more stats
1,480 ft
Distance
378 ft
Climb
00:12:04
Avg time
378 ft
Altitude change
9,442 ft
Altitude min
9,820 ft
Altitude max
9,442 ft
Altitude start
9,820 ft
Altitude end
25.5%
Grade
4.9%
Grade max
82.5%
Grade min
1,480 ft
Distance climb
00:12:04
Avg time

Natural Selection Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
  • Riding Area
    Pajarito Bike Park
    Los Alamos, New Mexico
  • Difficulty Rating
    Double Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    30 in Mountain Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #124979 in Mountain Biking
  • State Ranking
    #1,036 in Mountain Biking · New Mexico
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • TTFs on Trail
    Bridge, Drop, Jump, Gap Jump, Ladder Bridge, Rock Face

If you're not feeling on, take another trail.

Natural Selection is not only one of the steepest trails on the mountain, but hosts several of the most gnarly natural features. Several very steep rock rollers, (and make sure you roll them, not try to hit them as a jump) mixed in with drops and tons of loose rock.

Down lower the trail gets less steep and has several really fun fast berms and jumps.

There are several really cool wooden features down low.
You'll hit a small gap jump, then into a step up to a wooden bridge.
Step down off that and turn right into a large gap jump. Don't short it...

Bike Park

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 0 rides
  •  
All
  • 30 rides
  • Last: Jul 25, 2026
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Natural Selection Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 9, 2026 @ 7:00pm (America/Denver)
May 9, 2026
 reporter
Jul 13, 2025 @ 9:37am
Jul 13, 2025
Jan 22, 2025 @ 8:22am
Jan 22, 2025
 Closed for winter
Jul 20, 2023 @ 11:29am
Jul 20, 2023
Dec 17, 2019 @ 8:26pm
Dec 17, 2019
 Bike Park closed for the season, see you in 2020 :)
more »
Status:
on May 9, 2026
Avg: 4.13 (1 votes)
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to natural-selection trailhead (35.897610, -106.399520)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

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      Videos

      1 more »
      Natural Selection
      mtb
      0:48 | 332 | Jul 25, 2016 , Los Alamos
      5.0 ★★★★★
      1 Ratings
      5 ★ 100%
      4 ★
      3 ★
      2 ★
      1 ★

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      Nearby Trails

      Pajarito Bike Park

      • By lyophilizationTF Pro & contributors
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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Natural Selection located?
      Natural Selection is located in Pajarito Bike Park, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States. It is part of the Pajarito Bike Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 35.89761, -106.39952.
      ▼ How hard is Natural Selection?
      Natural Selection is rated as Double Black Diamond difficulty. The average grade is 25.5%.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Natural Selection?
      Natural Selection has 378 ft of elevation gain. The elevation ranges from 9,442 ft to 9,820 ft.
      ▼ Is Natural Selection a point to point trail?
      Natural Selection is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Natural Selection?
      Natural Selection is 1,480 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Natural Selection?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Natural Selection. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access Natural Selection? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Natural Selection are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Natural Selection?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 11 minutes to ride Natural Selection. The trail is 1,480 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Natural Selection?
      Natural Selection is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 117 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 123 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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