Why Santa Fe?
With its high-desert terrain, aspen forests, and world-class trail systems, Santa Fe is one of the best places in the Southwest to ride a mountain bike. Whether you are looking for a relaxed ride through wide-open landscapes or a technical adventure filled with climbs, descents, and switchbacks, Santa Fe offers something for every rider. Add the food, the weather, and the views, and you will understand why it is a favorite destination for mountain bikers.
Santa Fe Mountain Biking Guide
Santa Fe’s trails offer a mix of flow, challenge, and beauty. Here are some of the best places to ride, with local ideas for breakfast, coffee, and food before or after your ride. If you are looking for premium time to ride, we have advance tours available, reach us at rentals@raworkshc.com and tell us about your plans. (With more than 25 years of experience racing and riding, we can match your expectations for a high quality ride you are looking for.)
Dale Ball Trails
Just a few minutes from downtown, Dale Ball Trails feature more than 22 miles of singletrack that wind through piñon and juniper forests. The trails are well-marked, scenic, and suited for every level of rider. You can ride short loops or make it a full day out in nature.
Before your ride: Try Iconik Coffee Roasters on Lupe or Lena Street or Ohori’s Coffee for a great start to your morning.
After your ride: Stop by Kakawa Chocolate House for something sweet or enjoy a relaxed meal at La Choza or Tune-Up Café, both local favorites.
More info: Dale Ball Trails
La Tierra Trails
Located northwest of Santa Fe, La Tierra offers about 25 miles of trails with a mix of technical sections, fast flow lines, and playful features. It is a good place to ride year-round and to practice skills or link longer rides.
Before your ride: Visit Betterday Coffee or Sky Coffee for coffee and a breakfast burrito.
After your ride: Boxcar and Second Street Brewery in the Railyard are great spots for a cold drink and solid food.
More info: La Tierra Trails
Galisteo Basin Preserve
If you prefer open desert views and long cross-country rides, head to the Galisteo Basin Preserve about 25 minutes south of town. The trails cover over 28 miles of rolling hills and arroyos with smooth surfaces and big skies. It is ideal for all levels and especially nice during the cooler months.
Tip: There are no facilities on site, so bring water and snacks.
After your ride: Stop by Café Fina or Harry’s Roadhouse on Old Las Vegas Highway for breakfast, brunch, or one of the best green chile cheeseburgers around.
More info: Galisteo Basin Preserve Trails
Glorieta Adventure Camps
A short drive east of Santa Fe, Glorieta offers a mix of professional-grade downhill and cross-country trails for all levels. Expect features like berms, jumps, and technical rock gardens. A day pass is required to ride here.
Before your ride: Get breakfast or coffee at Dolina Café or Java Joe’s near the El Gancho area.
After your ride: Horseman’s Haven is a Santa Fe classic for hot green chile and hearty New Mexican food.
More info: Glorieta Adventure Camps
Winsor Trail
The Winsor Trail is Santa Fe’s most famous ride. It begins at the Santa Fe Ski Basin and drops over 10 miles through alpine forest and along Big Tesuque Creek. Expect roots, rocks, fast descents, and some of the best mountain scenery in the area. This is an advanced ride, but the effort is worth it.
Getting there: Take the Blue Bus (RTD) from downtown or Fort Marcy to the top of the mountain. Bikes are welcome, and it is a great option if you want to ride down without a car shuttle.
After your ride: Stop at Tesuque Village Market for breakfast, lunch, or drinks on the patio. Their pizza and green chile breakfast burrito are local favorites.
More info: Winsor Trail
The Blue Bus Shuttle
The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) Blue Bus offers free and bike-friendly transportation from Santa Fe to the Ski Basin, making it easy to reach the top for rides such as Winsor, Chamisa, or Rio en Medio.
Pick-up locations: South Capitol Station, Downtown Transit Center, and Fort Marcy Park and Ride.
Destination: Santa Fe Ski Basin.
Schedule: Check ridethebluebus.com for current times and seasonal updates.