The best MTB trails around Los Alamos
4.8
(6)
37
riders
17
rides
Mountain biking around Los Alamos, New Mexico, is characterized by its high-altitude setting on the Pajarito Plateau, featuring a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The region offers a dramatic interplay of broad mesas, deep canyons, and pine forests, with elevations averaging 7,400 feet. Trails weave through high-desert terrain and forested peaks of the Jemez Mountains, providing varied riding experiences. This area boasts an extensive network of over 100 miles of local trails.
Best mountain bike trails around Los Alamos
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Kwage Mesa Loop, a 4.3 miles (6.9 km) trail that takes 37 minutes to complete. This route offers scenic views and is known for its family-friendly nature.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Quemazon, Guaje Ridge, and Perimeter Loop, a moderate 12.2 miles (19.6 km) path. This trail features challenging climbs and descents through pine forests and high-desert terrain.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Guaje Ridge and Perimeter Trail Loop, a 15.8 miles (25.4 km) trail leading through forested peaks and canyons, often completed in about 2 hours 59 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Los Alamos is defined by broad mesas, deep canyons, and pine forests. The extensive network offers options for various skill levels, from family-friendly paths to challenging technical routes.
- The routes in Los Alamos are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 4 reviews. More than 29 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Los Alamos's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
3
riders
6.92km
00:38
90m
90m
The Kwage Mesa Loop offers an easy mountain biking experience, covering 4.3 miles (6.9 km) with a gentle 280 feet (85 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this ride in about 37 minutes. As you pedal, you will wind through sections of singletrack and dirt road, surrounded by piñon and juniper trees, providing a pleasant desert atmosphere.
This route is often one of the first to dry out in the spring, making it a great option for early-season mountain biking. Dogs are welcome to join you on the trail, but remember to keep them leashed for their safety and to protect local wildlife. Be aware of occasional uneven terrain, rocks, and cactus along the path.
From the eastern side of the loop, you will find excellent viewpoints that stretch across the surrounding canyons, offering glimpses of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the vast Rio Grande rift. This trail is a popular choice for its accessible nature and scenic vistas, providing a quick escape into the high desert landscape.
2
riders
25.4km
02:59
900m
900m
Embark on the Guaje Ridge and Perimeter Trail Loop for a classic Los Alamos mountain biking adventure. This moderate route spans 15.8 miles (25.4 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 2942 feet (897 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 59 minutes to complete. You'll experience diverse landscapes, from lush sections to areas showing signs of past fires, with the climb up Pipeline Road offering excellent views before you hit the fast and twisty singletrack of Guaje Ridge.
For the best experience on this remote and challenging trail, plan your visit for late May or early June. This timing helps you avoid brushy conditions and thorns that can make the ride less enjoyable. Be prepared for the trail's technical challenges, especially in the lower parts of Guaje Ridge, which may include sections with significant erosion or even require some hike-a-bike if you're not highly proficient.
This loop is nestled within the Santa Fe National Forest, providing a true backcountry feel. It's known for its unique blend of natural beauty and demanding terrain, making it a standout mountain biking destination in the region. The mix of unburned forest and fire-affected zones tells a story of resilience and offers a varied backdrop to your ride.
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2
riders
19.6km
02:29
820m
820m
Get ready for a moderate mountain biking adventure on the Quemazon, Guaje Ridge, and Perimeter Loop, covering 12.2 miles (19.6 km) with a significant 2694 feet (821 metres) of elevation gain. This route offers a diverse ride, starting with the Quemazon Trail where you'll navigate volcanic tuff rock and sandstone, opening up to great views as you climb the mesa. Later, the Perimeter Trail provides a cooler, forested environment, shaded by towering pines as it skirts the town, offering a different feel after the more exposed sections. You can expect to complete this challenging loop in about 2 hours and 28 minutes, making it a solid ride near Los Alamos.
When planning your visit, be aware that the Guaje Ridge section is best ridden in late May or early June, as it can become severely overgrown with thorn bushes later in the summer. This exposed part of the trail can also get very hot, so always bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Navigation can be tricky, especially when trying to find the entry to Guaje Ridge, so make sure you have a reliable map or GPS device to guide you.
