The best road cycling routes around Taos Pueblo

There are 5 road cycling routes detailed in this guide for the Taos Pueblo area, offering a mix of easy and moderate rides to explore the region's unique landscapes.

Yes, Taos Pueblo offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Taos Plaza loop from PDC @ Weimer is an easy 23.9 km ride with minimal elevation gain. Another great option is the Taos Plaza loop from Ranchos de Taos, which is 23.2 km and also considered easy.

The Taos Pueblo area offers diverse terrain for road cycling. You'll find scenic rides through valleys, alongside rivers, and routes with significant elevation gains as you approach areas like Taos Ski Valley. The landscape transitions from high desert with rugged terrain and sage-covered mesas to the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

While this guide features moderate routes, the broader Taos region, including the challenging climb from Taos to Taos Ski Valley, offers significant elevation gains for experienced cyclists. Within this guide, routes like the Pot Creek Cultural Site – Taos Plaza loop from Taos, covering 57.3 km with over 670 meters of ascent, provide a good challenge.

The region is rich in cultural and natural attractions. You can cycle past the historic Pot Creek Cultural Site, experience the dramatic views from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, or visit the historic San Francisco de Asis Church. The multi-storied adobe buildings of Taos Pueblo itself offer a unique cultural backdrop to your rides.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Taos Pueblo area are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Arroyo Hondo and the Pot Creek Cultural Site loop from PDC @ Weimer.

Taos Pueblo generally enjoys sunny skies for much of the year and moderate temperatures, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities. Spring, summer, and fall typically offer ideal conditions for road cycling, with pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.

Many routes pass through or near towns like Taos Plaza, Arroyo Hondo, and Ranchos de Taos, where you can find cafes, restaurants, and other amenities to refuel during your ride. Taos Ski Valley also offers a European-style village atmosphere with dining options.

The road cycling routes in this guide range from approximately 23 km to 57 km. For example, the Taos Plaza loop from Ranchos de Taos is about 23.2 km, while the Pot Creek Cultural Site – Taos Plaza loop from Taos is nearly 57.3 km.

The Taos area features fantastic paved roads, many of which are less trafficked, offering pleasant cycling experiences. While some major highways might be busier, back roads and less-traveled routes are generally well-suited for road biking, with local drivers often giving cyclists ample space.

Yes, cyclists can extend their rides to include Highway 64 west to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which offers spectacular views of the Rio Grande River 650 feet below and the dramatic geological feature of the gorge itself. This provides an impressive natural highlight to your cycling adventure.