The best MTB trails in Pecos Wilderness

15% blue, 85% green

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

The Winsor Trail is a 6.1-mile singletrack primarily used for downhill mountain biking, hiking, and trail running that begins near the Santa Fe Ski Area. The entire trail features a 2,513 ft descent with an average -7.2% grade, making it a challenging black diamond trail that is popular for both shuttled descents and the occasional out-and-back ride. This particular section of the trail from the Aspen Peak to FR 102 is a very, very popular section with downhill riders, bikers coming back uphill from completing the Upper Rio en Medio Trail, for example, and hikers, so please be cautious and courteous, especially on blind corners.

The Upper Rio en Medio Trail is a popular, challenging 1.9-mile trail located near Santa Fe, New Mexico. It features a mix of steep grades, tight switchbacks, rock gardens, creek crossings, and scenic waterfalls, making it ideal for experienced mountain bikers seeking a backcountry adventure. This downhill-only trail begins near the Santa Fe Ski Area, following the river with a tough initial section before transitioning into smoother, faster segments. As you draw closer to Aspen Ranch, there are several alternative paths you can take if you want to change things up. At Aspen Ranch you have a few options: you can continue down the Lower Rio en Medio trail for a truly epic backcountry experience that takes you all the way down to the base of the mountains (shuttling cars is a must, unless you want an even more epic day), or, if you haven't shuttled a car to Aspen Ranch), you can turn back uphill to Ski Santa Fe on the Aspen Ranch Road (Forest Road 412), which you can connect to Pacheco Canyon (Forest Road 102) and either back up to the paved road or to the Winsor Trail. Although riding on trails is usually preferable, the Winsor Trail is usually ridden as a downhill trail and is very popular with hikers, making it for a sometimes trying uphill experience. Regardless of what you do at the end of the Upper Rio en Medio Trail, it's a truly fabulous section of backcountry downhill riding in the mountains above Santa Fe.

Alamos Vista is a fantastic trail on Tesuque Peak. You can ride it uphill or downhill, although downhill is recommended; riding up Aspen Vista and down Alamos Vista is a fantastic loop. Alamos Vista is steep and technical but not crazily so. The trail features tight, twisty turns through an aspen stand, making for a fantastic, scenic ride. Hikers also frequent this trail, so it's essential to stay alert and be courteous. The trail begins at the top of the Quad chairlift, intersecting with Gayway, and descends to the Aspen Vista trailhead and parking area.

Aspen Vista is a classic Santa Fe mountain bike trail, renowned for its stunning scenery. Although it is not a technical trail, this dirt forest road is steep, can be loose, and the elevation gain makes it quite challenging. As you climb 6 miles to the top of Ski Santa Fe, you get breathtaking views along the way over the mountains through the aspens. At the top, you can either turn around or opt for a thrilling descent down Alamos Vista—a steep, loose, and technical trail where a full-suspension bike is essential, or you can turn around and ride down the way you came.

At 12,047 feet, Tesuque Peak is one of the tallest mountains in the Sangre de Cristo Range in New Mexico. The peak reaches above treeline, and you get to share the summit with some radio and cell towers.

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.