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Sandy singletrack threading around and across arroyos with tight turns.


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Map Key

6.3

Miles

10.1

KM

100%

Singletrack

6,390' 1,948 m

High

6,062' 1,848 m

Low

545' 166 m

Up

544' 166 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

A bit distant from Albuquerque, Golden Open Space is well worth the drive. Recent expansions downward from the mesa have made this an excellent MTB area with moderate grades and many tight turns. This area has a lot of equestrian traffic which makes the trails very sandy. Trails remain unnamed and are generally marked with cairns. This area is home to snakes and there are many good hiding spots for them alongside the trails.

Need to Know

Take I-40 to Highway 14 (Exit 175). Head north on Highway 14 for about 8.75 miles to La Madera Road, which is past the road to Sandia Crest (536). Head west and then north on La Madera Rd. Go about 9 miles until you see the Golden Open Space sign on the right. The pavement ends but the road is well-maintained. It is also possible to enter or leave from the north on Puertocito Rd.

The lower trails are new, narrow, and somewhat loose. Equestrian traffic can pulverize the trail surface. Be careful not to wash out on turns - you can easily go over the bank.

Description

Golden Open Space is a 1,180-acre preserve consisting of two mesas divided by a rugged and colorful arroyo complex. The dense arroyos cut through red, gray and yellow sandstone, limestone and mudstone making for great scenery.

The mesa top is smooth and flat cruising, while the lower elevations consist of many "V-turns" into small sandy arroyos.

The east trail's branches end at a major arroyo. You can ride down the arroyo from South to North (or vice versa) thus creating loops.

This is not a particularly technical area, but the sandy turns will keep you sharp and it is lot of fun to ride.

Contacts

Local Club: AMBA

Land Manager: City of Albuquerque Open Space

Shared By:

John Geronimo

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 21 votes

#1687

Overall
  3.8 from 21 votes
5 Star
19%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#40

in New Mexico

#1,687

Overall
54 Views Last Month
12,639 Since Apr 27, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Take a look at the singletrack in Golden Open Space, NM.
Mar 19, 2017 near Placitas, NM
Reaching the end of the original Golden Open Space Trail.
Apr 28, 2015 near Sandia…, NM
Riding through the cedar trees.
Apr 28, 2015 near Sandia…, NM
He's loving the tight singletrack at Golden!
Apr 2, 2017 near Sandia…, NM
Getting ready to descend back down Los Duendes. San Pedro mountain is in the background.
Sep 8, 2016 near Sandia…, NM
Dropping into the canyon takes you through beautiful red rock formations.
Sep 8, 2016 near Sandia…, NM
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 60 days ago
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