If you are looking for sweet singletrack, this isnít it. This trail is for people who like to do cross-country rides on less worn trails ñ it is really more of a hiking trail, with tread that sometimes disappears, and, except for the ATV or road sections, would never be mistaken for ìbuffî. There are lots of steep climbs that are rewarded with just as steep descents that, in my opinion, too often donít offer enough fun to compensate you for the hard earned altitude.
The trail works its way south along the ridge that borders the western edge of the Moreno Valley and ends at the Jaracita Trail (153) just south of the South Boundary Trail (164). If you ride this trail be careful when crossing the passes ñ you may find yourself going the wrong way. At Apache Pass, go to the very top of the saddle, cross under the power lines and follow the road south into the woods for about a hundred yards. As the road veers to the right look uphill to the left; you should see some rock cairns and a faint singletrack traversing up the steep hillside. At Osha Pass, just prior to where the road enters the woods, on the west (right) side there should be a trail marker and faint singletrack going into the forest. The section between Little Garcia Park and the South Boundary Trail also can be confusing with lots of different trails branching off; just try to stay due south on the east side of the ridge and look for rock cairns, signs with ì1î on them, or bike tracks, and you should be OK.
Beautiful, peaceful subalpine ponderosa forests. Tranquil meadows filled with butterflies.
But precious little singletrack. The vast majority of the area is doubletrack, and not very interesting doubletrack at that. Most of it is a loose-rock, powdery mess. Brutal climbs without reward. Compared to most trails in the area, this one was a disappointment.
| ThankStarted at official TH off Hwy. 64 and rode the loop clockwise. Good cross country ride with DH near end of loop. Several social/game trails branch off this trail all over. This trail is nothing spectacular but a good warmup for other Taos rides.
| Thank