Pacheco Canyon Road #102

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

This dirt road seems to be as old as the mountain. It has been the only other alternate route (besides Hwy 475) to get up the mountain. The road starts as a branch off of State Road 592 near Chupadero (northeast of Tesuque). While long, the climb is steady and keeps a pretty consistent grade of 5%. There are no technical features of note as this is a dirt road that is often traveled by car.

This is almost always ridden as a climb as there are much more exciting downhill options if you make a loop (like the Winsor Trail, Rio En Medio or even the larger Rio Nambe Loop). Trails like the Discount Trail, Double Discount Trail, the Borrego Trail, the Big Tesuque Trail and the Winsor Trail can all be accessed by this road. If you're looking for a big day you can even hook up with Aspen Vista and climb dirt roads all the way to the Tesuque Peak summit.

The road leads to some pretty spectacular views in the early going. The road starts in an arid juniper forest and eventually leads to pine trees and then aspen trees at the top. There are also some rudimentary, roadside camping spots along the way, should you be bikepacking and want to make it a night out.