A wonderful ride that proceeds from about 10,000’ and ends at the summit of Santa Fe’s ski basin at around 12,000’. Although there are numerous sections of up to 25-30 yards of rocky climbing, this is a nice steady uphill over lots of easy-riding packed dirt and smooth crushed rock. We rode up during the monsoon (generally afternoon rainy) season on 7/13/2012 which meant there wasn’t any loose sand but no unavoidable mud to speak of either. Incredible views of aspen trees which transitioned into just huge pines at around 11,000’. Although I wouldn’t say this is an overly technical ride, definitely be ready for the thinness of the O2 in the air at these altitudes! Be prepared to hang around at the summit for a while as you’ll love the incredible views! When we headed up the mountain from Santa Fe at 9am, the temp was around 72 and when we got to the base of the Aspen Vista Trail it had dropped to 60. It got successively cooler as we ascended the mountain which was enhanced by the rains around the area. As we descended, a slight rain began to fall. Along our descent, we stopped several times just to listen to the contrast of the forest silence accented by the wonderful sound of the big raindrops falling through the trees and hitting the forest floor. As we were loading our bikes at the trail head, here came a robust rainstorm complete with tiny hail which took the temps down to around 50. We sat on the rear deck of our SUV, watching it rain, and watched as several other riders arrived and proceeded to head-up the trail undaunted by the rain/hail. This is undoubtedly one of our favorite trails in all of the southwest. We saw many more hikers of all ages and only a very few cyclists. Although we failed to do so, definitely take a light slicker if you’re riding in July.

This trail is intermediate - nothing super technical, but the climb up is steady and quite the workout. As you get closer to the top, the views are really something. I rode this trail on a rainy summer afternoon - the temps were in the 40's when I was at the summit (was getting toward evening before I started my descent). Recommend bringing a light rain jacket in case of afternoon thunderstorms. Overall, great ride - reminds me of the pacific northwest (which is always a good thing...).

Customer Service

Start at the Aspen Vista campground. Bike up to the ski area; then head back.

Good continuous climb that will take you to above 12k in elevation. Ride down though is fairly quick and linear, and this ride should be done for the views and the challenging climb. The downhill is just average at best...but obviously well appreciated after the climb.

Customer Service

Go up, then go down

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Start at Bishops lodge, take Windsor up to Aspen Vista...that is the ultimate SFNF challenge!

Great non-technical climb to the top, but don't just take the boring way back down on the same dirt road like all the rest of the weenies. Check out the ski area map next to the ski patrol shack under the chair lift. Find "Wizard" and use the cat walk ( a trail just left of the map) to hook up on the most vertical decent of your life, Wizard. After a few minutes you feel vertico set in as your equallibrium gets a smashing dose of adrenaline. If you go over the bars it's a tuck and roll situation onto some tall wild grass. Follow the ski run until you hook up with more cat walks. You can't get lost, but this is not a good route for timid riders or those who need trail markers to get by.

Customer Service

park at Aspen Vista Trail Head and start your climb up. At the top go right of the ski patrol shack to "Wizard" via the cat walk. Follow cat walks to ski area parking lot and then take the paved road back to Aspen Vista trail head.

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Winsor from Nordic Ski Area