Introduction
Southern New Mexico is a borderland adventure cycling destination that promotes self renewal in the desert. Hundreds of miles of unpaved roads and trails, diverse fauna and flora, and expansive night skies will lead you to find yourself lost and found within the beauty of Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument.
Riding here is a transcendental experience. The extremes of the desert push you to discover a newly reinvigorated you. Personal transformation is a real possibility when the sound of silence creates the headspace for inward reflection. The quiet desert surroundings slow the internal tempo of the mind as you pedal towards a reset — or whatever you are seeking.
Desert cycling encourages you to shed the psychological weight of daily life. You’ll relinquish old perceptions of yourself, Las Cruces, and the borderland region. A Chihuahuan Desert cycling experience pushes you physically and mentally towards renewal.
Ride here once or multiple times, you’ll never be the same.
Welcome
Welcome to the desert adventure cycling destination of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Adventure cycling offers the chance to not only experience the region’s beautiful rugged terrain, but also take in the vibrant history, arts and culture, and culinary flavors and tastes of la frontera.
Doña Ana County is an ideal basecamp to plan and execute Chihuahuan Desert bike exploration. Whether seeking an off-road ride, or a multi-day bikepacking excursion, cyclists have a number of options. The established Monumental Loop has propelled Las Cruces forward as a desirable Southwest bikepacking destination.
With 320 days of sunshine and blue skies, you can enjoy riding year round. An expansive night sky and cool evening temperatures set the stage for witnessing the Chihuahuan Desert come to life. Las Cruces’ close proximity to public lands means you are never far away from an accessible, build-your-own, off-road cycling experience.
CHIHUAHUAN DESERT
Bikepacking The North American Outback
Las Cruces’ geographic location makes it a worthy bikepacking destination to explore. A growing community of resident bikepackers — folks who ride self-supported overnight into the backcountry — are discovering and sharing the beauty of overland bike travel in the Chihuahuan Desert outback.
Doña Ana County is special because of the Monumental Loop, and its bikepacking route system that connects four sections of the Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument (500,000 acres). Las Cruces is a natural hub for bikepackers traveling through the basin and range terrain of southern New Mexico.
Adding to Las Cruces’ bikepacking appeal is the DangerBird 250. Held in late October, this grassroots bikepacking event celebrates the desert landscape and encourages cyclists to develop a deeper connection with it. Registration is free, but limited to 150 people. Aid stations give every rider the chance to participate, including the beginner friendly SafetyBird route.
Las Cruces’ overland accessibility to the natural wonders of the Chihuahuan Desert make it an awe-inspiring bikepacking destination for adventurers.
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ROAD ORIGINS
Ancient Cultures and the Establishment of Roads
Southern New Mexico has been home to humans for thousands of years. Darkened and burned rocks in the Organ Mountains offer evidence of prehistoric brush huts and fire pits built by hunter-gatherers. Near Bishop’s Cap, Conklin Cave is estimated to have been occupied between 10 and 30 thousand years ago. These ancient cultures created a matrix of footpaths later aggregated into Spain’s Camino Real Intercontinental global network of roads and maritime routes.
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Road of the Interior) was one of the first European trade routes in North America, connecting the Spanish colonial capital of Mexico City to the northern frontier. It was the path used to cross the arid lands of the Rio Grande Valley. Historic parajes (campsites) created by European settlers eventually became modern cities, towns, and villages. Its legacy continues to endure for three centuries and in two countries.
After the U.S. acquired the Southwest in 1848, road building in the Territory of New Mexico began to evolve. The railroad’s arrival by 1880 actually spurred road development. There was a need to get supplies to railroad construction sites, which would move commerce from farms and mines, while advancing regional economic development and improving communication.
In the late 19th century, a New Mexican bicycle dealer, R. L. Dodson, became a leading voice of the Good Roads Movement. Bicyclists were promoting a new means of travel and a need for “good roads.” A growing group of middle and upper class bicyclists found the poor condition of roads restrictive to their new hobby. Later, the League of American Wheelmen was formed to convince farmers that good roads improved their livelihood. However, farmers were weary of city folks increasing taxes and lost control of rural roads. Alternatively, bicycle manufacturers led by Columbia Bicycles, worked at the federal, state, and local levels to promote road improvement legislation. Efforts resulted in the establishment of National League for Good Roads (NLGR), and the Office of Road Inquiries (ORI), a federal agency in 1893.
By 1909, organized road administration advanced with the New Mexico Good Roads Association. On October 9, 1913, the NMGR said in a speech that farmers of southern New Mexico were paying a “sand and mud tax that amounts to over $10.00 a year for every man.” They argued that poor road conditions in Doña Ana County cost farmers eight times more to transport their crops to market. Three years later, Congress responded to general public demand for good roads by passing the first Federal Aid Road Act of 1916. This legislation would also impact road construction and land use by New Mexico’s largest landowner.
