This route encompasses some of the best climbs in the Santa Fe area of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Oh yeah, the descents are great fun too. The area is a nicely forested, classic Santa Fe chunk route with lung-busting climbs and ripping descents.
The Ride
- XC/Trail
- Moderate to expert difficulty, good fitness recommended
- Best May-October (depending on snow conditions)
- Access from Hyde Park Road at the Nun’s Corner
- Total climb: 2,750′ , Total descent: 2,750′
- Total Mileage: 13 miles
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
We recommend parking at the bottom of ‘Nun’s Corner’ on Hyde Park road. It’s the only downhill section of the road heading up to the ski basin, so it’s hard to miss. There’s parking on the shoulder of both sides of the road.
Your climb starts on pavement until you reach the Chamisa Trailhead on your left. Enjoy the climb up Chamisa, as it gets your heart pumping fast right out the gate. At the top of the ridge, you’ll go down the other side of Chamisa, blasting a ripping descent to the Winsor trail.
Climb the moderate section of the Winsor and pass Bear Wallow Trail (you’ll come down this) and continue to Borrego Trail. Hang a right and proceed to climb until you reach the intersection of Bear Wallow.
Have fun descending Bear Wallow back to the Winsor, head back up the backside of Chamisa, but now hang a right and continue along the steep and technical Saddleback Trail. Saddleback undulates with ups and down and follows a ridgeline with awesome views of town. The descent will keep you on your toes.
Hook up to the Juan trail and follow downhill through the chunk and keep staying left until you find the creek and pedal back to your car.
