The Pagosa area contains a wide variety of biking opportunities on paved roads, forest service roads or singletrack, with a variety of routes and terrain.  With virtually endless miles of national forest,  Pagosa Springs an ideal biking destination for riders of all skill levels.  Click here for area mountain bike trails.

There are multiple local businesses that provide mountain bike rentals and guided tours.  Stop by one of our area bike shops to obtain detailed route or trail information, or pick  a copy of the area "Ride Guide".   

Mountain Bike Rentals and Guided Tours:

Area Mountain Bike Trails (back to top)

For more information on the mountain bike trails listed below, view the visitor guide online or request your FREE copy today. Before you ride, be sure to properly prepare. 

Reservoir Hill Mountain Park

A map of Reservoir Hill Mountain Park is available free of charge at local bike shops, courtesy of the Pagosa Springs Recreation Department. 

Class: Beginner to Advanced

Mileage: 1.4 to 4 miles

Route: Out and back, or loop

Trails: Dirt, single and double track

Elevation range: 7,280 to 8,000

Maps: Available at each trailhead, at local bike shops and the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

Trailheads — Two trailheads access Reservoir Hill: Spa (above the Spa Motel on Hot Springs Boulevard) and San Juan (behind the San Juan Motel, on U.S. 160). Both trailheads have maps and suggested rides. Reservoir Hill trails are color-coded for your convenience: green is easy; blue is intermediate; red is advanced.

Class: Intermediate; long mileage with one steep four-mile hill

Mileage: 14.4 miles

Route: Out and back

Trails: Graded and primitive roads

Elevation Range: 7,200 to 8,040

Maps: San Juan National Forest, Serviceberry Mountain Quad

Comments: Eightmile Mesa provides an interesting contrast to other rides surrounding Pagosa Springs. After a somewhat steep and relentless two-mile climb, you reach the top of the mesa, after which your route becomes a pleasant, rolling journey through pine/oak woodlands interspersed with grassy meadows.

Getting there: From the junction of U.S. 160 and U.S. 84 at the east end of town, drive five miles south on U.S. 84 to Eightmile Mesa Road, identified by a Forest Service sign on the right. Travel up Eightmile Mesa Road a little over a mile, passing the entrance to the Loma Linda subdivision, then reaching the Forest Service gate. Park here.

Snowball Road & Jackson Mountain Loop

Class: Beginning skills with intermediate fitness level, two river crossings

Mileage: 22 miles

Route: Loop or Shuttle

Trails: Graveled county road, dirt road, double track dirt trail, highway with good shoulders

Elevation Range: 7,200 to 8,200

Maps: San Juan National Forest, Jackson Mountain Quad

Comments: Taking the entire loop from town is a great workout, however, with shuttles the ride can be divided up so one skips the highway or county road portion. There are about three gates on this ride. Remember to leave them either open or closed as you found them. This ride has two river crossings, which are fun and wet. Obviously, take precautions here in the spring or early summer when the water level is up.

Getting there: The loop starts and ends in downtown Pagosa Springs.

Class: Beginner to intermediate

Mileage: 14.1 miles

Route: Loop

Trails: Graded and primitive roads, double and singletrack

Elevation Range: 7,600 to 8,100

Maps: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Pagosa Springs-Bayfield No. 145.

Comments: The Turkey Springs Double Loop is a locals’ favorite. Following a “figure eight” configuration with joined north and south loops, the route rolls through gentle terrain at midlevel altitudes. Riding surfaces vary from graveled roads to singletrack. Much of the time is spent on primitive, unmaintained roads, while passing through pine/oak forests and meadows dotted with stands of aspen.

Getting there: From the junction of U.S. 160 with Piedra Road, go north on Piedra Road for 6.4 miles. Turn left on the graded Turkey Springs Road (Forest Road 629), which intersects Piedra Road shortly after you pass over a cattleguard. Drive 1.2 miles on Forest Road 629 to Newt Jack Road (Forest Road 923) on your left. Park here and start your ride.

Left Hand Canyon to the Rito Blanco

Class: Intermediate

Mileage: 18 miles

Route: Out and back

Trails: Graded and primitive roads, ATV trail

Elevation Range: 7,400 to 8,400

Maps: National Geographic Trails Illustrated South San Juan-Del Norte No. 142.

Comments: Beginning in the pine/oak valleys of Blanco Basin, this route climbs steadily into aspen-fir forest along Porcupine road, ending at the tumbling Rito Blanco Creek. The first half of the ride travels along a mostly smooth, unmaintained primitive dirt road. At the end of this road, a steep and somewhat rocky ATV trail leads you to the top of Lefthand Canyon and onto the graded, maintained Porcupine Creek Road. From here, a moderate climb and descent ends at the Rito Blanco Creek, an excellent spot for a picnic lunch. Your return will be rewarded with an exhilarating descent back to the trailhead. (Note: This trip can be done as a one-way, mostly downhill shuttle).

Getting there: From the junction of U.S. 160 and U.S. 84, drive south on U.S. 84 for 8.2 miles to Blanco Basin Road, on your left. Drive 3.3 miles up Blanco Basin Road to its junction with Lefthand Canyon Road (Forest Road 011), on your left. Park and start your ride here.

Continental Divide Trail Alberta Peak Loop

Class: Difficult

Mileage: 8.6 miles

Route: Loop

Trails: Singletrack, dirt road, pavement

Elevation Range: 10,800 to 12,000

Maps: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Weminuche Wilderness No. 140

Comments: Following the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) south from Wolf Creek Pass as it circles behind the ski area and around the south face of Alberta Peak, this route has it all: smooth technical single track, challenging ascents and descents, and “top of the world” riding as one emerges from the subalpine forest into the alpine meadows and talus slopes surrounding Alberta Peak. This is a memorable ride for experienced mountain bikers.

Getting there: From the junction of U.S. 160 and U.S. 84, drive north on U.S. 160 for 22 miles to Wolf Creek Pass. Park in the large parking area on the south side of the highway. The ride starts behind the kiosk on the Continental Divide Trail.

Class: Beginner/ Intermediate

Mileage: 10 miles

Drive 23 miles north on Piedra Road. At Sportsman’s Supply & Campground on Piedra Road (County Road 600) head to the East Fork of the Piedra River near Piedra Falls. The first three miles is gravel road, and the rest is dirt that is extremely slick when wet. The route goes through dense stands of timber and along the Middle Fork of the Piedra River. It is fairly flat with a few slight uphill grades.

1. Wear a helmet.

2. Mountain weather changes rapidly — wear or bring clothing for capricious weather conditions.

3. Bring plenty of water.

4. Carry bike repair tools, including: a spare tire, tire pump and tube patch kit.

5. Ride in control.

6. Always tell someone where you are going, and ride with a friend.

7. A few of the trails are hours away from outside help — plan accordingly.

8. Plan to return to your car before dark.

9. Remember to stay off private land and out of wilderness areas.

10. Wear blaze orange in the fall during hunting season.

11. Yield to horses. They are easily spooked.

Content courtesy of the Pagosa Sun.  For additional information on area biking options, visit www.explorepagosa.com.

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The New Official Visitor Guide has arrived! Over 150 pages full of lodging, food and shopping information, along with area activities,events and everything you need to know to plan your next vacation to Pagosa Springs.  Request your FREE copy today or view the guide online!