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Philadelphia, Kraut, and Littleton Canyon
These three trails all start out as old mining roads and turn into single track trails. They are all up, then down, then peak out onto Littleton Ridge. You will ride in the forest so there is always the possibility of seeing wildlife depending on the season and time of day.
- Route location: Lincoln National Forest
- Surface: packed double track
- Distance: 5 miles ( to the top and back down)
- Altitude change: 500 600 feet
- Driving time: 25 minutes from the Mechem & Sudderth intersection
- Maps: New Mexico road map or Lincoln National Forest map
- To reach: Take Hwy 48 towards Capitan, turn onto Hwy 37, and follow for approximately 2 miles to Bonito Lake turn-off. Turn left and continue until you see signs for each canyon.
Perk Canyon
This winding trail is a favorite of locals and tourists. One minute you're in town and the next, you're deep in the forest. The trail offers a variety of terrain. You will ride across a stream, through open meadows, and near a pond.
- Route location: Upper Canyon
- Surface: rocky single track
- Distance: 3 miles one way
- Difficulty: blue (intermediate)
- Altitude change: 500 feet
- Driving time: 5 minutes from Mechem & Sudderth intersection
- Maps: Ruidoso city map or obtain directions at Smokey Bear Ranger Station To reach: Take Sudderth to the traffic circle and turn right to Upper Canyon. Go approximately 1 mile to Ebarb St. (Story Book Cabin sign), turn right and go two blocks to Perk Canyon Road. Turn left and continue until the paved road dead-ends.
The Rim Trail
Located south of Ruidoso near Cloudcroft, the Rim Trail offers one of the nation's premier biking paths. The 17 mile trail features spectacular views of mountain vistas-and even White Sands. It is considered a top-10 trail in the nation.
- Route location: Sacramento Mountains
- Surface: rocky single track with some roots
- Distance: 17 miles
- Difficulty: blue (intermediate)
- Altitude change: 100-300 feet
- Driving time: approximately 1 hour from the Mechem & Sudderth intersection
- Maps: New Mexico road map or Lincoln National Forest map
- To reach: Take Hwy 48 (Sudderth) to Hwy 70 west. Go 10 miles to the Cloudcroft turn—Hwy 244. It is about 30 miles to Cloudcroft. Take Hwy 130 towards Sunspot. You will see the Rim Trail signs in a few miles.
Bonito Lake Road
Bonito Lake Road (Forest Road 107) provides easy mountain biking on paved and gravel roads. The ride takes you through the forest, around the lake, and to the wilderness trail heads. Take Hwy 37 to the turn-off to Bonito Lake Road. Follow the road up and around the lake, past Bonita Stables, and as far as the Argentina/Bonito Wilderness trail heads. Bikes are prohibited in the wilderness.
- Route location: Lincoln National Forest
- Surface: asphalt and gravel forest road that varies between smooth and mildly rocky
- Distance: 20 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: green (easy)
- Altitude change: 900 feet of rolling climb
- Driving time: 20 minutes from the Mechem & Sudderth intersection
- Maps: New Mexico road map
- To reach: Take Hwy 48 towards Capitan, turn onto Hwy 37, take Bonito Lake Road
Sawmill Canyon
This trail is easy to access in Ruidoso. It is approximately 1.5 miles south of the intersection of Carrizo Canyon Road and Sudderth Drive. Turn right just north of Rainbow Lakes RV Park. The road is rough and not maintained.
- Route location: Carrizo Canyon Road
- Surface: gravel and dirt
- Distance: approximately 2 miles
- Difficulty: blue (intermediate)
Lincoln County Tour Company
1009 Mechem Unit #2 , Suite 4. Offers tours of Lincoln County featuring mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, museum/gallery, taste of New Mexico, and custom tours. (505)257-6069-
Mountain Bike Rentals
2316 1/2 Sudderth Drive in Midtown. Offers mountain bikes, outdoor gear, winter wear, and imports. All bike rentals include helmet, tool kit, and map. Reservations are suggested. (505)257-0120
For more information call:
The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce
1(877)-RUIDOSO (784-3676)
Or email info@ruidoso.com
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