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5.9 miles
Distance
240 ft
Climb
-608 ft
Descent
00:47:24
Avg time
-369 ft
Altitude change
7,114 ft
Altitude min
7,516 ft
Altitude max
7,483 ft
Altitude start
7,113 ft
Altitude end
-1.2%
Grade
-19.5%
Grade max
10.7%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
1,375 ft
Distance flat
00:47:24
Avg time
Trail Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Gravel Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaTaos
, New Mexico -
Difficulty Rating
-
Local Popularity70 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
- 5 in Horseback
- 5 in Gravel Biking
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Global Ranking
-
Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC, Gravel
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DirectionBoth Directions[+]
- Both Directions for Gravel Biking
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Climb DifficultyGreen
-
Physical RatingModerate
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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Family FriendlyYes
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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Land Owner
Trail 18 contours above Hwy518 dipping in and out of the drainages and rolling over a few gentle hills. The tread is largely old logging road bed that has returned to single-track characteristics. There are only a few short moderately technical sections, but otherwise the ride is a good cruise through the PJ Forest, and great way to FR437 from town.
Access Info
Access the trail from the small pullout on Hwy 518, 0.7 miles south of the FR437 turnoff. There is no access via the private drives off of 437.
About 1/2 way into the trail, (approx 3 miles) there is a junction for Bear Wallow heading right and it is easy to lose the trail. If you descend at Bear Wallow it will take you down to the 518. The end of the trail is at the junctions of FR's 438 and 440. It opens up to a field which is used as a shooting range so be careful, or just listen carefully.
Disclaimer
Please do not access via the private driveways off of FR437. The official trailhead is off Hwy 518.
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 5 rides
- 13 miles avg distance
All
- 18 rides
- Last: Sep 13, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Trail 18 / Rio... Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
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- Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of users are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
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- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
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- > 6 months
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Directions to trail-18--rio-grande-del-rancho-trail trailhead
(36.272740, -105.569090)
Photos
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Trail Products
JohnnyLawndart
Novice-gobbling short access trail, but once you're up over it, the ride is very beginner-friendly. Beautiful views and the highway next door is magically inaudible, but with the complete out-and-back, the whole thing feels slightly uphill both ways.
Ak-Dan
This is an ok trail, nice views across the valley. It’s great practice for someone not used to ridding at this elevation. Originally an old double-track the single line has become quite defined over time. Fun water bar jumps and options for B-lines.
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- By shariheier
& contributors - #76535 - 3,336 views
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