Post by Mgoose on May 14, 2015 17:49:51 GMT -5
May is respected as National Bike Month by cyclists everywhere in America. Whether they ride for exercise or to protect the environment, biking enthusiasts will find many trails in Las Cruces, New Mexico – named one of the “Top Five Best Places to Live and Ride” by Bike Magazine – on which to honor this month of mobility.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peak National Monument
Riding over rugged terrain and past majestic peaks is an ideal setting for mountain bikers. Three trail areas run through the Organ Mountains and give stunning views:
· Doña Anas Mountains Trail System
o Just north of Las Cruces, this trail system encompasses 15 miles of biking trails. The southern trails are great for beginner bikers as they are less technical than the northern trails, which are shorter but more difficult.
o Level: Beginner to advanced
· Sierra Vista
o Take in views of the Organ Mountains and Rio Grande Valley with this trail that ultimately connects with Franklin Mountain State Park.
o Level: Experienced to advanced
· Picacho Peak
o Just seven miles west of Downtown Las Cruces, Picacho Peak has numerous multi-use trails available.
o Level: Beginner to advanced
White Sands National Monument
About 45 miles east of Las Cruces lies White Sands National Monument, protecting the world’s largest gypsum dunefield. While a popular attraction for hiking, picnicking and dune sledding, many may not realize that bicycles are allowed on Dunes Drive within the monument. Beyond National Bike Month, look out for the twice-yearly Full Moon Bike Rides, when Dunes Drive reopens for three hours after dark for cyclists only, making for a unique glow-in-the-dark experience. The next Full Moon Bike Ride is Sept. 25, 2015.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peak National Monument
Riding over rugged terrain and past majestic peaks is an ideal setting for mountain bikers. Three trail areas run through the Organ Mountains and give stunning views:
· Doña Anas Mountains Trail System
o Just north of Las Cruces, this trail system encompasses 15 miles of biking trails. The southern trails are great for beginner bikers as they are less technical than the northern trails, which are shorter but more difficult.
o Level: Beginner to advanced
· Sierra Vista
o Take in views of the Organ Mountains and Rio Grande Valley with this trail that ultimately connects with Franklin Mountain State Park.
o Level: Experienced to advanced
· Picacho Peak
o Just seven miles west of Downtown Las Cruces, Picacho Peak has numerous multi-use trails available.
o Level: Beginner to advanced
White Sands National Monument
About 45 miles east of Las Cruces lies White Sands National Monument, protecting the world’s largest gypsum dunefield. While a popular attraction for hiking, picnicking and dune sledding, many may not realize that bicycles are allowed on Dunes Drive within the monument. Beyond National Bike Month, look out for the twice-yearly Full Moon Bike Rides, when Dunes Drive reopens for three hours after dark for cyclists only, making for a unique glow-in-the-dark experience. The next Full Moon Bike Ride is Sept. 25, 2015.