Starting out from Chimayó, you’ll climb up onto Borrego Mesa. Translated from Spanish, “borrego” means “lamb.” This reflects the mesa’s sheepherding and ranching past, and connection to Chimayó, where, for over four centuries, the craft of blanket-weaving intricate designs has endured. This journey into the Santa Fe National Forest alternates between open mesa highlands, tall pines, Douglas firs, and aspen forest on double-track. There are segments of rough, technical gravel. The longer distance with Borrego Mesa Campground provides an overnight option. Punctuating the return descent are fantastic views west across the valley toward the Jemez Mountains. Ripples of textured and colorful landscape along the Rio Grande Rift help visually illustrate why Santuario de Chimayó’s sacred, healing dirt has been revered by generations of New Mexicans. RIDE NOTE: The pilgrimage to Santuarió de Chimayó is special. If you have time to head down HWY 98 it’s a cool side trip.