Exploring the Glorieta Trail System: A Must-Ride in Northern New Mexico
Welcome to Daily Spokes! Today, we’re diving into one of the best-kept secrets in Northern New Mexico: the Glorieta trail system. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat!
Getting There
Glorieta is conveniently located between Santa Fe and Pecos, making it an easy day trip for riders in the area. From Old Town Santa Fe, it took me just 20 minutes to reach the trailhead. Simply take Exit 299 off I-25, then take the first left onto State Road 50. If you’re unsure where to park, I highly recommend using apps like MTB Project or Trailforks to navigate to the best parking spots. Alternatively, you can search for High Five Eco Zip Tour on Google Maps—this will lead you to the correct parking area, where you’ll find maps and signage to guide you.
The Trail System
Glorieta offers over 20 miles of singletrack for both hikers and bikers. The best part? It’s free, and they allow e-bikes! This trail system is reminiscent of a downhill bike park, featuring a solid mix of flowy sections, technical singletrack, and some serious elevation changes. Expect to climb around 1,000 feet before enjoying a thrilling descent.
Trail Highlights
Glorieta has a variety of trails ranging from blues to black diamonds, offering something for every skill level. Some of the most popular routes include:
Snack Pack to Holy Moly – A solid ride with fun descents and great technical features.
Chips and Salsa – One of the best blue-rated loops, offering flowy sections with moderate technicality.
Bypass Options – Many of the gnarlier drops and jumps have alternative routes, so you can choose your level of adventure.
Riding Experience
On this trip, I had the chance to ride the Salsa Moraine eMTB, and wow—what a game-changer! This bike completely transformed my climbing experience. It still requires proper gearing and handling, but it made those steep sections much more manageable and fun. If you’ve been debating switching to an eMTB, I have to say: it’s worth it. Climbing no longer feels like a grind—it’s just another fun part of the ride.
Final Thoughts
Glorieta is hands down one of the best mountain biking destinations in Northern New Mexico. Whether you're on a traditional bike or an eMTB, it offers a challenging yet rewarding ride with stunning scenery and well-maintained trails. If you haven't checked it out yet, add it to your list—you won’t regret it!
If you enjoyed this review, be sure to subscribe for more bike adventures, trail insights, and gear reviews. Let us know in the comments if you’ve ridden Glorieta and what your favorite trails are!
Cheers, and happy riding!
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