The High Altitude Racing Loop has a great mix of steep climbs, smooth singletrack, and wicked fast downhill sections. The high altitude (9,000 + feet) makes it pretty challenging. Begin at High Altitude (bicycle/clothing shop on Burro Street) and head to the town dump (see map). From here, the narrow singletrack begins, where a steep climb brings you near a radio tower. A tricky descent drops you into a utility road- head LEFT and then turn RIGHT where the singletrack picks up again (see map). Yet another ascent begins after this. A smooth downhill section of singletrack leads you into the Pines Campground. Ride through the campground and you will once again encounter singletrack. A series of climbs and descents follows this. NOTE: due to excessive logging, this area can be confusing; you may want to ride on the highway that parallels the trail instead (see map). Both routes lead to a forest road. When the road comes to a fork, head RIGHT. Continue on this mild ascent until you reach a cattle guard with a (locked) gate. Ride past the gate and turn left. To your right should be a vast pasture, a very pretty sight in the summer months. After a brief period of riding, singletrack will appear to the LEFT. This is the highlight of the trail- a LONG, fast descent into Bailey Canyon. After this downhill section of sweet singletrack, head left onto yet another forest road. A particularly painful ascent will follow. Expect to climb for close to half an hour! A trail marked by the Forest Service will appear on your RIGHT (see map). A short yet technical ascent follows. Shortly after this, a great section of singletrack drops you into Osha Canyon, a beautiful sight. Continue past the wooden bench in the meadow and turn RIGHT (see map). You should begin a short, steep ascent, the final section of singletrack. After this climb, take the forest road RIGHT. This road passes the Osha trailhead and drops you right in the heart of downtown Cloudcroft, ending the loop.
Loading reviews...View more