South Boundary Trail { 9 images } Created 2 Jul 2014
#8 South Boundary Trail
For my #8 pick for the most scenic rides in the western US I chose the South Boundary Trail near Taos, NM. I’ve only done this ride once and although it does not get the press that other more well known mountain biking meccas receive, I think it deserves to be considered as one of the best in the US. We did it as a shuttle ride a few years ago and paid the local bike shop to take us out to the start and left our vehicle at the end. I am not sure this service is still provided but if not you may want to look into making your own shuttle because it would be an all day suffer fest to do it as an out and back. During the first 5 miles you climb about 1,400 ft but the grade is very reasonable. After the initial climb you crest at around 10,500 ft and then drop close to 4,700 ft over the next 20 miles with only about 400 ft of additional climbing along the way. The last 5 miles are steep and a little more technical but still very enjoyable. Along the trail you will go through beautiful alpine meadows, ponderosa pines, and some of the most beautiful aspen groves in New Mexico. If you ever get to the Taos area I would highly recommend figuring out a way to do this ride….you won’t be disappointed.
For my #8 pick for the most scenic rides in the western US I chose the South Boundary Trail near Taos, NM. I’ve only done this ride once and although it does not get the press that other more well known mountain biking meccas receive, I think it deserves to be considered as one of the best in the US. We did it as a shuttle ride a few years ago and paid the local bike shop to take us out to the start and left our vehicle at the end. I am not sure this service is still provided but if not you may want to look into making your own shuttle because it would be an all day suffer fest to do it as an out and back. During the first 5 miles you climb about 1,400 ft but the grade is very reasonable. After the initial climb you crest at around 10,500 ft and then drop close to 4,700 ft over the next 20 miles with only about 400 ft of additional climbing along the way. The last 5 miles are steep and a little more technical but still very enjoyable. Along the trail you will go through beautiful alpine meadows, ponderosa pines, and some of the most beautiful aspen groves in New Mexico. If you ever get to the Taos area I would highly recommend figuring out a way to do this ride….you won’t be disappointed.
