Taos on Two Wheels: A Mountain Biker’s Guide to Northern New Mexico

Q: 🚲 Is there a good bike shop?

There are a few. The bike shop/rental center at Angel Fire is really good. They’ll work on your own bike and they have a small retail center. Same for Taos Bike Park . I also stopped at Rift Cycles just outside of Taos to have them look at my shifting and I was really impressed with the shop and mechanics.

Mountain biker going off wooden ramp drop

The first time I visited Taos was back in 2019 during a fall mountain bike road trip through New Mexico and Colorado. I had two main agendas on my list: Angel Fire Bike Park (which I’ve since ridden a bunch!) and the South Boundary Trail (fun, but definitely a one-and-done for me). But it wasn’t until a more recent trip that I actually spent more time exploring the other singletrack trails around Taos.

While the riding here isn’t as extensive as other NM places like Albuquerque or Santa Fe, there are some surprisingly good trails in the area— enough that I think it’s worth a stop, or even a trip of its own if you’re looking for a ride destination that is a little quieter.

From the alpine adventure of Lost Lake Loop (epic!) to the new and evolving Taos Bike Park, here is your ride-guide to mountain biking around Taos, New Mexico.

Highlights of mountain biking in Taos

Lots of variety: high-altitude adventures, bike parks, desert XC pedaling
Taos is a fun, quirky little town

Few crowds— a very different scene from, say, Colorado
Angel Fire Bike Park— enough said!
Spring wildflowers and golden fall aspens

Taos Mountain Biking Map

Unlike more centralized mountain bike destinations, the riding around Taos is pretty spread out. Angel Fire is about 30 minutes in one direction, and Taos Ski Valley is about the same distance in the other. It’s definitely worth doing a bit of planning so you’re not constantly driving back and forth between trail networks.

Plan your Taos mountain biking rides!!

Angel Fire Bike Park

If you’ve never been to Angel Fire Bike Park, consider this your official nudge to go. It’s not technically in Taos, but it’s just a beautiful 35-minute drive east to the little mountain town of Angel Fire.

The bike park is a blast, with a huge variety of downhill trails that all start at 10,650 feet and drop 2,000 feet to the base of the Chile Express lift. I’ve ridden Angel Fire a handful of times now, and every visit gets me fired up (pun intended!). I definitely recommend making a weekend (or long weekend) out of it because one day won’t feel like nearly enough. And if you can swing a fall visit when the aspen trees are glowing, it makes it all the more special.

Tips for riding at Angel Fire Bike Park

Angel Fire is a very small town – don’t expect big resort energy, but it has everything you need like groceries, gas, etc…
The Loam Pass is accepted – grab your pass and get two ‘free’ days.
The top of the Chile Express lift is 10,650 feet. Even though you’re riding downhill, you’ll feel the elevation!
The lifts run 7 days a week during the summer.

First Timer’s Visit to Angel Fire Bike Park Angel Fire Bike Park on TrailForks

Mountain biker riding over wooden bridge at Angel Fire Bike Park in New Mexico

The South Boundary Trail

The South Boundary Trail is an iconic New Mexico ride. While I didn’t think it was amazing, it’s definitely worth doing if you’re in the Taos area. The full South Boundary Trail is a shuttled ride (learn more about how to book a shuttle in my trail guide below) and it descends over 21 miles from Osha Pass to just outside of Taos.

The route is pretty mellow with stretches of fast, flowy side hill and more pedaling than you probably want to do, but the last four miles turn the heat up with a steep, loose finish.

Tips for riding The South Boundary Trail

The full South Boundary Trail requires a shuttle.
The full route is 21 miles with 2,034 feet of climbing and 4,804 feet of descending.
The last 4 miles on El Nogal are pretty rowdy and technical. Ojitos is an alternative ending if you want something easier.
The elevation tops out at 10,730 feet

South Boundary Trail Guide The South Boundary Trail on TrailForks

Mountain biker riding through Aspen grove on South Boundary trail in New Mexico

Taos Valley Overlook Trails

These trails are just a short drive outside of Taos on the edge of the Rio Grande River and canyon. I thought they were ok… nothing amazing, but not terrible either. Just cross-country pedaling through sage brush landscape with some pretty spectacular views once you get along the canyon edge. If you only have one day to ride a ‘cross-country’ ride in Taos, I recommend Horsethief Canyon (see below) over the Taos Valley Overlook Trails.

Tips for riding The Taos Valley Overlook Trails

This is cross-country pedaling to the max.
There is some exposure on the canyon rim, but not too bad unless you walk to the edge.
Don’t ride the trails when wet or if it looks like it’s going to rain— parts of the trail system is clay-based.
I prefer Horsethief Mesa over the Taos Valley Overlook Trails.

