Greenbelt Trails: Beginner Loop

Angel Fire

A convenient beginner loop that's rideable directly from downtown Angel Fire.

Mountain Biking Easy

Distance: 5.4 km
Ascent: 94 m
Descent: 94 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 2.6 km
High Point: 2.6 km
Gradient: 4˚

The local town trails are known as either the "Greenbelt Trails" or simply the "Angel Fire Trails," and they are located across the highway from the ski resort. Running through residential areas and into the woods, you can create several small loop options, ranging from true beginner to upper-intermediate in difficulty. The route mapped here is one of the best beginner ride options in the area.

Photo from Greenbelt Trails: Beginner Loop — Photo: Greg Heil

Description

To begin, pedal out from "downtown" Angel Fire on the Deer Trail, which climbs up through a beautiful meadow tucked away in a residential area. Before you reach the top of the trail, take a left onto Lynx to cut up and over a small ridge. This short climb and descent features some rocks and a few tight turns. While not exceedingly difficult, this is probably the most difficult spot on this ride.

At the bottom of the descent, take a right on the Elk trail, and after climbing a ways further, a left on Lynx again to cross a second ridge. At the bottom of the second ridge, a left on the Bear trail will provide you with a beautiful, mellow descent through an even more verdant meadow with few houses to be seen. Let off the brakes and let it roll on this non-technical but gorgeous descent!

Finish up your ride with an easy pedal back to town on the Bobcat Trail.

Difficulty

Easy

Mostly smooth and non-technical singletrack with unavoidable obstacles 2in/5cm tall or less. Avoidable obstacles may be present. Ideal for beginner riders.