Otero Canyon: from North to Kirtland Air Force Base in the South – Mountain Bike Trail

The Otero Canyon trail is a fantastic out-and-back trail for all biking skill levels. The loop trail is well-signed, and thus easy to follow. It is partly shaded and great in either direction. The trail features a smooth section, rock gardens, and a technical steep pitch near the canyon bottom. Its features are ideal for intermediate bikers. A biking novice would have a hard time navigating the difficult steep pitch that falls onto and out of the canyon bottom.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The Otero Canyon trail runs from north to south with the trailhead at the north end and the Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) far south. It is a system of trails including Blue Ribbon trail, Gnasty trail and West ridge trail.

From the trailhead, you can choose either of the three directions;

• Otero Canyon which is up the main draw.
• The ridge on your left.
• Tunnel Canyon which is on the right turn of the main draw.

If you ride the entire route, be careful not to cross the federal property. The trail’s first section is smooth and fast. You will encounter some rock gardens with a lot of loose rocks because heavy mountain bike use has left deep ruts on the trail. The most technical bit of the trail is a steep pitch right before it drops into and out of the Canyon bottom. The bottom of the Canyon has a natural shelf and old dam. The trail’s very bottom has easily flowing turns that work back and forth across the canyon, followed by a rocky, twisty section that leads back to the trailhead.

Further, the trail has many improvised trails that branch off without signs. We recommend staying on the paths that indicate the heaviest use to avoid getting lost.

Additional Trail Features

The only interesting features on the Otero Canyon trail are the natural shelf and the old dam at the Canyon’s bottom. You will also come by the well-signed KAFB land. Be careful not to cross it.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

As you ride east of the trail, you will get great views of the area. The Gnasty trail on the loop has the best views. The trees provide a natural, serene environment even though some of them won’t provide you with shade. You will see various bird species and squirrels scurrying off.

Recommendations

• Heed the Airforce property warning signs and keep off the land.
• The trail has lots of loose rock because of heavy mountain bike use.
• The trail is partly shaded, therefore, carry sunscreen and plenty of drinking water if you intend to ride in the summer heat.
• Beware of other mountain bikers on the route.
• Check the weather before going up for a ride, especially in late summer. A monsoon storm may catch you unawares.
• The trail may be closed during summer because of fire danger. You can check with the ranger station before planning a ride.
• During winter, the ridges will melt out sooner than the canyon because they get more sun exposure.