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White Mesa Bike Trails Mountain Bike Trail
Albuquerque, New Mexico
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
8 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 2/12/12 by jkacuba |
Difficulty:  Advanced |
| Length: 8 miles | Global Rank: #659 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 8 | Wishlist: 8 |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +4,219/-3,697 ft |
Directions:
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Description: Tucked away in rugged and scenic country southwest of the community of San Ysidro, New Mexico, is the White Mesa Bike Trails Area. Just to the west is the newly designated Ojito Wilderness. Both sites are a short distance from U.S. 550. This region is known for its geological, cultural and paleontological resources, as well as for its scenic qualities. The bike trail crosses a landscape of spectacular beauty and exceptional geology, meandering through the Pueblo of Zia, State of New Mexico, and public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM has obtained rights-of-way from the Pueblo and the State to provide this biking experience. Although the Trails have been developed primarily for mountain biking, hikers are welcome on the entire trail system, and one segment is also open to equestrian use.
Description: Tucked away in rugged and scenic country southwest of the community of San Ysidro, New Mexico, is the White Mesa Bike Trails Area. Just to the west is the newly designated Ojito Wilderness. Both sites are a short distance from U.S. 550. This region is known for its geological, cultural and paleontological resources, as well as for its scenic qualities. The bike trail crosses a landscape of spectacular beauty and exceptional geology, meandering through the Pueblo of Zia, State of New Mexico, and public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM has obtained rights-of-way from the Pueblo and the State to provide this biking experience. Although the Trails have been developed primarily for mountain biking, hikers are welcome on the entire trail system, and one segment is also open to equestrian use.
added on May 24, 2009 by 
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by jkacuba on November 16, 2011
I've ridden this loop three times this fall - loved it every time. Fun singletrack and great scenery. Nice change from Tijeras area trails, but just as fun. Some technical and some climbing, but not too crazy. And who doesn't love the dragon's back?! As a point of caution - I did take a sea-level friend with beginner skills my first time at white mesa...almost lost him a few times. So...I'd rate the singletrack as intermediate or better, but there are some doubletrack options that beginners can have fun with.
reviewed by kdetrick on May 7, 2011
Rode it for the first time yesterday, the exposure will get your attention! A real adventure ride, parts remind me of Yellowstone. Had to keep my blinders on when the trail got real close to the edge. I'll be back.
* Review edited 5/7/2011
reviewed by wanderingpops on April 10, 2011
Great ride. Most singletrack is easy but still much fun. On rainy and/or windy days the exposure around the open gypsum seems a bit scary. As stated above an intermediate rider, such as myself, can have a blast out here as long as you're not afraid to hike-a-bike in a few spots.
reviewed by KleinBottle on April 29, 2010
Great scenery, like mountain biking the Painted Desert, as if the NPS would allow you to. Three cheers for BLM! The mail loop is only about 8 miles, with lots of little ups and downs, but no real extended uphills. OK for intermdiates if you're willing to walk your bike through the fun parts (steep, some with exposure.)
reviewed by Tim_Davis on April 6, 2010
Beautiful scenery. Great trails. I gotta go again and bring the camera this time. Hats off to the club that maintains the trail. Definitely not for beginners.
reviewed by Speedman on November 29, 2009
This place is built for MTB- the turn-off on the highway even says so! Trails are well marked and terrain is exciting. Search Google for "BLM White Mesa" for additional information and trail maps.
reviewed by skibum on November 19, 2009
A full loop on the singletrack is a good, 8 mile workout. There are no really extended climbs, but some of the short climbs are very steep and will throw you into an anaerobic state. Most of the singletrack is relatively easy, but there's a couple spooky spots. There is a super steep hike a bike at marker four up some loose dirt. There are good brocures with maps at the trailhead. Most, but not all of the trail junctions are marked, so getting lost is not an issue. Towards the end, if you take the branch that drops back to the road rather than looping directly back to the parking area, there will be a hard left with way scary exposure followed by a super steep, hang your b*** off the back downhill, finishing with a major rock drop. It's the most interesting part of the ride and well worth the half mile of dirt road needed to complete the loop back to the parking area. There is typically cool southwestern scenery all along the ride. Still a second to Otero for good rides in the Albuquerque area, but it has a longer season (lower altitude, more sun) which makes it a welcome addition.
Similar Trail: Otero Canyon/Tunnel Canyon
reviewed by RoadWarrior on July 5, 2009
Sweet !!! Dir. are exactly right, White Mesa Bike Trails. Have a choice of 2 loops, can mix them up. One loop is mostly double track, the other is sweet single track. The single track is marked as one way (clockwise) with good reason. Only one hike/ climb a bike at marker post 4. Great well marked trails, very scenic, and very unique geological landscape. Some areas of the single track I would rate at a 4+ so use a little caution the first time through. Stay on the trail, soil is extremely fragile. Bring your camera. Final note The double track is beginner, the single track, intermidate to expert.
Similar Trail: High Desert Trail System, Gallup Dona Ana, Las Cruces
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