The best gravel rides around Santa Fe Foothills

Komoot features nearly 10 gravel bike routes in the Santa Fe Foothills, offering a variety of experiences. These routes have been explored by over 40 gravel bikers in the komoot community.

The Santa Fe Foothills offer a diverse mix of terrain, from high desert and piñon-juniper woodlands to mountainous areas, with elevations often exceeding 7,000 feet. You'll encounter dirt double-track, rustic paved segments, and gravel roads. Some routes, like those in the Caja del Rio area, provide scenic vistas over the Rio Grande and Jemez Mountains, while others, such as the La Tierra Trails Loop from Santa Fe, feature minimal elevation changes.

While many routes are moderate, the La Tierra Trails Loop from Santa Fe is a great option for those looking for a more leisurely ride. It traverses an extensive network with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for various skill levels while still offering views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, the El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop is a difficult 39.3-mile path exploring the Caja del Rio area with significant elevation changes. Another demanding option is the Palace of the Governors – New Mexico Museum of Art loop from Santa Fe Depot, a 34.9-mile trail that also features varied and challenging terrain.

The Santa Fe Foothills benefit from over 320 days of sunshine annually, making year-round cycling possible. The diverse terrain allows for riding at lower elevations during winter months. Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for exploring the varied landscapes.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the Santa Fe Foothills are designed as loops. For example, the popular Santa Fe Rail Trail loop from Zia Road offers a moderate 14-mile ride, and the Old Town Santa Fe – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot provides a 20.5-mile moderate option.

Gravel biking in the Santa Fe Foothills offers breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, expansive high desert landscapes, and unique piñon-juniper woodlands. Routes often feature vistas overlooking the Rio Grande and Jemez Mountains, as seen on the El Camino Real and Caja del Rio Loop. You can also experience different climate zones within a single ride, transitioning from arid areas to alpine forests.

The Santa Fe Foothills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 15 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the extensive trail networks, and the stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and high desert landscapes.

Yes, the Santa Fe Foothills area is rich in history and culture. You can find several notable landmarks, such as the Palace of the Governors, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the historic Old Santa Fe Trail. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is also a significant site in the region.

The Santa Fe Rail Trail is particularly accessible, stretching nearly 15 miles from downtown Santa Fe to Lamy. While specific public transport options to all trailheads may vary, the proximity of some routes to urban centers like Santa Fe makes them more reachable.

Beyond the routes listed, the Santa Fe Foothills boast extensive networks like the Dale Ball Trails and La Tierra Trails, which offer varied terrain suitable for gravel bikes. The Santa Fe Rail Trail is also a popular choice, featuring a mix of crushed gravel and improved natural surfaces.