The best cycling routes around Socorro

Socorro offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 120 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy riverside paths to more challenging mountain climbs, catering to different skill levels.

The terrain around Socorro is incredibly diverse, featuring sculpted desert wilderness, lush cottonwood forests along the Rio Grande, and pine and aspen-studded mountain meadows. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, from 4,600 feet to nearly 11,000 feet, providing both gradual rides and strenuous climbs.

Yes, Socorro offers several accessible routes suitable for families. The Rio Grande Valley features pleasant routes like the Socorro Valley Rio Grande Trail and the Riverine Parks and Bosque Trail, which are generally flatter and offer scenic views without extreme difficulty.

Socorro boasts over 300 sunny days a year, making it suitable for cycling for much of the year. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for touring, avoiding the peak heat of summer and potential colder conditions in winter. However, the varied elevation means you can find pleasant conditions at different altitudes depending on the season.

Socorro is rich in natural beauty. The View from the Rua Augusta Arch and Santa Luzia viewpoint offer stunning panoramic views. For unique natural formations, consider routes near the Quebradas Backcountry Byway, known for its colorful desert landforms. The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during your ride.

Absolutely. The Quebradas Backcountry Byway, located east of Socorro, is an excellent choice for gravel biking. This National Scenic Byway offers beautiful desert landscapes and can be combined with local ditch bank roads for a roughly 65-mile loop.

Socorro's routes cater to all abilities. There are 52 easy routes, 50 moderate routes, and 24 difficult routes. You can find gentle riverside paths for a relaxed ride or more strenuous mountain climbs in areas like the Magdalena Mountains for a challenge.

Yes, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is an internationally renowned spot for birdwatching and features roads suitable for biking. It's an excellent place to combine your ride with unique wildlife viewing, especially during the fall when traffic increases near the visitor center.

For those seeking longer adventures, Socorro serves as a starting point for extended rides. There are routes that connect Socorro to Albuquerque, covering approximately 143 miles. The New Mexico Touring Society also lists multi-day rides originating from Socorro, with significant elevation gains.

The touring cycling routes in Socorro are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from the quiet riverine areas to the challenging mountain backdrops, and the variety of routes available for all skill levels.

Yes, many routes in Socorro are designed as loops. For example, the Quebradas Backcountry Byway can be ridden as a roughly 65-mile loop when combined with local roads. Road cycling options like the Lemitar Loop (17 miles) and Schmittle Road (13 miles) also offer circular experiences.

Beyond the natural beauty, you might encounter landmarks such as the Very Large Array (VLA) if you venture west on Highway 60. The region also features historical sites and unique geological formations, particularly along the Quebradas Backcountry Byway. For specific points of interest, consider visiting Santa Justa Lift or Commerce Square.