Iconic Cabezon Peak Loop

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Sandoval County, NM, US

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Sandra Corso

Adventure Guide & Backcountry Gypsy

36 km

382 m

Classic gravel ride around the Iconic Cabezon Peak and a short section of the famous Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

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This is a 22 mile route that circumnavigates @photo[Cabezon Peak](16389900) (big head in Spanish), 7,785 feet tall (2,373 meters). This ancient solidified volcanic neck is located in the Cabezon Wilderness Study Area and the Rio Puerco Valley.  This is a classic local and easy 100% gravel ride on BLM and State Trust Land roads. Best time of the year to enjoy this ride and the stunning views of this geologic feature is Spring and Fall.

# Route

##  Directions and where to park:

Drive 41mi NW on Hwy 550 from Downtown Bernalillo to Hwy 279 turn off.  Drive West on Hwy 279 for 10 miles. Park your vehicle on the SW side of @poi[Hwy 279](135137873)  and Pipeline Road intersection.

##  Getting on the route
Go back to @poi[Hway 279 ](135137873)and ride West for 2.4 mi on a wide and well packed dirt road. You are riding on a short section of the famous @slice[Great Divide Mountain Bike Route](d,60.5,3898.9).
Once you take a left on BLM 1114 you will be riding narrower 100% packed dirt & gravel with a few sandy spots, which can be impassable after heavy precipitation.

##  Points of interest and highlights

* Ride a section of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route 
* Cabezon Wilderness Study @poi[Trail head and parking area](135250247). Park here if you would like to hike to the summit of Cabezon.
* @poi[Highest point](135250248) of the route with amazing views

##  Short Route description, climbs / descents
This route is on easy rolling terrain except for a couple of uphills:
* If riding clockwise expect 4 miles of 5.5% grade uphill to reach the highest point of the route (6,562'). Enjoy the 4.5mi long downhill towards the bottom of the Rio Puerco Valley.
* If riding counter clockwise, the only significant uphill is when you leave the bottom of the valley at mile 9.5. Ride 5 mi of a moderate uphill section to reach the ridge and eventually the highest point of the route.
# 
##  Be Prepared
Be sure to download the route to your device ahead of time since Internet service is intermittent. The route is straightforward but be aware of a few side roads.

Any precipitation for the past day or two will turn the route into "peanut butter" mud. In other words, certain sections of this route will become impassable if it rains or snows. Plan accordingly. 
Please practice Leave No Trace. Pack it in and Pack it out.

# Notes

* Open all year round. No fees. Spring and Fall are the best time to ride. Avoid riding this route in the summer. Temps can be over 100 degrees F in the valley.
* There are a number of other looped routes in the area such as the Ojito Wilderness Loop. Riders can extend the route to White Cliffs area.
* Be sure to bring plenty of water, a warm layer since it can be very windy in this area, and lots of sun protection.
* Intermediate fitness level would be sufficient to enjoy this ride
* This bike loop is located in a remote area, therefore there are no grocery stores near by. Bring plenty of water! The nearest hospital is located in Bernalillo.

Iconic Cabezon Peak Loop

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