Santa Fe Plaza

The Santa Fe Rail Trail offers a unique journey from urban Santa Fe into the high-desert landscape, blending paved and unpaved sections. You'll start amidst public art in the Santa Fe Railyard Park, then transition to rolling hills and red-dirt terrain dotted with yucca and piñon trees, with views of the Galisteo Basin. The trail's varied surfaces and 'rollercoaster' profile make it an engaging ride for touring cyclists.

This moderate 34.4-mile (55.3 km) route, with 952 feet (290 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 4 hours and 36 minutes, is best tackled with a gravel or mountain bike for its unpaved southern half. The northern paved section is family-friendly and accessible via New Mexico Rail Runner Express stations. Always check trail conditions, especially after rain, as unpaved sections can become muddy.

Following the historic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line, this 'rail-with-trail' offers a glimpse into the region's past while connecting to other local trails like the Acequia Trail. It's a great option if you're looking for Santa Fe area cycling trails that combine historical significance with diverse scenery, from cityscapes to remote desert vistas.

The Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop offers a fantastic touring bicycle experience, guiding you through Santa Fe's unique blend of urban and desert scenery. Expect a mostly paved path that follows a chamisa-lined arroyo, providing pleasant mountain views and a comfortable ride. This moderate 28.5-mile (45.8 km) route, with 1153 feet (351 metres) of elevation gain, is a great way to explore the city's southwestern side, taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and serves as a vital recreational and commuter link. It's a popular choice for cyclists looking for a safe alternative to busier roads, especially when heading towards downtown Santa Fe. The trail is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion along for the adventure.

This loop is a significant part of Santa Fe's extensive urban trail system, connecting various local amenities and attractions. A notable feature is its junction with the Santa Fe Rail Trail at Siringo Road, which opens up even more cycling possibilities if you're keen to extend your journey further into the New Mexico landscape.

The Old Santa Fe Trail – Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Santa Fe is a 15.6-mile (25.0 km) touring cycling route that offers a diverse ride through urban and high desert scenery. You will pedal along the paved Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail, passing through residential areas and green spaces, before encountering the more open, scrub-like terrain and gradual climbs of the Old Santa Fe Trail segment. This moderate route, with 605 feet (184 metres) of elevation gain, provides a good blend of city convenience and scenic vistas, making it a solid choice for a varied cycling experience.

Plan for a ride that takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes, suitable for touring bikes given its mostly paved surfaces. You can easily access the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail from several points, including near Villa Linda Park or the Santa Fe Place Mall. While the Arroyo de los Chamisos section is generally easy, the overall loop is rated moderate due to the hilly nature of the Old Santa Fe Trail portion, so bring good fitness and be ready for some effort.

This loop is a vital part of Santa Fe's extensive urban trail network, connecting you to other routes like the Santa Fe Rail Trail if you wish to extend your adventure. The combination of urban pathways and high desert landscapes, with views of adobe homes and the Galisteo Basin, offers a unique perspective on the Santa Fe area. Cycling on the Old Santa Fe Trail also evokes a sense of history, as it follows a route that played a crucial role in connecting cultures.