Mondragon Loop

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Easily accessible from Taos, climb is challenging but manageable, hooks up with South Boundary Trail #164 for a little bit at the top, then a really really fun downhill on FS Trail #660A back to the parking area.

This is a pretty isolated territory. Ride with a friend or tell someone where you are going. It may be weeks before anyone travels this trail again.

Mondragon Loop is one of my all-time favorite rides. It's about 85% abandoned logging road (nearly singletrack) and 15% singletrack along the South Boundary Trail #164. Head up HWY 64 from Taos towards Angle Fire for seven miles from El Nogal Trailhead. Watch for a small sign that points out "Mondragon Trail #660" on the right (south) side of the road. Park across the road from this sign where there is ample space.

Following the trail is fairly straightforward. When in doubt, take the path more traveled. There is a junction at the 1.5-mile point. Head left. You'll come down the right fork and hit this junction again on your way down 11 miles from now. Climb and climb and climb until you reach a crest at the six-mile point. Veer left for a short downhill of 1/2 mile. At the next intersection, veer right (uphill) on a well established doubletrack.

Continue climbing for a mile until reaching what appears to be a dead end. Proceed in the same direction into thick forest on FS Road 445/OHV path for just about 1/3 mile and you'll reach the South Boundary Trail #164. Turn right (west) on South Boundary Trail #164 and follow it 1.5 miles, watching carefully for a trail forking off to the right onto FS Trail #660A and marked by an unnaturally placed log. It's a no-brainer downhill from here.

After about three miles, you'll reach a familiar intersection - that one from 11 miles ago! Go left (downhill). You'll be done in 1.5 more wonderful miles.