The Bike Path in New Mexico That’s Better Than Most Hikes

Anyone who loves to hike knows that the trails in New Mexico are top-notch. Some might even say that New Mexico is one of the best states for hiking in the U.S. Here, there are many different environments to explore. Whether you love deserts, rivers, mountains, wildflowers, forests, history, or rock formations, there's a hike in New Mexico that's perfect for you.

However, if you're someone who loves hiking, you might be ready to try something different when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. If you're looking for the perfect bike trail in New Mexico to help you experience the beauty of this great state, then we have found a great option—the Dale Ball Trail system.

The Dale Ball Trail system near Santa Fe features a 25-mile network of trails that traverse the foothills, forests, and arroyos that define this area. The system is named for Dale Ball, who, along with his wife, Sylvia, founded the Santa Fe Conservation Trust in the 1990s to help protect this area from developers. Without the Balls, this area would be off limits to the public today, but thanks to their hard work, it will be maintained for public use in perpetuity.

Throughout the Dale Ball Trail system, hikers and bikers can find maps to help them navigate their way. However, the trails are well-marked and are easy to follow. One of the very best trails in this system for biking is the Dale Ball Central Loop.

Where This Trail Is and What Makes It Unique

The Dale Ball Central Loop Trail is lovely on foot, but it's even better on a bike. This is a 6.2-mile loop trail that takes approximately two to three hours to complete on foot, but you can do it faster on a bicycle. Along the way, you'll experience about 850 feet of elevation gain while you pass through forests and open spaces and enjoy incredible panoramic vistas. This is a desert, forest, and mountain trail, along with a wildflower and wildlife trail.

What It’s Like to Experience It

This trail has so much to offer anyone who takes it on. It's rated moderate, so you'll likely find some sections feel rather easy and others feel quite challenging. Even though this trail system is close to Santa Fe—and by default, not far from Albuquerque, either—it's often not very busy. You'll be able to enjoy quiet and solitude much of the time while you explore it. Because of this, it's also likely that you'll see birds and other wildlife on your adventure.

Some sections of this trail are simple dirt paths, which are easy to traverse on a bike, but other sections are rockier and more difficult. If you are new to biking on a trail, don't be afraid to take breaks and walk your bike down the more intimidating descents.

Why It’s Better Than a Traditional Hike

If you love the great outdoors, then you know a traditional hike is wonderful. However, traveling by bike through the forests, deserts, and mountains of New Mexico is something new that you're also sure to enjoy. You can cover more ground in a shorter time, and that means you'll have the opportunity to see more beautiful things along the way. Plus, you'll be able to take longer breaks at overlooks like this one below.

Tips for Visiting

When you bring your bike to ride the Dale Ball Central Loop Trail, bring enthusiasm and excitement along! This is an excellent place to dive into mountain biking full force. You'll also want to bring plenty of water and a map of the trails or a phone with GPS capabilities. Let someone know where you're going anytime you head out into nature as well.

There are also a few mountain biking etiquette tips that you should know. For example, always yield to pedestrians on foot and to uphill traffic. Announce yourself and take care to pass safely. Avoid mud and stay on the trail, and be sure to pull over safely and off the trail when taking a break.

You'll love mountain biking in New Mexico, and the Dale Ball Central Loop Trail is a great place to start. You may even find that you prefer biking over hiking in time. Happy trails to you, stay safe, and have a great ride.

If you love the great outdoors, then you probably love waterfalls! Who doesn't, right? Check out this great list featuring the best waterfalls in New Mexico and make a plan to see them all.