Name: South Boundary Trail #164 - IMBA EPIC
Rating: 4.7

“This classic little-bit-of-everything sub-alpine forest ridge ride is consistently ranked among the best in New Mexico.”

— Taber West

GPX File

E-Bikes Allowed

Features -none-

Trail is snow-bound in the winter, and downed-trees can make travel unpleasant until crews get a chance to clear them, usually by mid June.

Overview

The IMBA EPIC South Boundary Trail begins at the El Nogal Picnic Area on US Highway 64 (~3 miles east of Taos) and ends on FR 76 close to Angel Fire.

There are a few popular rides and several burly loops that incorporate the South Boundary Trail—though most people ride it from east to west, either starting at Garcia Park (40-minute shuttle from Taos) or doing the full ride from FR 76 near Angelfire (1 hr shuttle). This direction offers more downhill and smoother climbs.

Description

The "full" SBT starts from FR 76—a washed-out, rocky access road best tackled in someone else's vehicle—and begins with a 1.5-mile, 800-ft rocky loose climb that may require some hiking. From Osha Mountain, the trail descends a loose road for less than a mile before entering the "Heaven on Earth" section: a consistent flowy classic side-hill singletrack descent through conifer forest and aspen groves. Then wipe the grin off your face with the 1.5-mile, 350-ft climb to Garcia Park.

At Garcia Park, the trail follows the road briefly before cutting right across the field and back into the forest where a series of old two-track and singletrack connectors weave westward. Route finding skills are important there are lots of unmarked turns, old roads, and meadows where the trail isn't well developed. The trail eventually continues it's side-hill traverse / descent through aspen and conifer forests that are even more stunning in the fall.

SBT loses most of its elevation in the last 5 miles, with the steepest and most technical bits thrown at you in the last 3, known as the El Nogal section. This challenging final descent is fast at times, loose at times, stair-steppy at times, scary at times, and exceedingly fun (at times.) Many riders will feel more comfortable walking through the tricky bits.

(For an alternate route, turn south on the Ojitos Trail #166 just past the obvious log drop. It's a longer, but mellower descent to the highway.)

This ride is normally done as a shuttle; some ride it as an out-and-back from Taos in a long day. There is no potable water on the trail, so bring plenty, and watch out for afternoon thunderstorms during summer.

Contacts

Local Club: Taos Mountain Bike Association (TMBA)

May 27, 2019: Better Trails in June

May 21, 2019: TMBA Board Member Addresses Town of Taos Council About Budget

May 9, 2019: The TMBA Stoker – May 2019 Newsletter

Land Manager: USFS - Carson National Forest

Jun 19, 2019: Camino Real District Announces Plans for Prescribed Burns

Jun 19, 2019: El Distrito de Camino Real anuncia su plan para las quemas recomendadas

Jun 18, 2019: Gurule Fire Update-June 19, 2019

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Check-Ins

Jun 12, 2019

Stan Paoli

17.7mi — 1h 45m

Sep 25, 2018

Don Childrey

22.8mi

Sep 22, 2018

Frank Villa-Abrille

Sep 3, 2018

Jackie White

Aug 26, 2018

Stanley Wills

Jul 28, 2018

Vinh Nguyen

20.7mi — 8h 14m

Jul 21, 2018

Tarah Nelson

Jun 22, 2018

Alen Sugar

20.6mi

Jun 10, 2018

JesseTremaine Tremaine

43mi

Jun 2, 2018

Sammy Rutherford

Amazing ride!! All the trees are cleared out!! And Turquoise Tours are the BEST!! We love Lindsay & Jay!! 23mi

May 28, 2018

Andrew Hollenbeck

Dec 30, 2017

cyk 06

Oct 24, 2017

Nick Beebe

13.8mi

Oct 22, 2017

David Maniaci

Oct 15, 2017

Chris Piper

Amazing ride. Not 24 miles but who’s counting? Not as good as Whole Enchilada but similar point to point concept. Last four miles was amazing! 21.1mi

Oct 14, 2017

Matt Apodaca

Oct 7, 2017

Shayne Arthur

45 degrees F 16mi

Oct 4, 2017

Zach Hays

Sep 5, 2017

David Darling

Saw not one person. Some great sections had a blast

Sep 4, 2017

Seth Escobedo

27mi — 6h 00m

Aug 15, 2017

Ashley A

What a beautiful trail!

Aug 15, 2017

Jason Brase

Started at the halfway point at Garcia Park. the road up (437) was accessible even in my Camry. Trail conditions were excellent and I felt like the... 13.4mi

Aug 13, 2017

Daniel Martinez

Started at Garcia Park. Trail is in great shape. Watch for hikers with unleashed dogs! Took a spill because of one. 12.6mi

Aug 9, 2017

Jan Balster

Perfect day for a ride. Had my fiancé drive me up 437 to the mid-point. Beautiful views and a fun downhill. 13mi

Jul 22, 2017

Jess Biggs

Jul 12, 2017

Glenn Gould

Only 3 logs remaining across the trail. Great fun. The 20+ miles took us 5 hours but we spent an hour walking due to difficult terrain

Jul 6, 2017

Greg Garrison

Jul 5, 2017

Rodney MTB

~20 downed trees. Many could be ridden around. Still a good time.

Jul 4, 2017

Canyon Dad

There were only about 10 downed trees to go around today. The signage was also better than expected, they could use more but what's there is adequate. 24.8mi — 2h 54m

Jul 2, 2017

Evan Ely

Amazing trail!!! Roughly 15 trees down, but easy to get around. Must do again 24.8mi

Jun 23, 2017

Molly Harris

About 30 trees still across trail which was a shame. Great trail otherwise. The first two miles are really tough - get past that and you're set

Jun 11, 2017

Sammy Rutherford

Amazing trail!! But the 36 felled trees, 30 of them you have to off get off and climb over or walk all the way off the trail to get around, which o... 23mi

Jun 7, 2017

Chance Lehman

Fantastic ride. Loads of downed trees but all can be hopped/walked over or around.

May 20, 2017

Rory Yurkovich

Started at Garcia park and rode to Taos. Trail is not passable for appx 4 more weeks. Dozens of large deadfall and deep snow drifts. But we made it :) 13mi

Nov 26, 2016

Mike Kleppe

Sep 20, 2016

Raymond Trevino

Gearing Up helped with a Beast of a rental and Turquoise Tours for the shuttle. It's a tough climb but you're rewarded with some amazing views.

Sep 17, 2016

stephen jurewicz

Sep 17, 2016

Frank Skimahorn

The intitial climb up Osha pass is pretty rocky/babyheads, after that this trail is sweet!

Aug 28, 2016

Kelci Pike