Avg Rating:    |
7 trail reviews |
Difficulty:  - Intermediate |
|
| Length: 5 miles | Global Rank: #3443 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 17 | Wishlist: 9 |
| 3 trail check-ins |
Climb // Descend +1,000 // -200 feet |
| Average Speed: 6.7 mph | Average Time: 1hr 30min |
Directions
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Description
This trail provides a fairly remote experience just a few minutes from the city. From the trailhead, you can head up the main draw, which is otero canyon, or head up the trail to the left that goes up on the ridge, or you can go a little way up the draw to a trail that takes off to the right which will ascend that ridge or continue on down to Tunnel Canyon. If you ride all the way to the top, beware of federal property. Even though higher in altitude, the ridges may melt out sooner than the canyon because they are exposed while the canyon gets less sun. The ridg on the right is very rocky and not always fun--it makes a better descent than climb. Otero Canyon proper is good either way. It is a reasonable climb up and can be very fast on the way down with a few opportunities for air. Check with the forest service on the way up for maps and conditions.
Tunnel Canyon (100%)
White Mesa Bike Trails (100%)
Coyote Trail (100%)
Lithia Loop Rd Trails (50%)
To view directions to Otero Canyon mountain bike trail, please login. If you don't have an account, sign up for a free account - it only takes a minute.
Description
This trail provides a fairly remote experience just a few minutes from the city. From the trailhead, you can head up the main draw, which is otero canyon, or head up the trail to the left that goes up on the ridge, or you can go a little way up the draw to a trail that takes off to the right which will ascend that ridge or continue on down to Tunnel Canyon. If you ride all the way to the top, beware of federal property. Even though higher in altitude, the ridges may melt out sooner than the canyon because they are exposed while the canyon gets less sun. The ridg on the right is very rocky and not always fun--it makes a better descent than climb. Otero Canyon proper is good either way. It is a reasonable climb up and can be very fast on the way down with a few opportunities for air. Check with the forest service on the way up for maps and conditions.
added by skibum 
on March 26, 2009
on March 26, 2009Trail Reviews [Add a review]
Review: Rode this trail in conjuction with Tunnel Canyon yesterday. Rode Otero again as an out and back today. Went to the Air Base boundary and came back three times for a 12-15 mile day. For the first 2 miles from the parking lot the trail is esentially flowy, hard pack singletrack with an easy climb up the Canyon. About two miles in things begin to get noticeably more techy; there is one rocky section that I can't imagine anyone cleaning (on the ascent anyhow) except the most skilled rider on the gnarliest 29r. The return is a blast. Once you get past the rocks its essentially two miles of flowy, smooth singletrack that whoops back and forth across the ravine floor. There are plenty of straight lines where you can really hit it, Jack, but do beware of a few blind corners where other bikers and hikers might come up on you suddenly. This is an intermediate trail. Be sure to pick the right line down the canyon or you could be hurtling off the trail several feet onto the canyon below.
Review: Otero Canyon is a good intermediate trail and a great alternative to the foothills. Can be technical in spots but much tamer than some of the other branching trails. Trail is cut short because of Kirtland Air Force Base which is a shame. This trail is only 2-3 miles by itself but it serves as a terrific warm up/cooldown for the other more technical trails in the area.
* Review edited 6/15/2012
* Review edited 6/15/2012
Review: I took 264 to the left when starting out and climbed that ridge up. It is a tough, technical ascent that will earn you some great options once at the top. The trail meets up with Forest Road 106. If you stay going left you will run into Tr. 264 again to your right. There are lots of options once you are on this trail. I took it a little ways down until I reached a right turn to go down Otero Canyon. This is a FUN downhill with lots of variation and room to fly and push your abilities. Enjoy!!!
Similar Trail: All other Otero routes
Similar Trail: All other Otero routes
Review: Tunnel Canyon to Otero provides various loop options if you are willing to explore. On top and east there are quite a few forest roads and a few singletracks that finish in residential neighborhoods: please walk your bike out the final 100 yards and
be respectful to landowners. RE: restricted land. Albuquerque native reports that the border where trail crosses into Kirtland Air Base land was patrolled following 9/11 in the 2009 season there were no reports of active patrols. Tunnel/Otero/Cedro are all nearly impossible to ride after a good rain due to the soil: find rockier terrain after rains: Foothills is a good alternate.
* Review edited 3/10/2010
Similar Trail: Cedro Peak is bigger and more varied but very similar in places.
* Review edited 3/10/2010
Similar Trail: Cedro Peak is bigger and more varied but very similar in places.
Review: Air Force Base Security limits your exposure to the full trail. Go at your risk of a fine. Start at Tunnel Canyon. And it's safer to park there, full view of lot from the road. The Otero parking lot is sheltered from view and many cars have been broken into.
Review: Fun trail system that can be rocky on the ridges and full of flow and drops in the canyon. Start at Tunnel Canyon to extend the network and get a longer down back to the car. A good alternative to Alb. foothills rides
Recommendations
Mount Falcon Park (100%)Tunnel Canyon (100%)
White Mesa Bike Trails (100%)
Coyote Trail (100%)
Lithia Loop Rd Trails (50%)
New Mexico Outdoor Lists
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Similar Trail: Coyote, Lone Pine, Cedro