Taos Valley Overlook Trails Guide TVOTs on TrailForks

a woman wearing a helmet and goggles standing on a rocky cliff

Horsethief Mesa

After riding the Taos Valley Overlook Trails and finding them to be meh, I wasn’t exactly excited for Horsethief Mesa. But, I was very pleasantly surprised! Even though the trail networks are not that far apart (may 15 miles or so), Horsethief Mesa felt so much more fast-rolling, flowy, and built for mountain bikers. I actually really enjoyed my ride there and the views of the Rio Grande River and canyon were equally impressive. If you only have time to do one XC ride in Taos, make it Horsethief.

Tips for riding Horsethief Mesa (Taos)

It’s cross-country riding, but it’s got flow!
Don’t skip the 1-mile access trail, it’s actually quite fun.
There is some exposure on the rim of the canyon, but not terrible unless you walk to the edge
Seems like clockwise is the way to go.

Horsethief Mesa Trail Guide Horsethief Mesa on TrailForks

POV out over front of mountain bike handlebars onto singletrack trail

Taos Bike Park

Taos Bike Park is a newer addition to the New Mexico downhill scene, and while it’s still very much a work in progress, I was pleasantly surprised by what’s already there. The trails that are built are solid, and it’s easy to see the potential as they keep expanding. The setting is beautiful, too. It’s tucked into a beautiful canyon with forested mountains all around and big valley views. I’m excited to come back in a few years and see how things have evolved!

Tips for riding Taos Bike Park

The park is still very much being built (as of 2025).
The Loam Pass is accepted!
Chair 4 (the bike park lift) is not at the main resort. You have to drive two more miles on a dirt road past Taos Ski Valley.
The trail to Williams Lake is really nice for non-bike park riders or as a post DH activity.

First-Timer’s Guide to Taos Bike Park Taos Bike Park on TrailForks

a mountain bike overlooking flow trails at Taos Bike Park in New Mexico

The Lost Lake Loop

I LOVED this ride. It won’t be for everyone, it’s definitely a challenging day on the bike, but if you enjoy big backcountry rides with tough climbs, epic views, some sketchy sidehill, and a fast descent, you’ll be in your element. I was! This is a ride I’d be happy to do every time I’m back in the Taos area. I’ll remember to bring more snacks, though…

Tips for riding the Lost Lake Loop

The trails starts at 9,600 feet and tops out at about 11,600 feet.
I rode the loop CW, but I’m torn as to whether that’s the ‘best’ direction.
This is a backcountry ride. The trails are raw and old-school.
Make it an overnight! Camp at Lost Lake then summit Wheeler Peak – the highest point in NM – the next morning.

Lost Lake Loop Trail Guide Lost Lake Loop on TrailForks

POV out over mountain bike handlebars onto wildflower line trail

FAQs & Planning Tips

Ready to plan your mountain bike trip to Taos, New Mexico? Here are some FAQs and tips to consider before heading out:

Northern New Mexico does actually get snow in the winter. I recommend planning your trip for late spring (mid-June) through late fall (mid-October). Spring is a great time to see wildflowers in the higher alpine areas while fall is stunning when the aspens turn golden.

If you want to check out all (or most of the bike parks, trails, and networks I’ve listed above, I’d say give yourself at least 5 days to explore the Taos area.

Yes, Taos mountain biking isn’t a condensed mountain bike destination like Sedona or Moab. Expect to drive at least 30 minutes from one trail network to another— sometimes more. It’s a good idea to plan your rides in advance so you’re not backtracking and driving more than you need to.

There are a few. The bike shop/rental center at Angel Fire is really good. They’ll work on your own bike and they have a small retail center. Same for Taos Bike Park. I also stopped at Rift Cycles just outside of Taos to have them look at my shifting and I was really impressed with the shop and mechanics.

Need gear recs?

Head over to my gear closet! I’m always testing out new pieces of bike gear and if I really like them, they earn a place on this page.

See my gear favorites

While Taos might not be the first place that comes to mind for mountain biking in the southwest, it’s definitely got something going on. Between the high-alpine adventure of Lost Lake, the growing scene at Taos Bike Park, and the world-class trails at Angel Fire Bike Park, there’s a solid mix of riding to explore. And the best part is that there’s something for everyone, literally. If you’re planning a trip through northern New Mexico or just looking for a new spot to ride, the Taos area is absolutely worth a stop!

Which Taos mountain biking destination is top of your list? Have you ridden in New Mexico already? What’s your favorite trail or network? Leave a comment!

Taos on Two Wheels: A Mountain Biker’s Guide to Northern New Mexico

Highlights of mountain biking in Taos

Taos Mountain Biking Map