There are countless backcountry loops possible around the Jemez Mtns. One of our first rides in the Los Alamos area was at Valles Caldera National Preserve and you can read about that here. We returned for a ride in a different area of the preserve at it too was awesome. Our loop was 28.5 miles with 3008′ of climbing.
Redondo Peak is the highest point in the preserve with a summit elevation of 11,258. Our ride went around it on almost entirely closed to cars paths. We rode mountain bikes because a lot of the trails were quite primitive and not maintained for anything. The ride starts with some mellow climbing through colorful meadows before winding up into the forest. There really is just miles and miles of nothing but quiet forest that nobody is in. Nobody.
Some of the loop was a challenge to route find because it’s backcountry and wild. That is part of the adventure and we had fun. A significant climb exists about halfway through the loop and making it harder, you pass by sulphur springs. It’s hard to be gasping for breath on a steep climb at 9500′ and be gulping in that scent!
After topping out, we started our descent only to be jolted by the screeching bugles from a giant herd of elk. Have you ever heard a pack of elk bugling? It sounds terrifying! Valles Caldera is home to New Mexico’s second largest heard of elk and they were all over that mountain. We stopped to watch the big beasts thunder through the forest and up the mountain. Miles later we could still here their calls. Cool experience.
Sunny evenings outside with the long shadows and fall colors are addictive. Really though, I find a reason to love every season. I’m just happy to be outside.
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