The best road cycling routes around La Cienega
4.7
(3)
112
riders
14
rides
Road cycling routes around La Cienega traverse the high desert landscape of New Mexico, characterized by rolling terrain and views of distant mountain ranges. The region features a mix of open roads, historic areas, and scenic routes that connect cultural landmarks. Elevations vary, offering diverse challenges for road cyclists.
Best road cycling routes around La Cienega
- The most popular road cycling route is New Mexico Museum of Art – Palace of the Governors loop from Santa Fe County/NM 599,…
Last updated: July 22, 2026
4.7
(3)
15
riders
45.5km
01:56
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Sign up for free
16
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
60.6km
02:46
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around La Cienega
Tips from the Community
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.
0
0
The Basilica was built in the late 1800s by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, 26 years before New Mexico even became a U.S. state. However the site is much older than that, as the current structure is built on the foundations of earlier churches dating all the way back to 1626.
1
0
Las Campanas is a community centered around a golf course, but the roads around it have been calling to cyclists since they were built. As such, this is a popular destination for road rides and the views around the loop are great.
0
0
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.
0
0
Arroyo De Los Chamisos Trail is a 3-mile paved trail in the Santa Fe urban trail system. The trail runs through a mix of urban and residential spaces, so there are plenty of options for amenities along the path.
0
0
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.
0
0
Arroyo De Los Chamisos Trail is a 3-mile paved trail in the Santa Fe urban trail system. The trail runs through a mix of urban and residential spaces, so there are plenty of options for amenities along the path.
0
0
This small waterfall near Frenchy’s Field Park is a picturesque spot to pause as you walk along the river.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around La Cienega?
There are 10 road cycling routes available around La Cienega on komoot, offering a variety of experiences through the high desert landscape of New Mexico.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near La Cienega?
Road cycling routes around La Cienega feature a high desert landscape with rolling terrain and views of distant mountain ranges. You'll find a mix of open roads and scenic routes connecting cultural landmarks, with elevations varying to offer diverse challenges.
Are there any easy road cycling routes for beginners or families?
Yes, several routes are suitable for easy ability levels. For example, the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Agua Fria is an easy 11.8-mile (19 km) ride. Another great option is the Old Town Santa Fe – Palace of the Governors loop from Capital High School, which is 19.7 miles (31.7 km) and leads through historic areas.
What are some scenic viewpoints or landmarks to look out for on these routes?
The routes offer scenic views of the surrounding high desert and distant mountains. Many routes connect cultural and historic landmarks, such as the New Mexico Museum of Art – Palace of the Governors loop from Santa Fe County/NM 599, which takes you past significant cultural sites.
Are there any circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the routes around La Cienega are designed as loops. Popular options include the Las Campanas loop from Capital High School, the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Agua Fria, and the Las Campanas – Frenchy's Field Park loop from Agua Fria.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in La Cienega?
The road cycling routes in La Cienega are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique high desert scenery, the varied terrain, and the opportunity to connect with historic and cultural landmarks.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in La Cienega?
Given the high desert climate of New Mexico, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for road cycling. Summers can be hot, and winters can bring cold weather, so checking local weather conditions before your ride is always recommended.
Are there any longer distance road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, the New Mexico Museum of Art – Palace of the Governors loop from Santa Fe County/NM 599 is a substantial 58.0-mile (93.4 km) route that offers varied terrain and takes approximately 4 hours 36 minutes to complete.
Where can I find parking or trailheads for these road cycling routes?
Many routes start from accessible points like Capital High School or areas near Santa Fe County/NM 599. Specific parking information can often be found in the detailed route descriptions on komoot for each individual tour.
Are there any routes that offer views of the 'Sky Islands' mentioned in the region's research?
While the primary focus of the La Cienega guide is on New Mexico's high desert, the broader region's research mentions 'Sky Islands' in Arizona. The road cycling routes in this guide will primarily offer views of the distant mountain ranges characteristic of the New Mexico landscape, rather than the specific 'Sky Islands' of Arizona.
What is the difficulty level of the road cycling routes in La Cienega?
The road cycling routes around La Cienega are categorized as either easy or moderate. There are no routes currently listed as difficult, making the area accessible for a wide range of cyclists.
Can I find routes that pass through historic areas?
Absolutely. Several routes are designed to take you through historic areas. A notable example is the Old Town Santa Fe – Palace of the Governors loop from Capital High School, which guides you through culturally rich parts of the region.
Most popular routes around La Cienega
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
