The best traffic-free bike rides in Petroglyph National Monument

This guide features 5 traffic-free routes suitable for gravel biking in and around Petroglyph National Monument. These trails offer a mix of easy and moderate experiences, primarily along the Rio Grande Bosque and other multi-use paths.

The gravel bike trails in this guide primarily follow multi-use paths, such as sections of the Paseo del Bosque Trail and Atrisco Riverside Drain. While the monument itself has restrictions on biking on most trails, the surrounding City of Albuquerque Open Space offers crusher fine trails and paved paths. Expect relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, making for a smooth ride.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. The View of Rio Grande – Paseo del Bosque Trail loop from Old Town is rated as easy and offers a pleasant, shorter ride. The generally flat and traffic-free nature of the multi-use paths makes them ideal for riders of varying skill levels.

While direct biking within the monument's petroglyph viewing areas is restricted, the routes in this guide offer views of the Rio Grande and access to the broader desert landscape. You can explore the monument's cultural and natural features by combining your ride with a hike. Notable attractions include the ancient petroglyphs at Rinconada Canyon Trail or the Petroglyphs of Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the prominent volcanic cones like Black Volcano.

The best time for gravel biking in the Petroglyph National Monument area is typically during the spring and fall months. Temperatures are milder, making for more comfortable rides. Summer can be very hot, and while winter is generally mild, occasional cold snaps can occur. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

For a longer ride, consider the View of the Rio Grande – Paso del Bosque Trail loop from Albuquerque, which covers approximately 55 km. This route offers an extended experience along the Rio Grande, providing ample distance for a satisfying gravel bike outing.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular loops. For example, the Rio Grande Bosque – Paseo del Bosque Trail loop from Rio Grande Nature Center State Park offers a complete loop, bringing you back to your starting point.

Within Petroglyph National Monument itself, bicycles are generally not permitted on most National Park Service trails, administrative roads, or utility corridors to protect the fragile environment and cultural sites. However, cycling is allowed on the paved multi-use path in Boca Negra Canyon and on a crusher fine trail that winds along the mesa top above Boca Negra Canyon. For more detailed information on regulations, you can visit the official NPS website: nps.gov/petr/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm.

The Paseo del Bosque Trail itself, as featured in this guide, offers a moderate 30 km ride with minimal elevation, providing a good balance for those looking for a substantial yet manageable gravel biking experience.

Many of the routes in this guide start from locations with available parking, such as the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park or areas near Old Town Albuquerque. Since the trails are often part of the City of Albuquerque Open Space network, public parking facilities are generally accessible at various trailheads along the Rio Grande.

The duration of these rides varies depending on the route and your pace. For instance, the Atrisco Riverside Drain route typically takes around 3 hours, while shorter options can be completed in under 2 hours. The longest route in this guide can take over 4 hours.