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A relentless climb is followed by the best of the South Boundary Trail's technical singletrack.


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Map Key

11.3

Miles

18.2

KM

40%

Singletrack

9,158' 2,791 m

High

7,169' 2,185 m

Low

2,173' 662 m

Up

2,173' 662 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

Affectionately called the "Ojelno!" loop, this route gives you the infamous technical El Nogal descent of the South Boundary Trail after a relentless climb up the Ojitos Trail #166. It is a great leg burner for a "quick" workout or a way to pre-ride the El Nogal rock gardens before tackling the SBT in its entirety.

Need to Know

The drainage berms along the Ojitos climb are irresistible launch ramps for local hucksters. Beware of downhill traffic.

Description

Start at the El Nogal trailhead as if you were riding the South Boundary Trail #164. At the T-intersection, turn right on the South Boundary Connector #164B for a steep quarter-mile descent. Hang a hard left onto the Ojitos Trail #166 (look for the 'No Vehicles' sign).

Follow the doubletrack past the start of the Talpa Traverse Trail (singletrack heading down and to the right) until you cross the Ojitos gully and begin the 1,000' relentless climb over dozens of drainage berms. The route has some loose rock and may have mud on the uphill side of berms depending on conditions.

At the top of the climb, the road traverses right (south) across the ridge to a three-way intersection and a rocky point overlooking town. Take the sharp left to continue up the doubletrack for a punchy half-mile climb followed by a 1.5 mile traverse to the South Boundary Trail #164 log-drop intersection.

The singletrack heading downhill (left) is the infamous El Nogal section of the SBT.

When you return to the three-way intersection, cut hard right back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Wheel Rider with improvements by J. Bella and 2 others

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 17 votes

#2

in Taos

#1868

Overall
  3.9 from 17 votes
5 Star
24%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Taos

#46

in New Mexico

#1,868

Overall
1 Views Last Month
3,033 Since Sep 7, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
6%
6%
81%
6%

Photos

Overlooking Taos!!
Oct 14, 2015 near Ranchos…, NM
Fun jumps at the end!
Jul 20, 2018 near Ranchos…, NM
SBT overlooking town of Taos!
Sep 4, 2017 near Taos, NM
Thanks USFS
Sep 3, 2019 near Ranchos…, NM
The wicked fun final descent...
Sep 2, 2015 near Ranchos…, NM
I seems it's always up or down. Not a lot of 'flat' sections to this ride.
Nov 14, 2013 near Taos, NM

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