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Ojitos -> South Boundary Loop

Pedal to the top of South Boundary's final rowdy descent.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
17 km
Ascent
772 m
Descent
772 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
2.2 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
Ojitos -> South Boundary Loop Map

The marquee descent on the iconic South Boundary shuttle ride is actually the last pitch that drops down to the town of Taos. While South Boundary is easily one of the top rides in the state and can rank among the best trails in the nation, some riders may want to ride the final descent as a loop from the outskirts of Taos. Whether the upper sections are snowed in or coordinating a shuttle is too difficult, the best way to loop the final descent is by climbing the Ojitos Trail.

Description

Ojitos is a steep, lung-buster of a climb up an old road grade that has narrowed down into doubletrack, and even singletrack in some places (even though the bench is wide). The climb is brutal, arduous, lengthy, and relentless... but your reward is reaching that final, ripping downhill!

The final downhill drops over 2,500 vertical feet down a rocky, dry singletrack trail to the valley floor below. Yes, that means you'll have climbed over 2,500 feet to get to this point! But once you point your tires downhill, it's all gravy.

This trail is rocky and technical, easily earning its black diamond status. Embedded rock gardens will pulverize bikes that aren't up to the task. Waterbars and rock ledges provide ample air opportunities, allowing you to launch drop after drop as you soar down the mountain. (Even though this is a popular downhill for mountain bikers, be sure to watch for uphill traffic and hikers.)

Some crux moves on this trail are quite technical and aren't for the faint of heart. Negotiating this downhill in its entirety is an advanced-level objective that's certain to please the endurobros!

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between May and November

Features

  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • Drops
  • Jumps
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area