The best cycling routes around Santa Fe Foothills

The Santa Fe Foothills offer a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 50 options available. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy paths to more challenging ascents into the high desert landscape.

Yes, the Santa Fe Foothills feature over 20 easy touring cycling routes, perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. These routes often follow gentler terrain, providing a pleasant way to experience the region's scenery. A good option for a relatively flat and long-distance ride is the Santa Fe Rail Trail, which follows a historic railway corridor.

You can expect a diverse terrain in the Santa Fe Foothills, characterized by a mix of paved roads and gravel paths. Routes often traverse rolling hills and high desert landscapes, with varying elevations that can include gradual climbs and more challenging ascents towards the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Many paths follow natural arroyos and historic routes.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 8 difficult routes available. These routes feature significant elevation gains and offer demanding climbs into the foothills. A notable difficult route is the Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road, which provides a strenuous but rewarding experience with expansive views.

Yes, there are several loop routes available for touring cyclists who prefer to start and end their ride in the same location. An example is the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop, which leads through high desert terrain and is a popular choice among local cyclists.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the high desert. You can also find historical and cultural attractions near some routes. For instance, the Loretto Chapel Museum – Santa Fe Plaza loop from Santa Fe takes you past significant landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the Palace of the Governors.

Given the high desert climate, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant touring cycling conditions with mild temperatures. Summer can be hot, especially in the midday, while winter can bring colder temperatures and occasional snow at higher elevations. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While specific public transport options directly to trailheads may vary, Santa Fe has a public bus system (Santa Fe Trails) that serves various parts of the city. Some routes might bring you close to the start of certain cycling paths. It's advisable to check the Santa Fe Trails website for current routes and schedules to plan your access.

Many popular trailheads and starting points for touring cycling routes in the Santa Fe Foothills offer designated parking areas. For routes that start within Santa Fe, public parking garages and street parking are available, though they may require payment. Always look for specific parking information when planning your chosen route.

The touring cycling routes in Santa Fe Foothills are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.0 stars from over 7 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the unique high desert scenery, rolling hills, and the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

When touring cycling in the Santa Fe Foothills, it's essential to be prepared for varying conditions. We recommend bringing plenty of water, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), layers of clothing for temperature changes, a basic bike repair kit, and a fully charged phone. Given the high desert environment, hydration is key.

While popular routes like the Santa Fe Rail Trail can see more activity, many of the over 50 routes in the Santa Fe Foothills offer a more secluded experience, especially on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Exploring some of the lesser-known paths or those further from urban centers can provide a tranquil ride through the high desert. The Sphinx Overlook – Santa Fe Rail Trail loop from South Capitol offers a longer ride that can provide more stretches of solitude.