Santa Fe Trail

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Access to the trail is from:
1. The Iron Springs Trailhead via the West Side Story and Skyline Trail.
2. Skyline Drive where the trail crosses (room for several cars here).
3. Iron Springs Road at the west end of the trail.

To get to the east terminus of the trail, follow the West Side Story trail from Iron Springs Trailhead to the Skyline Trail. Go right on the Skyline Trail to the start of the Santa Fe Trail.

The singletrack portion of the trail traverses along the hillside, gaining elevation as it goes north then west until it crosses Skyline Drive. A large cellular tower comes into view as the trail approaches the road. This section of the trail is a blue difficulty level. Beyond Skyline Drive, the trail is a green difficulty.

The trail continues across Skyline Drive and follows an old railroad grade for the remainder of the trail. Much of the grade is cut out of the side of a south-facing hill and has some nice views of the mountains to the south. It is a doubletrack trail, but much of the way there is a dominant easier track. The trail descends with a continuous gentle slope that is fun going down.

There are two gates across the trail to pass through along the way. As always, they should be left as they are found (whether open or closed). The wide trail is not 100% hard packed. In sections, there are loose cinders on the surface. In one 100-ft section, there is sand covering the trail, requiring most bikers to walk.

After four miles of the railroad grade, the trail comes out at Iron Springs Road. From here, the return is back the same way or by following the paved, but steeper, Iron Springs Road back to the trailhead.