Tight singletrack riding through several arroyos in the piñon-covered foothills just east of downtown Taos. The good folks at Gearing Up Bike Shop recommended this ride to me, and what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be. Sherry and Rey, the owners of Gearing Up, were more than happy to give me information and directions to rides and any other information I needed while in the Taos area. Local bike shops are really at the heart of the biking scene and deserve your support. Gearing Up Bike Shop is conveniently located just off the Plaza in downtown Taos, so if you are in the area and need any supplies, stop by and say hi to these fine folks. Your ride takes in a combination of dirt roads, a short section of paved roads, and 6 miles of wonderful, tight singletrack in the piñon-studded foothills just outside town.The singletrack section is way too much fun as it takes a wandering line in and out of several arroyos on its way out to Talpa Reservoir. The Talpa Trail was first used by horseback riders and is still a popular trail with riders. If you come in contact with horseback riders, slow down, let them pass by, and show common courtesy.This is a great singletrack trail and the locals would like to keep it that way. Remember, stay on the singletrack and don’t cut or make any new trails.This is a fragile, high-desert environment, and any unusual impact will leave long-lasting scars. Trail surface: Paved roads, doubletrack and singletrack trails.
Mountain Biking Taos Area provided by Bob D'Antonio, "Mountain Biking Northern New Mexico," Falcon Publishing
USGS Taos County
Moderate with a few short hills and rocky sections on tight singletrack
Carson National Forest Ranger Station
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