Atalaya Mountain Trailhead – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot

Mountain biking trails

Atalaya Mountain Trailhead – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot

Hard

2.5

(16)

riders

Atalaya Mountain Trailhead – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot

04:22

33.0km

660m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 7.54 km for 175 m

After 10.1 km for 292 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

5.15 km

Atalaya Mountain Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

This is the southernmost trail head for the Dale Ball Trail system. The trail starts near St. John's College (there is parking specifically for the trail). Very easy access from downtown Santa Fe. Can't speak to public transportation, as walked to trail head (road has only occasional sidewalks, just fyi), but I did pass a couple of bus stops.

Trail is well-marked, especially at the numbered junctions (at which there are also topography maps of the trails). There are also a number of trail heads and interlacing trails, so hikes or bike rides can be shorter or longer depending on what you want, even while out on the hills.

On maps, this trail is called "St. John's Trail", but physical markers use the name "Atalaya Trail"; either way, you will follow markers for Trail 174.
Lovely hike, with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and back across Santa Fe. Website: sfct.org/dale-ball-trails

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11.3 km

Santa Fe Canyon Preserve

Highlight • Trail

12.4 km

Dale Ball Trail (#24)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Dale's Trail #24 is one of many in the extensive Dale Ball network. This super popular mountain biking area is conveniently located close to downtown Santa Fe and perfect to get in a bit of amazing single track during your lunch break or after work. This section of trail (#24) is how many access/exit this great trail system.

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18.6 km

Dale Ball Trail (#2-3)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Dale Ball Trail #2-#3 are some of the northernmost trails in the excellent Dale Ball Trails just east of Santa Fe. This section can be access via the Sierra del Norte Trailhead, or you can ride up on the other Dale Ball Trails from two other parking areas and Trailheads along Cerro Gordo Road.

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21.0 km

Dale Ball Trails North

Highlight • Trail

This North Section of the Dale Ball Trails is easily accessible from the city and offers a great escape into the wilderness. You can enjoy views of local plant life and a small network of trails that can be short and easy, or a little more challenging depending on what you are looking for.

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21.5 km

Sierra del Norte Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

This trailhead leads to the northern group of trails in the Dale Ball Trails network. Enjoy some of the best close to city hiking in Santa Fe here. There is parking at the trailhead.

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31.6 km

Old Santa Fe

Highlight • Historical Site

Old Santa Fe is the historic downtown area. It's known for its mix of Naive Pueblo and Spanish Colonial styles of architecture and is an excellent mix of culture, history, shops, and views. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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31.9 km

Santa Fe Plaza

Highlight • Historical Site

The old town of Santa Fe is full of charm. It has kept its authenticity with its old center made of adobe houses. It is a city where you will find many art galleries, but also exceptional and unique museums like the Mocna (Museum of Contemporary Native Art) as well as many sculptures in the streets. This part of the original city revolves around the Santa Fe Plaza, where many artists sell their crafts on the ground.

The Mocna is just opposite the church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. For more information see their website: iaia.edu/mocna

Translated by Google •

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