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The shortest race loop for the 2018 El Paso Puzzler Race.


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Map Key

16.0

Miles

25.7

KM

80%

Singletrack

4,988' 1,520 m

High

4,221' 1,286 m

Low

1,447' 441 m

Up

1,447' 441 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The El Paso Puzzler 15-mile race loop runs through some of the best trails in Northeast El Paso, TX. This race has a wide variety of terrain and you should be prepared to carry extra puncture repair materials to deal with the beating your tires will take in the desert environment.

Need to Know

Detailed race rules and information can be found in the race bible at: elpasopuzzler.com/race-bible

Description

THE TRAIL: This year features a new 15 mile mini-epic course. Riders start out at the Bowen Roundhouse and climb up Coyote Ugly to Sotol Forest. The course continues southbound on Sotol Forest to the Rock Shock Road intersection, up Rock Shock Road to Scenic until arriving at Mundys' Gap T-intersection then left headed downhill on Tin-Mine to the next 4-way intersection and a right on Blue Moon road; Head up to Mule Shoe Loop to complete the loop counterclockwise. Turn right to meet the Cardiac trailhead. Head eastbound all the way down Cardiac (proceed with caution! down this chunky epic trail) to reach Tin-Mine road. Turn left on Tin-Mine to head back up the mountain. Continue on Tin-Mine road until you reach Polecat Alley. Turn right up Polecat Alley until you reach Blue Moon road. Turn right on Blue Moon to the Mad Cow trailhead. Have some fun with a great flowy downhill all the way back to the Round House and finish line.

THE VENUE: The entrance is located 2.6 miles north of U.S. 54 on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (Farm to Market Road 3255) on the west side of the road. Drivers will be greeted by a large sign that reads BOWEN RANCH. Keep an eye out for the entrance when the road turns from 4 to 2 lanes.

THE PAY OUT: The Puzzler has always had equal payout for the top male and female finishers.
Male Finishers:
1st $400
2nd $250
3rd $125
4th $75
5th $50

Female Finishers:
1st $400
2nd $250
3rd $125
4th $75
5th $50

Contacts

Shared By:

Tony Reyes

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#2128

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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4 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#68

in Texas

#2,128

Overall
26 Views Last Month
2,683 Since Oct 17, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Great views all along this trail
Nov 5, 2016 near Westway, TX
Nice video of the MTB trails on the East and West side of the Franklin Mountains.
Mar 4, 2014 near Westway, TX
First time down the hill.
Mar 19, 2018 near Westway, TX
The Mule Shoe Loop will challenge your technical climbing skills.
Apr 19, 2017 near Westway, TX
Made it out of Mule Shoe in one piece.
Mar 19, 2018 near Westway, TX
Looking north, over the trail looping around the mountain.
Aug 29, 2020 near Westway, TX

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Check-Ins

Dec 28, 2020
Irene Buntyn
Dec 20, 2020
Irene Buntyn
Jan 14, 2018
Tony Reyes
Amazing race this year! Well organized, trail in great condition. Great food, beer, sponsors, and giveaways!
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