This is a fun downhill that can be ridden as an out-and-back or as a shuttle. From the Norski trailhead to the bottom is 9.8 miles, making for a quick downhill run or a good cardio workout if you do it as an out-and-back (7,200í at the bottom to 10,307í at the top). The actual trail continues on for miles beyond Norski (bikers can only venture as far as the wilderness boundary), but, from a bikerís perspective, Norski is a good place to start. The top section is singletrack that winds its way down thru single and double-track sections. Ruts, roots and loose rock may be encountered ñ I have to say I was a bit surprised about the poor maintenance at the top of this popular trail ñ but nothing bad enough to seriously detract from the ride. Other than a few rock outcrops and rutted corners there are no significant technical challenges, so this trail can be ridden by anyone comfortable with singletrack, but may not offer enough challenge for some. The last couple miles of the trail crisscross Tesuque Creek many times, so be prepared to get your feet wet. If you want to shuttle, but donít like the long drive from the bottom, you can make the Chamisa Trailhead on Hyde Park Road your destination. Ride down the trail just over five miles to the Chamisa Trail (183), and then climb about two miles out of the canyon to the Chamisa Trailhead on Hyde Road. There are plenty of other variants as well. For additional grist I recommend getting the excellent Santa Fe map of the area made by Sky Terrain (www.skyterrain.com).
The bottom trailhead is accessed by taking Bishops Lodge Road (590) north out of downtown Santa Fe to 72A, and driving to the small parking area at the end of the road. Watch carefully for 72A; it is practically a driveway. The Norski Trailhead is easy to find; just drive up Hyde Park Road till you find a large parking area about a mile short of the Santa Fe Ski Basin.
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