Directions:
To view directions to White Mesa Bike Trails mountain bike trail, please login. If
you don't have an account, sign up now: it's free, only takes a minute, and gives you access to tons of other rad features.
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.






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 DLACHNIET 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
TRAIL TAGS
nm