Galisteo Basin Fun Loops

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Santa Fe County, NM, US

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Route Overview

Sandra Corso

Adventure Guide & Backcountry Gypsy

18 mi.

1,439 ft.

Enjoy 45 miles of well maintained bike routes within the Galisteo Basin Preserve.

Send to Device Advanced Export View Standard Route (with cuesheet)

Route Details

There are 45 miles of well maintained bike routes which are mostly composed of fine gravel, sand, chunky rock and large size  blocky sandstones. You will encounter some moderate to steep climbs but a lot of the routes are fun and mellow down/up hills. Parking is free at any of the Trailheads. And the best time of the year to ride at the Preserve is Spring or Fall. Summers can be hot. So Be sure to start your ride early.

# Route

* For this particular route park at Cowboy Shack @poi[trailhead](133390905).
* This is a double loop route. Both loops begin at Cowboy Shack TH, heading South around Cottonwood Trailhead and back North thru the beautiful and sometimes challenging Elizas Ridge trail
* Be sure to check out @photo[Mao's Milestone](12367576) and   @photo[Happy Valley Overlook](12367559), enjoy the nicely hand carved meditation seat
* From the highest point of the route, @photo[Elizas Ridge](12367572) you are able to see the Ortiz Mountains to the southwest, the Cerrillos Hills to the west, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the northeast, and the Jemez Mountains to the northwest
* At @poi[Spur Trail](133390903) You can link your ride to the classic Rail Trail that takes you to Downtown Santa Fe (approximately 10.5 mi)
* A few of the climbs can be punchy, rocky and/or sandy.
* Be aware of other riders at route intersections. Be cautious when crosing sandy arroyos (dry creeks).

#
# Notes

* Open all year round. Can be hot in the summer
* There is a large amount of loops in the Preserve, and with route maps at most intersections
* Reccomended wear: warm layers in the winter a light sun shirt in the summer
* Refer to Trailforks to chose the appropriate level of route difficulty: [(http://www.trailforks.com/region/galisteo-basin-preserve/)](http://www.trailforks.com/region/galisteo-basin-preserve/)
* There is no access to water or food and cell service is intermittent.
* Please remember the Preserve is part of a fragile landscape: Stay on marked trails and roads, park only in designated areas, and carry out everything you carry in (plus dog poop). Bring plenty of water and sunblock.

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Galisteo Basin Fun Loops

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