Terlingua Mountain Bike Trails

Terlingua's name origin has been lost to time, but is thought to be a corruption of "tres linguas" or "three tongues", or as I believe, comes from "latis linguas" meaning "crossing tongues", which describes the shifting sandbars where Terlingua Creek and Santa Elena Canyon meet. This is a prehistoric crossing for both man and beast. The area is pure Chihuahuan Desert - cactus and thorn scrub with Lechuguilla being the indicator plant known for eating shins and bike tires. Riding is varied, with limestone, volcanics, and sand being the main surfaces. Nothing is soft here; everything either sticks, stings, or stinks. Summers are brutal, but the barren rock illuminates under moonlight for a desert adventure few know. Winters are mild, but the weather can change on you without warning. Doubletrack roads created by mule-drawn wagons go for miles, and beckon with unexplored hills and canyons. Singletrack trails can be found near Lajitas and on the State Park, crumbling doubletracks criss-cross the Terlingua Ranch (roads are open, the land is private), and National Park unmaintained roads round out whatever riding challenges you are up for. Don't forget to pack plenty of water and spare tubes with patches. Tubeless tire setups are highly recommended.