The Burro Enduro

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

This is a true backcountry adventure ride. As such, do not go into this route looking for purpose-built mountain biking trail that exhibits substantial amounts of flowing features. However, if you want a challenging adventure with stunning views, this is a bucket list ride. As such, it is definitely a five star review with that mindset taken into context. However, for a more casual riding experience or more purpose-built trail, this route is to be avoided.

Long before "Enduro" was associated with timed downhill stages, it meant something a bit different in Silver City. The Burro Enduro route has been around for many years and is one of the most challenging adventures in the Burro Mountains. It is a mixture of doubletrack and singletrack riding that consists of steep climbs and sketchy descents.

You can expect over 17 miles of hard riding and about 3,400 feet of climbing. Pay no mind to the ascent outlined in the trail summary as it is a bit off. You'll in fact be ascending several hundred feet beyond what is outlined in this summary. As such, you need to be prepared for a long day in the saddle and ensure you have clothing, equipment and enough water to cover an all day backcountry excursion.

Start this ride at the Deadman Canyon parking area. Ride up the road back toward the paved highway. A little over a half mile up the road, you'll see an unlabeled doubletrack road off to the right. This road is known as Copeland Mine Road on the map. Occasionally, people park here and walk their dogs or hike along the doubletrack. Turn right and head up the road. Be prepared to ride through several sandy sections and you'll encounter a Forest Service gate, so make sure to close it behind you. Additionally, there are several other doubletrack roads that branch off of the main path, so it is easy to get turned around. This is further complicated by the fact that the paths are not labeled. Follow the trail on the MTB Project mobile app as outlined in the GPS track as it was downloaded directly from GPS points taken from a recent guided group ride (November, 2018) along the Burro Enduro route.

Eventually, the road will end at the Jack's Peak trailhead and parking area. From here, you'll access the CDT: Burro Peak TH (NM Sec. 6) at the Jack's Peak trailhead. At this point, the majority of the ride will be on singletrack. The ride up to Jack's and Burro peaks will be steep, rocky and tough. You can expect several hike-a-bike sections along this trail. It will be technically difficult and challenging so be cautious and prepared to grind this climb out.

Eventually, the CDT will end at Jack's Peak Road (approximately 11.5 miles into the ride). Cross the road and continue on the singletrack. After about a mile of riding the new (Nov, 2020) singletrack section, be prepared for another steep climbing segment with a few hike-a-bike sections. It eventually levels off around Burro Peak at just over 8,000 feet above sea level.

After this, you'll have another short climbing section followed by several miles of steep, technical descending that takes you back to the parking area. Follow the CDT off of Burro Peak until you reach a junction in the trail. Turn right at the junction and be prepared for a fun, technical descent through Deadman Canyon that ends back at the parking area.

Congratulations, you survived the Burro Enduro!