Best Biking Routes in Santa Fe for Cyclists Who Love a Challenge

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the ultimate destination for cyclists looking to push their boundaries. Sitting at 7,000 feet, this high-altitude city offers stunning landscapes, steep climbs, and technical trails perfect for a serious challenge.

Road cyclists can tackle endurance-testing routes, while mountain bikers will love the thrilling descents and rugged terrain. Ready to push your limits? Explore our top picks for Santa Fe’s best biking trails—guaranteed to test your stamina and take your breath away!

The Most Challenging Biking Routes in Santa Fe

1. Santa Fe Century Ride – A High-Altitude Endurance Test

The Santa Fe Century Ride is an iconic 100-mile route that challenges even the most seasoned road cyclists. With steep climbs, rolling hills, and high-altitude conditions, this ride demands both physical endurance and mental toughness.

The reward? Sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and long, open roads with minimal traffic for steady pedaling. A mix of paved and rural roads adds variety to the ride, making it a must-try for those seeking an epic endurance challenge.

This route is open year-round but is most popular during the annual Santa Fe Century event. If you’re not used to high-altitude riding, bring plenty of hydration and pace yourself on the climbs.

Route Highlights:

• Distance: 100 miles
• Difficulty: Long endurance ride with steep climbs
• Scenery: Sangre de Cristo Mountains and rural landscapes
• Route Type: Mix of paved and rural roads
• Best Time to Ride: Year-round, but most popular during Santa Fe Century
• Essential Tip: Hydrate well and pace yourself on the climbs

2. Winsor Trail – A Grueling but Rewarding Mountain Ride

For mountain bikers looking for a steep, technical ride, Winsor Trail delivers an adrenaline-filled challenge. This 9-mile one-way trail climbs over 3,000 feet, winding through lush aspen forests before dropping into fast, technical descents.

With rocky terrain and loose sections, riders need strong technical skills to handle the trail safely. Optional trail extensions add to the difficulty if you’re up for an even greater test.

The trailhead is at Ski Santa Fe, with parking available. Expect moderate foot traffic from hikers, especially in summer and fall.

Route Highlights:

• Distance: 9 miles one way
• Difficulty: Steep inclines and technical descents
• Scenery: Aspen forests and high-alpine landscapes
• Route Type: Technical singletrack with fast descents
• Best Time to Ride: Summer and fall for cooler temperatures
• Essential Tip: Best for experienced riders due to rocky, technical terrain

3. Atalaya Mountain Trail – A Brutal Climb with a Panoramic Payoff

For those who love short but intense climbs, the Atalaya Mountain Trail is a 6-mile round-trip ride that gains over 2,000 feet in elevation.

With unrelenting grades and rocky terrain, this ride will test your legs and endurance from start to finish. The singletrack descent is rough and technical, requiring strong handling skills to navigate safely.

Riders are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Santa Fe at the summit. To avoid heat and crowds, start early in the morning. The trailhead is located at St. John’s College, and there are no fees.

Route Highlights:

• Distance: 6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Steep climbs and technical singletrack descent
• Scenery: Panoramic views of Santa Fe from the summit
• Route Type: Rocky, narrow singletrack
• Best Time to Ride: Early mornings to avoid heat and hikers
• Essential Tip: Requires strong endurance and bike control

4. Caja del Rio – A Remote Desert Ride for the Fearless

If you’re craving a remote and rugged ride, Caja del Rio offers 30+ miles of challenging desert terrain. With rolling hills, sandy sections, and rocky stretches, this is not for the faint of heart.

The lack of shade and unpredictable surface conditions make it one of the tougher rides in the area. However, the dramatic desert canyons and open vistas provide a breathtaking backdrop for adventure.

This ride is ideal for experienced gravel bikers and mountain bikers who enjoy solitude and navigating rough, unpredictable terrain. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there are no resources along the trail.

Route Highlights:

• Distance: 30+ miles (varies)
• Difficulty: Sandy and rocky terrain with rolling hills
• Scenery: Remote high desert, canyons, and open vistas
• Route Type: Gravel and dirt trails
• Best Time to Ride: Spring and fall for milder temperatures
• Essential Tip: Pack extra water—no water sources available

5. Roadrunner Ski Trail – A High-Speed Descent for Experienced Riders

The Roadrunner Ski Trail is a fast and technical downhill ride located in the Ski Santa Fe area. With a mix of steep descents, rocky sections, and sharp switchbacks, this trail is ideal for experienced mountain bikers looking for a thrilling ride with plenty of technical challenges.

While the trail is relatively short, the high-speed nature of the descent and the technical obstacles make it one of the more difficult rides in Santa Fe. Riders can expect loose gravel, exposed roots, and occasional tight turns, requiring quick reflexes and expert bike control.

This singletrack route offers stunning forest scenery, weaving through aspen groves and pine trees. Since it’s part of the Ski Santa Fe network, it’s best ridden in late spring, summer, or early fall, before the area transitions into ski season.

Route Highlights:

• Distance: ~4.1 miles
• Difficulty: Technical downhill ride with sharp turns and obstacles
• Scenery: Dense forest, aspen groves, and alpine views
• Route Type: Fast singletrack descent
• Best Time to Ride: Late spring to early fall (before ski season)
• Essential Tip: Best for advanced riders—strong handling skills required for high-speed descents

6. Tesuque Creek North Fork Trail – A Scenic and Challenging Backcountry Ride

The Tesuque Creek North Fork Trail is a rugged, backcountry route that combines challenging terrain with breathtaking forest scenery. This out-and-back trail runs for about 4.3 miles and features steady climbs, loose rocks, and occasional stream crossings, making it an excellent test for experienced mountain bikers.

Starting near the Santa Fe Ski Basin, the trail winds through dense pine and aspen forests, offering cooler temperatures compared to lower-elevation rides. The trail’s technical nature, with rocky sections and narrow singletrack, requires strong bike-handling skills and endurance.

Due to its backcountry setting, this ride provides a peaceful escape from busier trails, but that also means less maintenance and occasional downed trees or overgrown sections. Riders should be prepared for unexpected obstacles and bring extra supplies.

Route Highlights:

• Distance: 4.3 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate to advanced due to rocky terrain and stream crossings
• Scenery: Dense pine and aspen forests with mountain views
• Route Type: Technical singletrack with some natural obstacles
• Best Time to Ride: Late spring to early fall
• Essential Tip: Pack extra water and supplies—this is a remote backcountry ride

Tips for Tackling Santa Fe’s Toughest Rides

Santa Fe’s challenging cycling routes require strategic preparation. Keep these tips in mind for a safe and rewarding ride:

• Prepare for High Altitude: Hydrate well and acclimate before tackling steep climbs.
• Check the Weather: Be aware of temperature drops and afternoon storms.
• Gear Up: Use a bike suited for the terrain, especially on trails like Winsor or Caja del Rio.
• Start Early: Many of these rides take hours, so maximize daylight by beginning in the morning.
• Respect the Terrain: Share trails with hikers and follow proper etiquette.

For safety guidelines and trail updates, check resources like NM Outdoor Recreation.

One Last Push Before You Ride

Santa Fe is home to some of the most rewarding yet punishing cycling routes in the country. Whether you’re looking to crush a high-altitude endurance ride or tackle rugged, remote desert trails, these routes will push your limits while immersing you in stunning landscapes.

Are you ready to embrace the challenge? Pack your gear, plan your route, and ride with caution. Be sure to check official trail maps and cycling guides before heading out.

Now, get those pedals spinning and take on Santa Fe’s toughest biking trails!