Taos Ski Valley’s steep and challenging terrain, a long-time attraction for advanced skiers, has become a haven for extreme mountain bikers looking for single-track challenges. For the strongest riders, the northern New Mexico resort includes a trail to the top of 12,163-foot Frazer Mountain. The area also offers more moderate trails and roads for cyclists looking to enjoy an afternoon of leisurely riding.
Fundamentals
Since its inception in 1955, Taos Ski Valley’s reputation has built around its steep ski trails and expert terrain. Like many resorts around the west, it developed mountain biking trails to attract summer visitors. Bike trails at Taos, like the ski trails, offer steep challenges for those with advanced skills.
The resort limits biking to the Northside at Taos Ski Valley area where self-guided trails take riders around 1,200 acres of private land, according to the Taos Ski Valley Chamber website.
Mountain Biking
Single-track bike trails and old narrow roads stretch for 25 miles through pine forests, aspen groves and meadows at Northside at Taos Ski Valley. Most of the trails take riders to mountain overlooks with panoramic views, according to the Ride Northside website. Herds of bighorn sheep, mule deer and elk often wander within view of the bike trails. Some trails climb above timberline.
Novice mountain bikers may find the Northside trails difficult. The Ride Northside website calls the trails “best suited for the intermediate and higher level rider.” The resort opens the trails from late June to mid-October, weather permitting.
Each July, the area hosts Frazer Mountain Madness, a mountain bike festival that includes cross-country races and what the race website calls the highest hill-climb in the U.S. when cyclists race up Frazer Mountain.
Permits
Riders must purchase access permits to use the Northside Trails. The visitor's center, several bike shops and some lodging properties in the town of Taos and at the Taos Ski Valley base sell daily, weekly or seasonal trail permits. In 2010, a daily biking pass cost $10, a weekly pass cost $30 and a seasonal pass cost $50. Riders must keep permits with them whenever they are on the trails, according to the Northside website. Many shops in the area also rent bikes for trail use.
Valley Road Riding
Taos Ski Valley roads offer riding options for less-experienced bikers. A five-mile loop around the area on Kachina Road takes riders to Kachina Village and then downhill back to the resort’s main base area. Taos Ski Valley does not require permits for cycling on roads.
Nearby Trails
Mountain biking trails in adjacent areas of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the nearby town of Taos offer short off-road rides or extended challenges. The Divisadero Loop Trail gives riders views of the entire valley while the Williams Lake Trail goes right to the foot of Wheeler Peak, according to the Enchanted Circle website.
Enchanted Circle Loop
The 83-mile Enchanted Circle scenic loop passes by Taos Ski Valley and takes road bikers on a tour of the area around Taos, Angle Fire and Questa. A side trip to Black Lake makes the entire ride 100 miles and has become the route of the annual Enchanted Circle Century tour in September, according to the Enchanted Circle website.
The ride from any starting point includes some climbs and steep descents with the elevation ranging from 6,848 to 9,823 feet above sea level.
Warning
The Enchanted Circle website cautions cyclists to go slowly as they descend Palo Flechado, a rough, twisting, narrow stretch of road where accidents have occurred. Cyclists should stay single file in the downhill lane and stop frequently to let traffic pass, according to the website
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