Mountain Biking & E-biking

 

A group of cyclists riding Valles Caldera's backcountry route.

NPS/Irene Owsley

Valles Caldera National Preserve is an exceptionally bicycle-friendly National Park Service unit, boasting more than 90 miles of bikeable and e-bikeable routes. Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the park.

Ride through shaded forests, around high mountain tops, or along the edge of vast green meadows. Choose a heartpumping climb or a relaxing family ride where gravity does most of the work. No matter your skill or fitness level, Valles Caldera has a trail for you.

 

Rules & Guidelines

• Stay on designated trails and roadways.
• Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on all roads open to public motor vehicles. Cyclists are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles.
• Be careful when riding on park roads; roads are winding and narrow while shoulders are either narrow or nonexistent. Vehicle traffic can be heavy at times.
• Commonly accepted road courtesy calls for slower traffic to pull over and stop to allow congestion behind to pass where appropriate shoulder space is available.
• "E-bike" is defined as a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 hp).
• Use of the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling for extended distances is prohibited.
• A backcountry vehicle pass is required if you wish to drive your personal vehicle into the park's backcountry before beginning your biking adventure. Passes are limited and available seasonally as conditions allow. No pass is needed to bike into the backcountry.

 

Cycling Safety

• Gear up. We strongly recommend wearing a helmet and high visibility clothing. 
• Be prepared. Carry tools and spare parts, and inspect brakes for worn cables and pads. 
• Know before you go. Know how to navigate across the landscape. Plan your route according to time, terrain, and abilities. 
• Leave an itinerary. Let someone know your outdoor plans including your anticipated time of return. 
• Stay vigilant. Motorists frequently do not see bicyclists or fail to give them sufficient space on the road. Drivers sometimes pass on hill crests, blind curves, or in oncoming traffic. 

 

A cyclist enjoying the backcountry route at Valles Caldera.

NPS/Irene Owsley

Bike Trails

Valles Caldera National Preserve aims to provide dedicated trails for different types of recreation in order to reduce user conflicts and promote high-quality visitor experiences. There are approximately 19 miles of public roadway and 94 miles of multi-use trail available for bicycle and e-bike use in the park:

• Rincon Trail
• East Valle Grande Trail
• Obsidian Valley Trail
• Cerro Abrigo Loop
• Garita Trail
• South Valle Toledo Trail
• El Cajete Trail
• Redondo Foothills Trail
• Redondito Trail
• Jaramillo Creek Trail
• San Antonio Creek Trail
• Sulphur Creek Trail
• Valle Seco Trail
• Redondo Creek Trail
• Banco Bonito Trail
• Entrance Road
• North Valle Grande Road
• Central Caldera Road
• Valle San Antonio Road
• Valle Toledo Road

Trail map coming soon!