I’m looking at what a trip out to Santa Fe might be like and wondering if anyone here might have suggestions for roads or routes in the area that are preferable for riding?

I would be tent camping and I notice that the majority of the state parks don’t have showers? Seems odd. Any suggestions for state parks in the area?

I’m eager to check it out – is May as early as would be recommended to be riding in the area? I notice it is fairly high elevation and gets pretty chilly.

Thanks!

 

See my reply posted on the Southwest forum. You were smart to post on both
as you'll get a better run of responses here, and perhaps more detailed there.

 

i've lived in northern new mexico for most of my life.
may is still cold at night, snow is rare but not absolutely unheard of at that time of year.
check out jemez canyon and the surrounding area - lots of camping, hotsprings, and hiking, and its beautiful.
taos, angel fire, and red river (bike run over memorial day weekend, if you happen to be there) aka the enchanted circle is a pretty ride.
also heading towards arizona through the desert and into the painted desert is really pretty also.
if you're into history, places like bandelier national park, chaco canyon, taos pueblo, etc can be really interesting.

as far as the campground, i don't have too much experience. i wouldn't be surprised if most don't have showers. new mexico in general is a little less modern than other states.
let me know if you have other questions, i'd be happy to help you out or try to find out the answers. like good places to eat, etc. have fun!!

 

I appreciate the info! This should make a really excellent trip. I’m snowed in right now and thinking about it is making me itch for spring to get here.

I did Arkansas to my east last fall and was incredibly impressed with all it had to offer and to think that New Mexico is a day’s ride to my west with a completely different topography – makes me appreciate being situated in OKC.

 

water is precious in those areas.. don't waste it taking showers.. your on a bike, your camping.. showers are overrated..

 

I can go a few days…..sometimes by choice being lazy around the house I might do that, but I don’t try to push it past a few. If I could get reservations at a park that had showers for a day midpoint then I wouldn’t mind skipping around to different parks that didn’t have showers if the scenery and riding made it worth it.

 

You should check out www.cyclerides.com He is out of Arizona but lists rides all over. I just read a review of a trip like you are looking for. Have fun, ride safe.