Review: Amazing trail! True said in previous reviews that this place is unique. Landscape reminds me slightly Badlands or Fruita, but never seen a place with such a color variety. Some climbs are tough but manageable. Section 4 to 6 is a challenge, true climb-a-bike, but following downhill is well worth it. And to completely enjoy this ride you gotta ride not to the main TH but towards little parking down the road. Exposure and steepness of that part is impressive. And views are incredible - hard to keep an eyes on the trail, which is very recommended. All levels could ride/hike it, except beginners better stick to doubletrack.
Cobezon Rd in great condition as of 02/03/2013, so even low clearance vehicles will get you there and back.
I'm glad I had a chance to ride this loop and big Thank You for those who built and maintain it.

Review: This trail is also great for a full moon ride. If you wait for the moon to get to the 10 o'clock position in the sky before starting, you wont even need to carry a light (although still highly recommended). The trail appears milky white compared to the rest of the terrain and is easy to pick out. Make sure you ride the trail a few days before in the daylight to mark out any new hazards/washout areas.

Review: First off, Cabezon Road (a gravel road) is in bad shape due to recent heavy rains and minimal maintenance. Don't bring your Volkswagen out here; you may loose it. Seriously, I know your lowriding Civic looks cool, what with its bright blue running lights, spinner hubcaps, and especially with that bike rack on the back, but leave the ol' fart can at home for this one. You'll want something with a lil' more clearance. That said, once you actually do get to the TH its a great place. Super views, nice medium climbs for a good workout, flowy DH in spots, gnarly exposure for those less enthusiastic about heights, and fabulous scenery. The exposure was fun but I think some of the reviews overdo it. Most of the trail is in great shape, but there are a few rocky sections, and a few wash-out prone areas. Most of the ascents are climbable but there are a couple hike-a-bikes depending on your skill/fitness level. Bring sunscreen and water on this folks, cuz there's zero shad and I'll bet the temps can get real nasty here. This was one of my favorite rides of all-time. The scenery is second to none, and the singletrack is bodacious. The only downside is that there's not much variety. If you want more than 8-9 miles you'll have to retrace your tracks a bit.

* Review edited 7/12/2012

Similar Trail: This is in a class all by its lonesome.

Review: The area contains alot of solid gypsum making for a geologists dream. The trail is not very tech and the climbing is mostly gradual. Only hikers and bikers here, horses are relegated to different, non gypsum trails. Lots of crytobiotic soil, stay on the singletrack. Few Utah junipers and ephedra for vegetation.

Similar Trail: Nothing is similar. Unique area.

Review: 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.

Review: 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

Review: 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.

Review: 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.)

Review: 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.

Review: 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.

Review: 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

Review: 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