This is a short, 5.7 mile, lollipop loop close to the town of Taos that offers some steep but fun singletrack. While somewhat technical, with a few rock steps and some loose rock, it isnít extreme; the biggest challenge is the steep climb. The climb out of the trailhead (at about 7,160í) is steep enough that I felt it required more heartbeats than I was willing to commit ñ I walked much of it. Once you get to the intersection of the loop it gets easier and pedaling isnít too hard, but it is still difficult in places. I canít say whether it is better to go clockwise our counter-clockwise around the loop; I lean toward going clockwise. Riding clockwise, the trail works its way thru the cedar and pine to a nice overlook, then to the north side of the hill there is a short section of fun singletrack thru thicker forest, and then you continue climbing to the top of Devisadero Peak (8,304í) where you can recline and relax in easy chairs cleverly constructed from slabs of rock. From there it is a fast ride down sharp switchbacks to the fork, and then back down to the trailhead.
The Capulin Trail connects at the eastern corner of the loop ñ if you want to add a lot more miles then continue on up the Capulin till you run out of gas or end up coming back down Capulin Canyon.
The trailhead is on highway 64, just after the road enters the canyon, by the "Welcome to Taos" sign. Look for the obvious large parking area.
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