Paseo del Bosque – Road Bike Trail

17.7 mi
Distance
68 ft
Elevation gain
Easy
Level
Point to point
Route type
0/5
Rating
#2309 place in the world
#5 place in the region
17.7 mi
Distance
68 ft
Elevation gain
Easy
Level
Point to point
Route type
0/5
Rating
#2309 place in the world
#5 place in the region

The Paseo del Bosque Bike Trail is the place to be for an early morning or after-work ride. The point-to-point trail offers fantastic views and a serene environment ideal for a quiet getaway from the city. Generally, the trail is easy and can be done by anyone who can ride a bike. We recommend it for beginners who want to get used to their bikes or advanced riders looking to knock off the cobwebs.

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 Paseo del Bosque Bike Trail is a popular bike trail in Southwestern U.S. It is pronounced Boss-key and is popular because of the annual Albuquerque international balloon Fiesta that happens every October. The festival happens during the fall. Riding during this season is such a treat as the weather is much cooler and you can enjoy an attractive sight of colorful balloons.

The majority of the trail is super-easy to navigate because it is flat. The only non-flat sections on the trail are under the pesky bridges that pass over it. Beginners with less cycling experience can ace it. You can access the trail from any of the six entry points at the large paved parking lot at the trail’s north end. About a quarter mile into the trail, you will come by a steep bluff and pass several walking trails and river flood areas.

You will fall onto a singletrack winding through Bosque and trees. After three quarters of a mile dropping in, you will be back on the main trail, but you can explore the other singletrack trails hugging the cliffs. The main trail is smoothly paved asphalt and is about 6 feet wide with rails on the bridges. A painted dividing line and metal bollards at street crossings make the trail appear smaller.

Additional Trail Features

  • The trail has bathrooms at the north end.
  • The route has picnic benches and tables for resting.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

The Paseo del Bosque Bike Trail is rated the best urban trail in the U.S. because it has so much to offer in terms of scenery. It runs along the Rio Grande for about 16 miles and through the Rio Grande Conservation Center which allows you to see parts of the river. The trail also offers access to the Zoo and Albuquerque Bio Park which are the city’s favorite attraction sights.

You can stop at the Zoo and Bio Park to see various wildlife animals and plant species. You can still see a few animals like coyotes, deer, and road runners without visiting the zoo.

Recommendations

  • The river flood area on the trail gets wet and slippery when it rains. Check the weather forecast before hitting the trail in the rainy season.
  • Go for morning rides in the fall to see colorful and beautiful balloons from the international balloon fiesta.
  • As it is right in the heart of Albuquerque, the trail gets crowded on weekends when the weather is nice
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