With its historic Spanish and Indian ruins, geologic phenomena, and desert oases, the Jemez Mountain Trail calls to road bikers everywhere. As you pedal through the New Mexico sunshine, don’t be fooled by the stereotype that New Mexico is completely dry; this byway is popular for its many natural hot springs, perfect places to relax after a long day’s ride.
Los Alamos, on the eastern end of the byway, is a good place to start your journey. If you are there in July, sign up for the Tour de Los Alamos Road Race. The race starts in Los Alamos and covers areas on and surrounding the byway. It is a race with good climbing spots so sign up and have some fun as you travel the Jemez Mountain area.
Traveling the byway the rest of the year is also fun. The approximately 60-mile stretch of road from Los Alamos to Jemez Springs is filled with places to hop off your bike and explore, have a picnic, or even camp for the night. Pause south of the byway at the Bandelier National Monument near the city of Los Alamos to see ancient cliff dwellings. Visit one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world at Valles Caldera National Preserve, 15 miles west of Bandelier and approximately 12 miles north of the byway.
No matter where you stop as you spin your spokes to Jemez Springs, you won’t want to miss the McCauley Hot Spring and Jemez Waterfalls about five miles south of the Jemez Ranger Station. There is a short hike to get to the springs, but it will be worth it when you drop into the soothing waters and let your muscles relax from a long day of pedaling. Set up camp at the springs for the night and hike the short distance to the falls in the morning. The Jemez Waterfalls, with a rush of water and natural beauty, will take your breath away and give you a chance to stretch your muscles before hitting the road again.
At the fork in the byway, head south towards Jemez Springs, or continue west to visit Spence Hot Springs. Take a break from the road at Jemez State Monument, just north of Jemez Springs, to see the pueblo first built in the 15th century by the ancestors of the modern-day Jemez Pueblo residents, along with the ruins of a 17th century Spanish mission. Before you jump back on your bike, be sure to drop by the museum to see the mission’s unique octagonal-shaped bell tower.
Jemez Springs is a small town ready to provide a weary cyclist with food, accommodations for the night, and relaxing hot springs to make a nice end to a long journey. The Giggling Springs Hot Springs and the Jemez Springs Bath House in Jemez Springs, both located near the Jemez River, will let you relax after a long day of pedaling.
Enjoyable Scenery on the Jemez Mountain Trail (NM) [5]
Whether you come in search of adventure or the road just calls you to pedal its pavement, a road biking trip along the Jemez Mountain Trail will invigorate and relax you. Pack up your bike and head to one of New Mexico’s most beautiful stretches of road for a trip you won’t easily forget.
