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Angel Fire Bike Park
Offers Something
For Everyone
A
bout 300 miles south of Denver in Angel Fire, New Mexico, is the largest
mountain bike park in the Rocky Mountains, welcoming visitors of all
abilities eager to experience an intense biking experience. With over
60 miles of terrain spanning over 2,000 vertical feet, the park is a four-
time winner of the Best-in-the-Southwest designation by MTBparks.
com, a website for North American mountain bike resort information. It is the perfect
destination for a weekend escape from your daily grind.
While Angel Fire provides a perfect outlet for extreme sports enthusiasts, its expansive
trails provide plenty of opportunities for the novice downhill biker and is a great choice
for families. The trail map on the MTBparks website displays nearly two dozen trail
options, with a range of difficulty levels from “easier” for the casual biker to “advanced”
which is recommended for experts only. With enticing names like Candyland, Chutes
& Ladders, and Lazy Susan, riders can choose their level of difficulty and let loose,
adhering to a few simple safety rules like mandatory helmets and disc brakes.
The park’s beginner trail is called Easy Street, and although it descends 2,000 vertical
feet over the course of 5.4 miles, it is an ideal grade for those just beginning to learn
downhill riding. For riders who are new to the whole bike park and downhill riding
experience, Angel Fire also offers a Ready-to-Ride program, which consists of a three-
hour lesson and available lift-ticket upgrades. The vast trail system allows for a truly
gradual increase in difficulty, which is important for newer riders.
El Jefe’s, located at the bottom of the park lift, has a big patio that is perfect for a break
between laps. Chef Josè serves up some great Mexican fare and a mean green-chile
burger. Don’t miss his Sandia Fresca sparkling water with watermelon, cucumber, and
lime juice—and tequila for those who are done riding!
From professionals to families, Colorado riders agree that the park offers top-notch
terrain without the crowds that are all-too-familiar at local bike parks back home. The
people they meet are friendly, sharing riding tips and creating an inviting community
environment. Another great benefit to heading south to ride is the extra-long season—
from May to October—which provides about two months of additional riding to enjoy.
Angel Fire and the surrounding area have a wide range of accommodations, varying in
price and amenities from the resort lodge to home and condo rentals. There are also great
RV and camping options.
Save some time to enjoy other activities in Angel Fire, including golf, tennis, ziplining,
and hiking as well as kids activities and outdoor concerts. Nearby Taos offers great
cultural and dining options while the 1.5 million-acre Carson National Forest has miles
of scenic bike trails—including single track—from the west side of Angel Fire all the way
to Taos.
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