 ft. 2-Days includes Bobcat Pass, Palo Flechado Pass and Moreno Valley.
Taos Ski Area Climb, 30 miles, 2,500ft. Picturesque short climb from Taos.
Tres Piedras Loop (2-days), 148 miles, 8,800 ft. Tres Piedras, Chama, chase the train, includes Cumbres Pass and La Manga Pass.
Trinity Site Tour, 75 or 34 miles, 1,600 or 800 ft. The area is normally closed, only available when White Sands Missile Range opens the area for special ride. San Antonio - Stallion Range.
Tour de Acoma 50, 51 miles, 1,423 ft. NEW!
Velo Valle Grande, 48 miles, 3,600 ft. Ride from Jemez Springs up to Valle Grande. UPDATED!
White Sands Dune Drive, 16 miles, flat. Ride in White Sands National Monument.
Rides Outside New Mexico
Arches National Park, 47 miles, 3,975 ft. Ride starts in Moab, UT. NEW!
Big Bend Roundup (6-Days), 396 miles. Ride starts in Fort Davis, TX. Includes the scenic Ft. Davis Loop.
Big Nasty, 63 miles, 5,461 ft. Ride starts in Moab, UT. NEW!
Canyonlands North, 34 miles, 1,994 ft. Ride north of Moab, UT. NEW!
Cucharas Pass Out and Back. 49 miles, 4,951 ft. Ride up and over Cucharas Pass to North Lake. Return by same route. NEW!
Dead Horse Point, 69 miles. 3,684 ft. Ride from Moab, Utah to Dead Horse Point State Park. NEW!
Durango 100, 99 miles. 4,431 ft. Ride from Durango, Colorado to Farmington, New Mexico and back. NEW!
North La Veta Pass, 50 miles, 3,783 ft. Ride starts in La Veta, CO. NEW!
Saguache - Creede - Lake City - Gunnison - Saguache Loop (4 Days). 248 miles, 10,400ft. 4 Day/3 Night Loop - Stunning scenery, difficult climbs, includes Slumgullion Pass, Spring Creek Pass, North Cochetopca Pass.
San Juan, Colorado, Rides. 47, 22, 22, or 68 miles, 5,700, 3,700, 1,730 or 6,030 ft. Durango - Silverton, other spectacular San Juan area rides. Over Red Mountain Pass, Over Red Mtn. Molas, Coal Bank Passes.
Sunset Crater and Wupatki, Arizona, National Moments Loop. 73 miles, 3,972 ft. A great loop north of Flagstaff. UPDATED!
West Texas Caprock Loop, 423 miles. 7-Day picturesque loop in the Caprock area starting in Lubbock.
Mountain Bike Rides
365 Foothills Trail, 8.5 miles, climb 680 ft. Offroad trail in Albuquerque foothills.
Alpine Mountain Bike Loop, Lake City, CO. 52 miles, 5,630 ft. A very scenic hard mountain bike ride in a beautiful area.
Bear Canyon Arroyo Mountain Bike trails, 3.7 miles, gradual climb. Easy moutain bike climb.
Caja del Rio Rollabout Offroad. 20+ miles. Popular mountain bike ride west of Santa Fe.
Cedro Peak Area Mountain Bike Rides. A major network of rides in the Cibola National Forest east of Albuquerque.
Dale Ball Trail System, 20+ miles. Santa Fe Mountain Bike/Hiking trail network.
East Sandia Mountain MTB Trailheads.
End of Copper Open Space MTB. 7 m iles, 838 ft. NEW!
Elena Gallegos Open Space MTB Trails. Terrific single track trails for all levels.
Foothills MTB Trails. Terrific single track trails for all levels.
Gilman Tunnels MTB Loop, 43 miles, 2,500ft. Intermediate MTB loop ride in the Jemez Mountains. UPDATED!
Mars Court Mountain Bike Rides. A maze of easy to moderate trails in the East Mountains.
Pine Flat Mountain Bike Trails. More East Sandia Mountain Bike rides.
Sandia Mountains, East, MTB Trailheads.
Volcanos MTB Ride. Easy mountain bike ride on Albuquerque's west side.
Where's Waldo? 23 miles, 1517 ft. Easy Mountain Bike ride in the picturesque Cerrillos area. UPDATED!
Other Bicycle Route Sources
Getting Across Albuquerque. UPDATED!
Description of Some New Mexico Roadways.
Proposed US Bicycle Route 66 across New Mexico.Adventure Cycling. Has two (soon three) cross country routes across New Mexico. The Southern Tier Route, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and soon the Route 66. Check them out!