Dale Ball

This morning I tossed my bike in the truck and within 7 minutes from my front door I was climbing beautiful single track on the Dale Ball Central off of Cerro Gordo. Gradually climbing in the cool morning air, my heart rate quickly jumped overriding the morning’s high-test caffeination. As I climbed I was amazed at the early wild flower bloom with paintbrush and other specimens popping up all along the trail. After passing an interesting automotive relic in the canyon, I climbed for about thirty minutes winding through the most eastern section of the trail. I stopped occasionally to admire the view of the Rio Grande Valley and Jemez Mountain to the east. Soon after passing an interesting shrine to a long lost pet pal, I reached the turn around. The descent on the east section of trail dropping to Cerro Gordo Rd is a controlled Nantucket sleigh ride. This section is a roller coaster of sorts if you are riding a fully suspended donkey. A quick descent back to the car left all participants involved adrenally satisfied for the day. Not bad entertainment and fitness before 9:30am. If you are planning on Mountain biking in Santa Fe, this is a must do adventure.

Imagine hopping on your bike before work or at lunch and riding or hiking some of the best single track in New Mexico, it is in our back yard and if you are sitting over a smothered Burrito right now, perhaps you should consider this a great option (Burp).
The Dale Ball Trail system is one of Santa Fe’s most accessible high quality hiking and biking trail systems occupying the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains elevation 7000 ft. The Dale Ball system is made up of three interconnecting trail systems. The Dale Ball North and Central can be accessed from the Dale Ball Parking Lot at Cerro’s Colorado’s off of Hyde Park Rd (About 3 miles from the plaza). The Central and the South Dale Ball trails can be accessed from the Parking lot at the intersection of Upper Cerro Gordo and Upper Canyon Rd. Do not leave valuables in our car as all parking lots have experienced theft. For a large urban area, The Dale Ball Trail System is second to none in terms of user accessibility and high quality trails.

Check out the Dale Ball Trails whether you bike or hike, I think you will find them to be a real hidden gem. Keep your eyes out for a variety of blooming wild flowers and keep your eyes on the trail. Due to the multi use nature of the trail system, Mountain Bikers should yield to Hikers and stay in control. Share the trails; they are for everyone’s enjoyment.If you are hiking or Biking with a four legged critter, they are supposed to be on leash. For more information and Dale Ball Trail Maps, Stop by Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works Santa Fe’s premier outdoor store at 328 South Guadalupe St or on the web at sdcmountainworks.com. Peace!

For Information on cycling Santa Fe check out Santa Fe Mountain Sports or New Mexico Bike and Sport. If you are looking for a guided adventure check out Santa Fe Mountain Adventures.