The best MTB trails in the Manzano Mountains

The U Mound Loop offers a delightful taste of the New Mexico desert, winding through steep-sloped hills and gravelly drainages at the foot of the Sandia Mountains. You'll pedal past a rich variety of desert shrubs like chamisa and apache plume, alongside prickly pear cacti and juniper trees, creating a vibrant "desert wonderland" feel. The route culminates in stunning city views, especially from the U-Mound summit, which provides a fantastic vantage point over Albuquerque.

This easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) mountain biking loop is easily accessible from the Copper Trailhead, which has parking facilities, making it a convenient option for a quick ride. With only 266 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain, most riders can complete it in about 18 minutes. It's a great choice for beginners or those seeking a relaxed outing, and dogs are welcome on leash.

Part of the extensive Sandia Foothills Open Space, the U Mound Loop is a small but rewarding segment of a much larger trail network. The area is teeming with wildlife, so keep an eye out for mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species as you ride. While generally easy, some sections feature coarse granite rocks, adding a touch of varied terrain to this scenic desert experience.

The Foothills Trail North – Intersection of Trails 365 and 366 loop offers a quintessential Albuquerque mountain biking experience, winding through the scenic Sandia Foothills Open Space. You'll navigate a mix of singletrack, from fast and smooth sections to rocky patches, with dynamic climbs and descents into arroyos. The ride provides expansive views of the Sandia Mountains and Sandia Crest, passing through desert flora like juniper and piñon trees, making for a visually engaging journey.

Accessed from the Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking, this route is a moderate 18.3-mile (29.5 km) loop with 1404 feet (428 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Be aware that the trails are shared with hikers and runners, and rattlesnakes are common in warmer months. While the trailhead is easily accessible, the Piedra Lisa Canyon Trail itself is not bike-friendly, so stick to Trails 365 and 366 for your ride.

This loop is a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscape and extensive trail network of the Sandia Foothills. The varied terrain, from smooth cruisers to rougher, rocky sections, ensures an engaging ride for those with good fitness. Keep an eye out for wildlife like mule deer and coyotes, adding to the natural appeal of this conveniently located urban escape.

The View of Red Hill loop from The Merc offers a diverse mountain biking experience with stunning scenery right outside Carbondale. You'll encounter a mix of flowy singletrack and technical sections, including challenging rock moves and step-ups on red sandstone and clay. The consistent reward for your effort is panoramic views of the Roaring Fork River, the town of Carbondale, and the majestic Mount Sopris in the distance.

This moderate 9.0-mile (14.4 km) mountain biking route involves 992 feet (302 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for strong intermediate riders looking to improve their technical skills. The trail system is easily accessible from Carbondale, though some specific trails may have seasonal closures from December 1st to April 15th for wildlife protection.

The Red Hill Special Recreation Management Area is highly regarded for its variety, offering trails that cater to different skill levels and allowing riders to shorten or lengthen their outing. Beyond the technical challenge, the vibrant red-rock formations and consistent vistas of the Crystal River Valley and Roaring Fork Valley make this a memorable ride.