Old Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Scenic Byway via Artist Road offers a visually rewarding and physically demanding touring cycling experience, transitioning from high desert to dense pine and aspen forests. As you climb, you'll be treated to expansive views of the Rio Grande Valley and the distant Jemez Mountains, with notable overlooks like Aspen Vista providing perfect photo opportunities.

This difficult 16.1-mile (26.0 km) route involves a significant 3746 feet (1142 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Starting in downtown Santa Fe, the paved road winds its way up to Ski Santa Fe, passing through Hyde Memorial State Park where you can find restrooms and water. Cyclists should be prepared for challenging climbs, as some sections may require very good fitness.

This byway is a popular route for local touring cyclists, known for its dramatic landscape changes and the stunning fall colors when the aspen trees turn gold. It's part of the larger Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, offering a taste of the diverse terrain within the 1.6 million-acre Santa Fe National Forest.

The Old Santa Fe Trail – Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Santa Fe is a 15.6-mile (25.0 km) touring cycling route that offers a diverse ride through urban and high desert scenery. You will pedal along the paved Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail, passing through residential areas and green spaces, before encountering the more open, scrub-like terrain and gradual climbs of the Old Santa Fe Trail segment. This moderate route, with 605 feet (184 metres) of elevation gain, provides a good blend of city convenience and scenic vistas, making it a solid choice for a varied cycling experience.

Plan for a ride that takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes, suitable for touring bikes given its mostly paved surfaces. You can easily access the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail from several points, including near Villa Linda Park or the Santa Fe Place Mall. While the Arroyo de los Chamisos section is generally easy, the overall loop is rated moderate due to the hilly nature of the Old Santa Fe Trail portion, so bring good fitness and be ready for some effort.

This loop is a vital part of Santa Fe's extensive urban trail network, connecting you to other routes like the Santa Fe Rail Trail if you wish to extend your adventure. The combination of urban pathways and high desert landscapes, with views of adobe homes and the Galisteo Basin, offers a unique perspective on the Santa Fe area. Cycling on the Old Santa Fe Trail also evokes a sense of history, as it follows a route that played a crucial role in connecting cultures.

The Sierra del Norte Trailhead – Old Santa Fe loop from Santa Fe Depot offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, transitioning from urban charm to high desert and mountain foothills. You'll pedal through juniper-studded hills and piñon-juniper woodlands, with expansive views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley unfolding as you climb. The route blends paved sections with hard-packed crushed stone and gravel, providing a varied and engaging ride.

This difficult 33.9-mile (54.6 km) loop, featuring 3981 feet (1213 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, starts conveniently from the Santa Fe Depot. Given the mixed terrain, including unpaved sections of the Santa Fe Rail Trail, a gravel, hybrid, or mountain bike is highly recommended. Plan your visit to allow ample time for the significant climbing and be prepared for the high desert conditions.

What makes this route truly stand out is its challenging ascent into the foothills, rewarding you with incredible vistas and a diverse ecosystem. It connects you to the region's past by following portions of the historic Santa Fe Rail Trail, all while offering a rigorous workout directly accessible from the city center.