This loop takes you through the Santa Fe National Forest, offering a sense of remoteness with wide-open vistas on the rugged Guaje Ridge Trail. It's a great way to experience the varied landscapes of the area, from the open mesa climbs to the shaded forest paths. The combination of different trail characteristics makes this route a notable option for mountain bikers seeking a varied and engaging ride.
2
riders
14.7km
01:42
490m
490m
Get ready for a mountain biking adventure on the Quemazon/Pipeline Loop, a moderate route that packs a punch with its varied terrain. You will navigate everything from packed dirt to technical sections featuring volcanic tuff rock and small drops, making for an engaging ride. The trail covers 9.1 miles (14.7 km) and involves a significant climb of 1603 feet (489 metres), which you can expect to complete in about 1 hour and 41 minutes. As you ascend the mesa and traverse along canyon rims, you will be rewarded with outstanding panoramic views of Los Alamos and its surroundings. This loop offers both flowy singletrack and challenging rocky stretches, ensuring a dynamic experience for mountain bikers.
To begin your ride, you can access the Quemazon/Pipeline Loop from the Quemazon Trailhead, which offers generally available parking. Alternatively, if you prefer a different ascent, you can opt to start your climb via Pipeline Road. Before heading out, it is always a good idea to check local conditions to ensure the trail is open and safe for mountain biking. Planning your approach in advance will help you make the most of your time on this popular route.
This loop is a local favorite within the Santa Fe National Forest, known for its substantial elevation gain that contributes to a challenging feel despite its moderate rating. The diverse terrain and rewarding viewpoints make it a standout option for mountain bikers seeking a significant workout. You will find that the effort put into climbing is well rewarded with the expansive vistas and varied riding experience. It is a great way to explore the natural beauty and rugged landscape of the region.
13.5km
01:18
270m
270m
Embark on the Bayo/Pueblo Loop, an easy mountain biking route that spans 8.4 miles (13.5 km) and involves an elevation gain of 890 feet (271 metres). You can expect to complete this ride in about 1 hour and 17 minutes. As you pedal, you'll navigate a network of singletrack trails winding through Bayo Canyon and Pueblo Canyon. The scenery unfolds with distinctive orange cliffs made of volcanic tuff and peaceful Ponderosa pine forests. Make sure to pause at the North Bench Overlook for sweeping panoramic views of the canyon, Barranca Mesa, and the distant Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This route offers a diverse and engaging experience for mountain bikers.
When planning your ride on the Bayo/Pueblo Loop, be aware that these are multi-use trails. You will be sharing the path with hikers and equestrians, so remember to yield to other users. While much of the route is easy, some descents into Bayo Canyon feature technically challenging, rocky sections. These parts may require advanced skills or even hike-a-biking, so be prepared. Always check local conditions before heading out to ensure a smooth and safe trip.
This loop connects Bayo Canyon to Pueblo Canyon, showcasing the unique geology of the region. The landscape is characterized by its distinctive orange cliffs, which are formed from volcanic tuff. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, particularly mule deer, which are often spotted resting in the shaded areas of the Ponderosa pine forests. The trail network provides a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty and diverse terrain of the Los Alamos area.
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Tips from the Community
The Mitchell Trail is a very steep, switchbacking trail thats open to hikers and bikers. Although you can ride up it, it is so gravely, steep, and twisty that most use it as a downhill trail. This trail is very popular with hikers headed to the Los Alamos Arch (which you should check out too!) so be aware as you ride down.
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The Quemazon Trail is an excellent mountain biking and hiking trail on the westside of Los Alamos. It is typically ridden as a downhill trail accessed from either the Knapp/Los Alamos Canyon Trail or Pipeline Road, but it can be ridden uphill. The Quemazon Trail is a technical trail with stretches of flowy singletrack intermixed with rocks, ledges, and small drops to keep things interesting.
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The Technical Perimeter, as the name indicates, is the technical western side of Perimeter Trail system. This trail is mostly comprised of volcanic slickrock. It is not a fast trail, but it's a great trail if you're in the mood for some slower techy riding with great views.
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Pipeline Road is a rough, steep dirt road that takes you up to the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and the Guaje Ridge. The road starts in town on the west side of the Perimeter Trail and is closed to cars and other motor vehicles. Although the climb is hard, the views are excellent.
