The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Southwest of San Ysido, NM, you’ll find White Ridge Bike Trails. It’s not far from Ojito Wilderness and is known for its cultural, geological, and paleontological resources, but people mostly visit because of the beautiful scenery. The trail was created for mountain bikes, but hikers are also welcome and a small section of the trail is open to horses as well. Anyone who loves spending time in the desert will enjoy hitting White Ridge Bike Trails. Many of the trails are on the shorter side, so you don't need to be an endurance champion to take in the scenery. The White Ridge Bike Trails go through Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico and public areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency that preserves and maintains millions of acres of American land for public use. The trails are only 211 miles from Mesa Verde National Park.
This trail runs south to north with gradual ups and downs. It’s a singletrack trail that runs along the ridge. Length: 2.6 miles Intensity: Intermediate
This trail has a 771-foot climb and a 220-foot descent. Along the way, you’ll find springs and sinkholes. The views are photo-worthy as the trail runs along the rim. Length: 3.9 miles Intensity: Intermediate
This trail features a 157-foot climb and a 298-foot descent. Length: 3,751 feet Intensity: Difficult
Along with a 265-foot climb and a 398-foot descent, this trail includes several highly technical sections with exposure to the rim. Length: 1.4 miles Intensity: Difficult
Fishing and boating opportunities can be found in Fenton Lake State Park. It’s 42 miles from White Ridge Bike Trails in Jemez Springs, NM. The Rio Cebolla is perfect for canoeing and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout and German brown trout. It’s the perfect spot for fly fishing, and ice fishing is a popular winter activity.
The nearby Ojito Wilderness Area is the perfect spot near White Ridge Bike Trails for viewing wildlife. Here, you’ll find mule deer, American antelope, elk, mountain lions, and various reptiles. It’s also a nesting habitat for many birds of prey.
There are no designated picnic areas with tables or grills near the White Ridge Bike Trails. However, it is possible to find spots suitable for sitting and enjoying a snack that you bring with you.
While there are no designated Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at White Ridge Bike Trails, you will find RV camping nearby at Vista Linda Campground. It’s only 20 miles away at the bottom of a red rock canyon with a stream running alongside it. Vista Linda Campground has 13 asphalt sites that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. For $10 per night, you’ll enjoy a covered shelter with picnic tables and fire rings. Pit toilets, trash bins, and water are also available.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at White Ridge Bike Trails in the form of tent camping along the many trails and roads. These are not designated campsites and do not offer any amenities.
When searching for BLM camping near me while visiting White Ridge Bike Trails, you’ll want to scout for a site ahead of time. The “campsites” are simply areas of dirt that you’ll find along the roadside where you can pitch a tent. After entering BLM land, the roads can get rough and become muddy. Camping here is free with a 14-day maximum stay. Stay on the designated trails or along the roadside. Avoid trampling the vegetation, and don’t create new cross-country paths that others will try to follow. Be sure to bring plenty of food and water with you. This is a remote desert area. Do not drink any untreated water. Cell reception is spotty. Pack maps and a compass for areas where you can’t use your phone’s GPS. Bring essentials such as a first aid kit, pocket knife, and matches. The best time of year to visit White Ridge Bike Trails is from early May through late June or mid-August through October. July has sweltering heat, which makes it hard to enjoy outdoor activities. Average highs during the tourist season are in the 90s. You’ll need sunglasses and sunscreen. Some relief is found in the evenings when temperatures drop into the 60s. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leaving trash behind will ruin the camping experience for others. Remember to follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines and dispose of your trash responsibly. You also don’t want to do anything that could cause damage to the natural surroundings. If everyone picks up after themselves before leaving their campsite, there won’t be any problem. Take a few minutes to look around for items or trash you may have forgotten about before leaving.
From Bernalilo, you’ll travel northwest on U.S. 550 toward Cuba. In approximately 20 miles, you’ll take a left onto Cabezon Road/County Road 906. Follow the left fork. You’ll arrive at the gravel parking lot in 4.4 miles. Address: 4493 Cabezon Road, San Ysidro, New Mexico 87053 Ready to visit White Ridge Bike Trails? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
