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Mountain Biking in the Manzano Mountains and Surrounding Areas
Mountain Biking in and around Ranch Los Caballos is relatively easy, in fact, the topography can only be described as ideal. Gentle inclines … rolling hills and low congestion in the area make for this situation. And whether you’re inclined to stay on the pavement or head for the hills atop two fat tires, there are plenty of places to ride in almost any direction. Half the fun of cycling is exploration and you can venture out in every direction from Rancho Los Caballos including to the South where 60,000 acres of New Mexico State Recreation Land will beckon to the explorer in you.
Besides in an and around the Development, the Cibola National Forest and Manzano Mountains State Park are ideal destinations for your fat tires as accessible with very short drive times. Here’s a longer and more elaborate trail which runs from Albuquerque southbound to the Northern Mountains of which you may consider pedaling any stretch.
Manzano Meander, Round-trip
This ride takes you from Albuquerque and along the eastern flanks of the Manzano Mountains through land grant villages dating to the early 1800s. Pass through Tijeras, Cedro, Miera, Escobosa, Chilili and Tajique. The route offers a good climb, some smooth descents and rolling hills. Begin at Four Hills Shopping Center on Albuquerque's eastside, at the junction of Central Avenue and Tramway Boulevard. Take N.M. 333, historically, U.S. Route 66, seven miles east to Tijeras and its intersection with N.M. 337. Turn right or south on N.M. 337, up Cedro Canyon, the main climb. Then, enjoy a downgrade toward Chilili, about 20 miles south of Tijeras. (Albuquerque-Chilili, 55 miles round-trip) Option: Pedal 10 miles more to the T intersection with N.M. 55. Turn right or west three miles to Tajique.
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