Santa Fe
Urban
Cycling
Santa Fe
Tips for Urban Rides in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a very bikeable city with good weather, approachable elevation changes, and infrastructure for most parts of town. During the summer months, it’s not uncommon to see a constant stream of cyclists running errands, going to restaurants, or just out for a ride along the Santa Fe Rail Trail and Santa Fe River Trail.
Like any other city, there are roads that cyclists should avoid. These include St. Francis Drive, Cerrillos Road, Airport Road, and Rodeo Roads. It’s best to find alternatives. Downtown near the Plaza, Santa Fe is an easy city to navigate by bicycle. The slow traffic and meandering streets provide one of the best ways to enjoy the city.
Santa Fe River Trail via Frenchy's Barn Park
- 6.1 mile paved, multi-use loop trail
- Elevation gain 200 feet
- Rated easy
- All Trails commenters say the trail can be very busy, has no shade, easy access, and parking. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on leash.
Santa Fe Rail Trail
- Partially paved, 15.5 miles, point-to-point multi-use trail
- Dogs and horses are permitted
- Elevation gain 360 feet
- Rated moderate
- First 3.5 miles is asphalt and follows the route of the Rail Runner railroad line
- About 12 miles is a wide, single-track trail that follows the railroad tracks past Eldorado to Highway 285. Mountain bikes recommended.
- The MTB Project says: “A good fast training ride with very little climbing, and great for taking beginners on. There is really nothing technical on this ride, but the views can be great.”
City of Santa Fe Urban Multi-Use Trails
The City of Santa Fe offers a network of paved, nonmotorized pedestrian and bicycle trails for residents and visitors. Online resources include a free Bikeways and Trails Map, also available at most local bike shops, and a Downtown Bicycle Parking Map.