Reviewed by: DC , from Santa Fe, NM

Summary:
Still a great ride - if you don't mind some steep hiking.

Recommended Route:
I previously reviewed this trail on March 8, 2001. I just rode it for the first time since then and found an error in my directions. Everything is correct till
you top out after the initial hike and bike. There is no right to bare onto. You must follow the trail left.
After some rideable trail, more hike and bike and more rideable trail you finally reach the FS road for the last 1/2 mile to the top. I based my error on the McClure Reservoir USGS Topo. If there is a right it is very difficult to find. Too bad - it would allow you to avoid additional hiking Sorry about that...

Reviewed by: Dr. Rearrango , from 'Burque, Nuevo Mexico, Estados Unidos

Summary:
As I was riding with Raul, his description is right on!! We only saw one vehicle above La Cueva and no other riders(on a Sat.)!! The last mile to the lookout was a grind, especially riding a 24x28 gear on the loose & steep sections. The first 3/4 mile down has some super tight & steep loose switchbacks, that were recently hacked in with no thought to following contour to reduce erosion. The new upper trail does not seem to have had much use. The switchbacks are pretty tough to ride through, in IMHO. Below this, the single track is superb, wending its way through the pines and then tightly through the scrub oak ridge as you lose elevation. The slabby granite and sandstone requires some finesse as you enter the conference center. Follow the most worn trail that follows the ridge through the scrub oak to the conference center. If it has rained FS 375 looks like it could be a mess of gumbo mud and the same for the lower portion into the conference center. Plan for 3-4 hours following the loop with a solid upper intermediate skill level.

Recommended Route:
Start at NM 50 and CR 63A (road to La Cueva) going north on FS 375 to Baldy, then down to Baptist conference center.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Windsor- over one million people & dogs on the weekends

Reviewed by: Raul , from Tijeras

Summary:
This is a GREAT ride but you must be in shape - altitude and legs both. The ride to the top is fine with the exception of the last mile - 22x32 gear and still not easy. It's 3000' of climbing so bring plenty of power bars and water. The view at the top is awesome and the singletrack down is exceptional with the exception of the top 3/4 of a mile which, depending on your skill level, is either challenging or only partially ridable. Steep and loose, with very tight switchbacks (the trail would be considerably better, IMHO, if it traversed the slope more with gentler switchbacks instead of bearing down as quickly as it does - others may disagree). The remainder is top notch singletrack with the final mile or so with lots of slab boulders and a few drop-offs. When you get down to the Conference Center just keep turning left and you'll get to the entrance and the frontage road back to the turn to La Cueva. All in all a really good, challenging ride that will make you fitter for sure! I'd classify this ride in the upper intermediate range.

Recommended Route:
I did the standard guide book loop. Start near La Cueva, take the fire road up to the top and then return
via the singletrack. Twenty-one miles in total, 10.5 miles from La Cueva to top of Glorietta Baldy.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Windsor for lots of climbing, but not as technical.

Reviewed by: DC , from Santa Fe, NM

Summary:
This is a relatively long uphill at elevation, starting at 7,500' and topping out at 10,200'. Those in good shape will enjoy it - those that are not will
want to turn back. Keep going up, you will be rewarded with a long,fun and sometimes technical singletrack descent back to the conference center. There are sections of this trail where you can really pick up the pace and others (switchbacks and rocky sections) that will test your technical skills and balance. If you follow the obvious route you shouldn't get lost. I love this trail and look forward to every outing. Flatlanders be cautious - you should acclimate to the local elevation before attempting this ride. One of the better rides in the Santa Fe area.

Recommended Route:
Start at the back of the Glorietta Conference Center.
Follow the jeep road up to Glorietta Ghost Town at which point it turns into a single track. Take this all the way to the ridge top - hike and bike included.
Once you top out bare right till you reach the Forest Service road. You can also go left here but it will add more hike and bike. Go left (at FS rd.) - uphill - till you reach Glorietta Baldy summit. Awesome views in all directions. The McClure Reservoir USGS Quad map will help with route finding.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Winsor Trail, Borrego/Winsor/Chamisa Trail loop.

Reviewed by: Jonathan , from Wimberley, Tx

Summary:
If your doing this trail, try riding up. This is the only way to go. You'll have to push the last 1/4 mile or so, but it beats the dirt road grind. The trail pops out about 5.5 miles from the conference center. Go left on the fire road(375) for about 1/2 mile to the top. The view is the best around, and the single track on the way down is pure joy, especially if you have full suspension. Remember the Star Wars scene when the ride through the forest on "air runners?" I think you get the picture. The whole trail can be done in around 3-3.5 hours. 2.5 hours to climb to the top, .5 hours back to the car. I give this trail a 4 star, only because a true 5 star only exhists in heaven.

Recommended Route:
Try turning into the conference center and parking near the bike shop. Then ride up the Ghost Town trail to the road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Santa Fe ski area