“I often hear the automobile instigated good roads. Well, the truth is, the bicycle is the father of the good roads movement in this country. The League fought for the privilege of building bicycle paths along the side of public highways, and for equal privileges with horse-drawn vehicles. All these battles were won and the bicyclist was accorded equal rights with other users of highways and streets.”
— Horatio Earle (Father of Good Roads)
The federal government owns 1.8 million acres, or 75% of all land in Doña Ana County, with the Bureau of Land Management managing 1.1 million acres, followed by the U.S. military at 430,000 acres. A natural resource extraction industry also helped improve road conditions, while making public land more accessible. Now in the 21st century, these same roads are contributing to a growing outdoor recreation economy in southern New Mexico.
While still a fraction at 5.7%, some federal land (104,314 acres) enjoys special protection, including the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, along with a number of popular state parks. A force for change over 100+ years, cyclists still maintain a leadership position as advocates and promoters of the unpaved roads and trails of southern New Mexico.
DESERT TRACKS
Selecting The Appropriate Tire Size & Width
Please consider carefully your off-road tire set up when planning a Las Cruces/Doña Ana County cycling adventure. Choosing wider tire sizes helps minimize pushing a bike and improves comfort in desert riding conditions. A wider tire helps a rider float through the sandy sections encountered in southern New Mexico.
If you’re on a gravel bike with 700c (29”) wheels, the terrain of the Chihuahuan Desert requires a 40 to 47 mm wide tire. Anything less, and you may not be satisfied with the ride experience. Those riding 650b (27.5”) want to go with 47 to 55 mm (1.95 to 2.3). Basically, if the amount of tire clearance is available, always go as wide as possible for your frame.
Tubeless tires, with sealant, are recommended due to the significant potential for punctures from thorns and/or cactus. The set-up simply performs better and adds safety. Remember, you’re out there and the desert can be relentlessly unforgiving. Plan accordingly and enjoy the ride.
GROUND CONTROL
Astrotourism in Southern New Mexico
Astro-tourism can greatly enhance a cycling visit to Las Cruces/Doña Ana County. The desert night sky, along with the region’s historic ties to astronomy and space exploration, promotes outdoor overnights, stargazing events, and education.
Stargazing - Overnight Adventures:
The Chihuahuan Desert is a stellar backdrop for gazing into the cosmos. Las Cruces maintains convenient public land access to witness our universe under ideal night sky conditions. It’s why an overnight bikepacking trip in southern New Mexico can be so memorable. Listen to the coyotes serenade into the night and experience the desert as you star-gaze into the cosmic realm.
Astronomy & Space Exploration:
New Mexico State University’s Tortugas Mountain Observatory conducted early NASA planetary imaging and monitoring, with continued work today. NMSU is also where astronomer Clyde Tombaugh taught. He discovered Pluto in 1930.
Southern New Mexico is also home of Spaceport America, “the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.” It’s designed to accommodate and promote commercial space flight and tourism. Virgin Galactic has a presence here.
Visitors can book tours of the facility via Final Frontier Tours.
DESERT FLOW
A CYCLING STATE OF MIND
Please consider carefully your off-road tire set up when planning a Las Cruces/Doña Ana County cycling adventure. Choosing wider tire sizes helps minimize pushing a bike and improves comfort in desert riding conditions. A wider tire helps a rider float through the sandy sections encountered in southern New Mexico.
If you’re on a gravel bike with 700c (29”) wheels, the terrain of the Chihuahuan Desert requires a 40 to 47 mm wide tire. Anything less, and you may not be satisfied with the ride experience. Those riding 650b (27.5”) want to go with 47 to 55 mm (1.95 to 2.3). Basically, if the amount of tire clearance is available, always go as wide as possible for your frame.
Tubeless tires, with sealant, are recommended due to the significant potential for punctures from thorns and/or cactus. The set-up simply performs better and adds safety. Remember, you’re out there and the desert can be relentlessly unforgiving. Plan accordingly and enjoy the ride.
SUSTAINABLE GRAVEL
A Landscape in Delicate Balance
Astro-tourism can greatly enhance a cycling visit to Las Cruces/Doña Ana County. The desert night sky, along with the region’s historic ties to astronomy and space exploration, promotes outdoor overnights, stargazing events, and education.
Stargazing - Overnight Adventures:
The Chihuahuan Desert is a stellar backdrop for gazing into the cosmos. Las Cruces maintains convenient public land access to witness our universe under ideal night sky conditions. It’s why an overnight bikepacking trip in southern New Mexico can be so memorable. Listen to the coyotes serenade into the night and experience the desert as you star-gaze into the cosmic realm.
Astronomy & Space Exploration:
New Mexico State University’s Tortugas Mountain Observatory conducted early NASA planetary imaging and monitoring, with continued work today. NMSU is also where astronomer Clyde Tombaugh taught. He discovered Pluto in 1930.
Southern New Mexico is also home of Spaceport America, “the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.” It’s designed to accommodate and promote commercial space flight and tourism. Virgin Galactic has a presence here.
Visitors can book tours of the facility via Final Frontier Tours.
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