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The Guaje Ridge Trail is a long, open trail that traverses the amazing ridges of several mountain tops (most unnamed) north of Los Alamos. This section of trail stretches from the intersection with the Mitchell Trail and the Upper Guaje Ridge Trail. Although you're only a few miles from town (as the crow flies), this is an incredibly remote feeling trail.
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The Bayo Canyon Trail runs from the rotary next to Loma Linda Park to the bottom of Bayo Canyon. The trail starts out on fast, flowy singletrack, but gets steadily more technical as you get close to the bottom of the canyon with steep drops and large rocks. At the bottom of the canyon the trail levels out again before turning into a dirt road that eventually leads out to the highway.
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The Kwage Mesa Trail is an easy, flat trail that takes you out into the desert northeast of Los Alamos, New Mexico. Archeologists have found evidence of human activity on the Kwage (KWA-hee) Mesa, which is also known as the Pajarito Plateau, dating back over 10,000 years. This unique trail is a great place to walk through both natural and human history close to town.
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This spot is known as the North Bench Overlook and is a great spot to include as part of the larger Rendija Crack Loop, the Bayo Benches Loop, or as a destination in and of itself. From this overlook on the North Bayo Bench Trail, you get great views of the orange-walled Bayo Canyon, Barranca Mesa, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos offers an extensive network of over 100 miles of local trails. Our guide features 16 curated mountain bike routes, ranging from easy to difficult, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes of the Pajarito Plateau and Jemez Mountains.
What is the typical terrain like for mountain biking in Los Alamos?
The terrain in Los Alamos is shaped by ancient volcanic activity, featuring a dramatic interplay of broad mesas, deep canyons, and soft rock deposits (tuff). You'll encounter a mix of high-desert landscapes and pine forests, with trails often including rocky sections and challenging climbs and descents. Many trails are multi-use, offering both packed dirt singletrack and rougher sections.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Los Alamos?
Yes, Los Alamos has several trails suitable for beginners. For example, the Kwage Mesa Loop is an easy 4.3-mile route known for its scenic views and family-friendly nature. Another good option is the Bayo/Pueblo Loop, which is also rated as easy.
Are there challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?
Absolutely. Los Alamos is known for its technical trails. Routes like the Quemazon, Guaje Ridge, and Perimeter Loop offer significant elevation gains and technical sections, traversing pine forests and high-desert terrain. The Guaje Ridge and Perimeter Trail Loop is another challenging option, leading through forested peaks and canyons.
What is the average elevation for mountain biking in Los Alamos?
Mountain biking in Los Alamos typically takes place at an average elevation of 7,400 feet. This high-altitude setting means the air is thinner, which can add an extra challenge to your ride and requires a good level of fitness.
Are there family-friendly mountain bike routes in Los Alamos?
Yes, there are family-friendly options. The Kwage Mesa Loop is a popular choice, offering scenic views and a relatively easy ride. The Bayo Bench Trail is also noted as a family-friendly option in the area.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos offers year-round mountain biking opportunities due to its extensive trail system. However, the warmer months are generally preferred for accessing all trails, especially those at higher elevations. During winter, some trails might have snow, but others in lower, more exposed areas can still be ridden.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the trails?
The trails offer stunning views of the Pajarito Plateau, deep canyons, and the distant Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You can also explore historical sites like the Petroglyphs and ancient cliff dwellings at Alcove House and Cavates, particularly in areas like Bandelier National Monument. Don't miss the North Bench Overlook for panoramic vistas.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Los Alamos?
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Los Alamos are designed as loops, offering a complete riding experience without retracing your path. Examples include the Kwage Mesa Loop, Quemazon, Guaje Ridge, and Perimeter Loop, and the Quemazon/Pipeline Loop.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy the most about mountain biking in Los Alamos?
The mountain biking experience in Los Alamos is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from high-desert to pine forests, the challenging technical sections, and the stunning views of the canyons and mesas. The extensive network of trails also allows for varied experiences catering to different skill levels.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
While specific parking details vary by trailhead, Los Alamos generally provides accessible parking options for popular mountain biking routes. It's advisable to check individual route descriptions on komoot for precise parking information before you head out.
Can I spot wildlife while mountain biking in Los Alamos?
Yes, the Los Alamos region, especially areas like the Valles Caldera National Preserve, is rich in wildlife. You might encounter elk herds, deer, and various bird species. Riding quietly and being observant increases your chances of spotting local fauna.
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