The best traffic-free bike rides in Valles Caldera National Preserve

Komoot features 4 dedicated no traffic gravel bike trails in Valles Caldera National Preserve. These routes offer a unique opportunity to explore the expansive caldera floor and forested volcanic domes without vehicle interference.

You'll encounter a diverse landscape, from expansive valley meadows (valles) and meandering streams to forested volcanic domes. While many routes offer scenic and accessible rides, some sections can be rough, requiring wider tires (2" or more) or even a mountain bike for more primitive doubletrack paths and rocky obsidian sections. The preserve is at a high elevation, ranging from 8,000 to 11,254 feet, so expect significant climbs on some routes.

While many routes in the preserve are rated moderate to difficult due to elevation gain and terrain, there is one moderate route available: the View of Redondo Peak – Cerro Piñon loop from Valles Caldera supervolcano. This 35.8 km route offers a good introduction to the preserve's gravel riding, with less extreme elevation changes than some of the more challenging options.

The preserve offers stunning natural beauty. You can ride through vast grassland meadows, past forested volcanic domes, and alongside meandering valley streams like the San Antonio Stream. Keep an eye out for patches of ancient Ponderosa pines. Notable viewpoints include View of Redondo Peak and Valle Grande - crater view east, offering panoramic vistas of the caldera. You might also spot the Prairie Dog Colony on Cerro La Jara Trail.

Absolutely! Valles Caldera is renowned for its abundant wildlife. It's home to the second largest elk population in New Mexico, and you might also spot wild turkeys, prairie dogs, black bears, coyotes, and golden eagles. Cyclists frequently report encountering more elk than people, especially in the backcountry, making for a truly immersive nature experience.

The best time to visit for gravel biking is typically from late spring through early fall. The preserve's high elevation means that winter brings snow and ice, making many routes treacherous or impassable, though some backcountry routes are open to cyclists in winter. Always check current conditions, as weather can change rapidly at high altitudes.

Yes, Valles Caldera offers several challenging routes. For instance, the Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Cerro la Jara is a difficult 42.9 km route with over 860 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Gravel loop from La Cueva, covering 47.2 km with nearly 800 meters of climbing. These routes provide significant physical challenges and rewarding views.

Yes, all the no traffic gravel bike routes listed in this guide are circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of Redondo Peak loop from Valles Caldera supervolcano and the Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Cerro la Jara.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the expansive, traffic-free gravel roads, the stunning volcanic landscapes, and the incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially the large elk population. The feeling of riding within an ancient supervolcano is a unique draw.

Given the varied terrain, it's advisable to use a gravel bike with wider tires (2" or more) for comfort and traction, especially on rougher sections or primitive doubletrack paths. Some areas might even be better suited for a mountain bike. Always carry plenty of water, as the high altitude and exposure can lead to dehydration, and be prepared for rapid weather changes.

Valles Caldera National Preserve is primarily accessed by personal vehicle. Public transport options directly to the preserve are very limited or non-existent. Planning for vehicle transport to and from the preserve is essential for your gravel biking trip.

Beyond the main routes, the preserve is full of scenic spots. The Coyote Call Trail is a notable segment, and the views from the caldera floor looking up at the forested volcanic domes are consistently breathtaking. The 'sea of grass' in the expansive meadows, especially with the San Antonio Stream winding through, provides iconic Valles Caldera scenery.