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MTB trails
United States
New Mexico
Doña Ana County

Chaparral

The best MTB trails around Chaparral

5.0

(10)

221

riders

18

rides

Mountain bike trails around Chaparral offer diverse and often rugged terrain, ideal for trail-based recreation. The region is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, fostering dense, woody shrubs, small trees, and grasses. Mountain bikers can expect to encounter rolling hills, rocky soils, and shrublands, providing a range of difficulty levels and riding experiences. This Mediterranean climate contributes to a unique landscape for outdoor activities.

Best mountain bike trails around Chaparral

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is…

Last updated: June 28, 2026

7

riders

#1.

Lazy Cow and Mad Cow Trails Loop

14.6km

01:21

210m

200m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Popular around Chaparral

Hiking around Chaparral

Running Trails around Chaparral

Cycling around Chaparral

Tips from the Community

Héctor
December 21, 2025, Límite Franklin

be careful on the downhills

Translated by Google

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This turn off takes you on the actual Cardiac Hill Trail. It's a fun place to get in a quick workout with a decent amount of vert. There is some loose gravel on a lot of the trail, so I don't know how hard I would send the downhills. The lower trail on the way back sees less traffic than the upper double-track trail.

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Matthew
July 28, 2023, Lazy Cow Trail

Lazy Cow Trail is one of the easiest trails in the park and can be a crowded trail in the busy season. It's a great trail for running because of how smooth and gradual it is. It wouldn't be a bad place to do some strides at the end of a run.

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At this point, you can choose to continue on to the Mad Cow trail, which loops back to the trailhead for a total of 7 miles round-trip. Alternatively, you can trek back the way you came, enjoying the scenic views of the Franklin Mountains to the west.

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The Mundy's Gap Trail is popular among hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers alike. The moderate and steady uphill trek is favorable for birdwatching, and affords explorers a closer look at the ancient rock formations that make up the Franklin Mountains. September through May is considered to be the optimal season for hiking in this area, as summers tend to be very hot and dry.

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No lip headed downhill, 3” lip headed uphill. Lots of fun

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annamwaller
November 10, 2022, Lazy Cow Trail

The Lazy Cow Trail is a multi-use trail enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, and bird watchers. It is a dog-friendly trail and open year round, although September-May is the optimal time for hiking in this area due to hot, dry summer weather. Aptly named, the Lazy Cow Trail is considerably easy, and offers visitors a closer look at some of the area's native plants and wildlife.

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Darren Reever
November 10, 2022, Tin Mine

Bring a real flashlight. The tunnel goes back into the mountain. I’m Not sure how far. Dangerous fall spots seemed very well protected

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available in Chaparral?

There are 15 mountain bike trails around Chaparral, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 10 easy routes, 4 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route.

What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Chaparral?

Chaparral's mountain bike trails feature diverse and often rugged terrain. Riders can expect rolling hills, rocky soils, and dense shrublands. The region's Mediterranean climate fosters unique landscapes with woody shrubs, small trees, and grasses, providing varied topography and riding experiences.

Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Chaparral?

Yes, Chaparral offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. One popular option is the Lazy Cow and Mad Cow Trails Loop, which is 9.1 miles (14.6 km) long and navigates through rolling hills and characteristic shrublands.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Chaparral?

Chaparral experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The mild, wet winter months and the transitional seasons of spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable times for mountain biking, as summer heat can be intense. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Chaparral?

Yes, many of the trails in Chaparral are designed as loops. For example, the Mad Cow Trail – Lazy Cow Trail loop from Chuck Heinrich Park is a moderate 14.6-mile (23.5 km) path offering varied terrain. Another option is the Small wooden bridge – Lazy Cow Trail loop from Chuck Heinrich Park, which is 18.2 miles (29.2 km) long.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Chaparral?

The mountain bike trails in Chaparral are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 130 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and the range of difficulty levels available.

Are there any challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Chaparral offers more difficult options. The Small wooden bridge – Mad Cow Trail loop from Chuck Heinrich Park is a difficult 59.9-mile (96.4 km) route with significant elevation changes, providing a demanding ride.

What kind of wildlife might I encounter while mountain biking in Chaparral?

Chaparral ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife. While mountain biking, you might encounter California quail, coyotes, bobcats, various reptiles, and numerous bird species. The presence of diverse flora, including vibrant ceanothus and delicate manzanita flowers, also adds to the scenic beauty.

Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions near the mountain bike trails?

Yes, there are several interesting landmarks and attractions nearby. You can explore the Lazy Cow Trail, visit the historic Tin Mines or Tin Mine, or pass through Anthony Gap. The Cardiac Hill Hike & Bike Trail is also a notable point of interest.

What are the typical trail conditions like in Chaparral?

Given the region's hot, dry summers, trails can be dusty and loose, especially during peak summer months. During the mild, wet winters, trails may be muddy or slick in places. The terrain often includes rocky soils and dense shrublands, so expect varied surfaces.

Can I find trails that combine different difficulty levels?

Yes, many routes offer a mix of terrain and difficulty. For instance, the Mad Cow Trail – Small wooden bridge loop from Chuck Heinrich Park is a moderate route that combines different sections, providing a varied experience for riders looking for more than just a single-difficulty trail.

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