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Grindstone Lake Trail Extended

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (32)
  1. Areas
  2. NM
  3. …Southwestern New Mexico
  4. …Ruidoso
  5. Grindstone Lake
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“The most extended loop around Grindstone Lake. ”

Tobias Mueller
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Map Key

11.7

Miles

18.9

KM

95%

Singletrack

7,899' 2,408 m

High

6,918' 2,109 m

Low

1,158' 353 m

Up

1,163' 355 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

Starting at the parking grounds, head onto Grindstone Lake Trail (counterclockwise). After 2,5 kilometers, turn onto the Alfred Hale Connector up to the top, before rejoining the Grindstone Mesa Loop trail (also counterclockwise), flowing into the Grindstone Ridge Connector.

At the branch following Grindstone Ridge Connector, turn right down the final section of the Grindstone Lake Trail that winds down to the Grindstone Lake Trail. The last few hundred meters is the Fisherman's Trail back up to the parking ground.

Need to Know

You'll need an advance parking reservation from the Ruidoso Parks & Rec department website to park at Grindstone Lake on weekends during the summer. $10/day (2021). Ruidoso, Lincoln County, and New Mexico residents can purchase annual passes for $10/20/30 (2021).

Description

Except for the last few hundred meters, it is a complete singletrack loop that contains nearly everything: smooth and rough passages, rocks, plant roots, steep turns, flowing curves, lighter and heavy uphill, fast downhill sections and a few little bumps. What I like the most is that the whole loop is rideable - you'll never have to push your bike.

Contacts

Local Club: Bicycle Ruidoso

Land Manager: USFS - Lincoln National Forest Office

Shared By:

Tobias Mueller with improvements by Lost Justpastnowhere
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 32 votes

#1

in Grindstone Lake

#551

Overall
  4.5 from 32 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Grindstone Lake

#11

in New Mexico

#551

Overall
27 Views Last Month
5,916 Since Mar 19, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
4%
81%
4%
12%
0%
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Photos

Vista of Grindstone Lake near the apex of the climb.
Jun 1, 2016 near Ruidoso, NM
Take in the views from this fallen tree on the Grindstone Ridge Connector.
Mar 13, 2017 near Ruidoso, NM
From the Alfred Hale Connector, look back to experience great views of Grindstone Lake.
Mar 13, 2017 near Ruidoso, NM
Step downs can catch you off guard but all are rollable and have clear landings.
Mar 12, 2018 near Ruidoso, NM
Fun rock feature on the extended loop.
Apr 19, 2023 near Ruidoso, NM
View of Sierra Blanca on the Alfred Hale Connector.
Nov 25, 2018 near Ruidoso, NM

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 32 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 24, 2024
Stuart TheWild
Muddy meter: Poor, didn't ride
Nov 15, 2023
Eric Noyes
Grindstone Ride
Nov 27, 2021
Brian Dilger
Well designed and maintained trail. Challenging, but rideable uphill, flat mesa and gentle downhill. Large rocks provide challenging obstacles. 12.3mi
Nov 20, 2021
Billy Ross
Nov 3, 2021
Rex Macey
Jun 11, 2021
Bernie Sapp
May 27, 2021
Lost Justpastnowhere
Dec 6, 2020
Graham Downey
closed now to out of towners

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