The best MTB trails around Hyde Park

Santa Fe Plaza stands as the historic and cultural heart of Santa Fe. Founded in 1610, it’s one of the oldest continuously occupied public spaces in the United States. The Plaza was originally designed as the central square for the Spanish colonial Presidio, surrounded by residences, a chapel, and the seat of government. Over the centuries it evolved — welcoming trade caravans arriving along the historic Santa Fe Trail, serving as a gathering place for Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and later American communities, hosting centuries of civic, social, and cultural life. Today, the Plaza remains a lively public square ringed by adobe-style buildings, galleries, boutiques, and museums — including the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S. The plaza is also the official starting point for the Santa Fe to Taos thru-hike.

15% blue, 85% green

15% of it is blue difficulty, 85% of it is green

Old Santa Fe is the historic downtown area. It's known for its mix of Naive Pueblo and Spanish Colonial styles of architecture and is an excellent mix of culture, history, shops, and views. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Atalaya Trail is a steep challenging trail up to Atalaya Mountain. Despite its difficulty, it's a popular challenge among local mountain bikers and a great way to get some serious exercise and some great views in close to town. It features tight turns, narrow, rocky singletrack, and steep grades, all between 7,000 and 8,000 feet! If done in the winter or early spring, there can also be ice at spots. While it can be ridden up or downhill be aware of hikers - this is a popular trail to get to the summit of the mountains.

Dale Ball Trail #2-#3 are some of the northernmost trails in the excellent Dale Ball Trails just east of Santa Fe. This section can be access via the Sierra del Norte Trailhead, or you can ride up on the other Dale Ball Trails from two other parking areas and Trailheads along Cerro Gordo Road.

Dale's Trail #24 is one of many in the extensive Dale Ball network. This super popular mountain biking area is conveniently located close to downtown Santa Fe and perfect to get in a bit of amazing single track during your lunch break or after work. This section of trail (#24) is how many access/exit this great trail system.

The Juan Trail, or Burn Trail, offers a short, steep climb to a ridgetop followed by an epic descent to the Winsor Trail making it a popular mountain biking trail. Expect loose, rocky dirt and sandy, sometimes wet stream beds. The trail has many junctions, allowing for various loops or a route east to Hyde Memorial State Park. Renowned for its fast, technical, and fun downhill sections, it’s a local favorite with amazing views. Once you reach the Winsor Trail, you can climb up to Chamisa Trail #183 and loop back on Saddleback Trail #232 or make a smaller loop via the Carol Trail.