The best MTB trails around Cedro

The Juan Tomas Open Space loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience, weaving through mixed conifer woodlands of ponderosa pine and juniper, interspersed with open meadows. You'll encounter rolling hills and mostly gentle grades, but be ready for a few short intermediate sections and some rocky stretches. Despite its 'difficult' rating, the 16.6-mile (26.8 km) route with 1312 feet (400 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 2 hours and 29 minutes, is often considered suitable for those looking for Juan Tomas Open Space mountain biking for beginners with a bit of a challenge.

To start your adventure, head to the Pine Flat Picnic Site, which provides convenient parking and serves as the primary trailhead. This is a multi-use trail, so you'll be sharing the path with hikers and equestrians; always practice good trail etiquette. Be aware that the Juan Tomas Open Space mountain bike trail conditions can get muddy, especially after rain or during the spring, so plan your visit accordingly.

This 1,295-acre preserve is a gem within the larger Manzanita Mountains trail system, known for its accessibility and connection to a broader network of trails. As you ride, keep an eye out for local wildlife like mule deer, wild turkeys, and even elk. The loop is often praised for being a pleasant ride amid big trees, mostly following old doubletrack, offering scenic vistas of the east side of the Sandia Mountains.

The Mountainbike loop from Coyote Trailhead offers a classic New Mexico desert singletrack experience, weaving through pinyon pine and juniper trees with views of the Sandia Mountains. You'll encounter a mix of smooth, rolling sections and technical challenges, including rock slab ledges and loose, chunky rock. This 9.7-mile (15.6 km) route, with its 914 feet (279 metres) of elevation gain, is rated difficult and takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes, making it ideal for intermediate riders seeking a varied and engaging ride.

To plan your visit, note that the Coyote Trail is a multi-use path shared with dirt bikers and hikers, so stay alert. The trail is well-signed, but carrying a map is recommended due to connections with other routes in the Manzanita Mountain Trail System. Fall and spring offer the most pleasant riding conditions, with milder temperatures perfect for exploring this forested desert terrain. Parking is available directly at the Coyote Trailhead.

Part of the larger Manzanita Mountain Trail System within the Cibola National Forest, this trail provides a taste of the diverse riding available in the area. The terrain transitions from smoother sections to more technical climbs with

The Juan Tomas Open Space – Pine Flat Connector Trail loop offers a demanding mountain biking experience through varied forest terrain. You'll navigate hard-packed dirt singletrack that weaves through mixed ponderosa pine, piñon, and juniper forests, enjoying pleasant forested views and the chance to spot mule deer and wild turkeys. This difficult route covers 21.9 miles (35.3 km) with a substantial 1895 feet (578 metres) of elevation gain, promising a solid workout.

Starting from the Pine Flat Picnic Site, this loop is estimated to take around 3 hours and 20 minutes. Be aware that the trails can get very muddy after rain or in the spring, so plan your visit accordingly. The area is known for its interconnected network, allowing for longer rides if you wish to explore beyond this specific loop.

This trail is part of a larger multi-use network adjacent to the Sandia Ranger District, with many routes designated primarily for mountain biking. The Pine Flat/Oak Flats area even hosts an annual bike race, highlighting its popularity among the cycling community. Trails are generally well-maintained, though marking can be inconsistent in some spots, and elevations range from approximately 7,300 to 7,760 feet.