Tunnel Canyon – Mountain Bike Trail

The Tunnel Canyon trail is one of the best long mountain biking trails in New Mexico. It is a great ride if you need an intermediate challenge. We loved how clean and well-maintained it is. The trail has a few steep climbs and rocky sections that require technical preparedness. We recommend bringing a GPS to mark the car so you don’t have a hard time tracing it when you are done riding. The trail may be confusing high up in the mountains, where it connects with the popular Otero Canyon trail as it turns into a network.

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 Tunnel Canyon trail is a popular trail among mountain bikers in New Mexico. Besides biking, it gets packed with hikers, joggers, and people into snowshoeing. April to November are the best times to bike on the trail because of the favorable weather. Moreover, it is well-shaded and will only take two and a half hours to complete.

The trail begins as a gentle climb on the Canyon’s right side with few obstacles. When you turn left, the climb becomes steeper. When you get to the highest point, the trail winds through pion trees and goes on to West Ridge junction, where it connects with the famous Otero Canyon. If you ride on to the Otero Canyon, you will first handle a series of rock steps which are on the entire descent. The first rock sets and the ones at the trail’s mid-section are the largest.

If you are new in Albuquerque and have no idea how to get to the trailhead, get on Highway 337 by turning east at the Tijeras exit. Ride straight through the intersection and past the ranger station on the left. Keep riding until you see the Tunnel Canyon signpost. The trail begins at the sign.

Additional Trail Features

You can stop by the Ranger station right before the trailhead to buy maps of the area and check if the trail is open.

You can extend your miles on the Birdhouse Ridge trail or connect to the Otero Canyon trail.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

The Tunnel Canyon trail offers unmatched serenity, solitude, and a full backcountry experience. The vantage point at Birdhouse ridge trail has stunning views of pion trees and other plant species. You may see various animals like coyotes, bears, and cougars. You can stop at any vantage point on the trail to take in the miles of green beauty.

Recommendations

• The trail may be closed during summer because of fire danger. Check the ranger station right before the trailhead first.
• The trail is a mixture of mud and dense snow slush during winter.
• Watch out for other trail users, including hikers, and families with their dogs.
• The parking lot has no trash can. Be ready to carry your trash back home.
• Watch out for cougars, bears, and other wildlife.
• If you go biking in spring or during winter, be ready for sudden weather changes. Check the weather forecast when planning your ride.
• Cell phone coverage is unreliable on the trail.