Published May 5, 2004 12:00AM
| Week of October 29 — November 4, 1998 Adventuring outskirts of Puerto Vallarta No-frills Jamaica Mountain biking around Taos |
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Mountain biking around Taos By Amy Marr Question: I am looking for some mountain biking trails around the Taos, New Mexico area. Can you help? Thanks. Dennis Mastin Boulder, Colorado Adventure Adviser: I’d check out the epic South Boundary Trail, a 27-mile single-track splendor along the spine of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains above Taos. Once a cowpath, this revered trail is a favorite among local riders. Pick up the trail just south of the village of Angel Fire, and begin a five-mile rock climb out of the cholla cactus-studded high desert and into groves of ponderosa and aspen. En route, enjoy the vistas of nearby Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest mountain at 13, 161-feet. By the time you crest the ridge at 10,886-foot Osha Pass, Taos Valley will be a distant view to the west. After the high-altitude climb, you’re treated to a 13-mile downhill, winding through the forest and back to the desert. Since it’s a point-to-point ride, you’ll need to arrange for a shuttle to Angel Fire. Taos-based Native Sons Adventures (800-753-7559) will take care of the logistics for you — $15 per person and bike to Angel Fire, $17.50 to the top of the forest road. I’d opt for the more-expensive choice; you’ll be happy to skip the not-so-scenic, hell of a hill out of Angel Fire. For something less ambitious, head into the surrounding Carson National Forest, which is laced with trails and forest roads well-suited for fat tires. Native Sons can offer advice on picking a ride right for you. |