10 Jun Milk Ranch Canyon Loop, Pre-Conference Mountain Bike Ride (Bring Your Own Bike)
For this advanced Pre-Conference Mountain Bike Ride, we’ll meet at noon at Red Rock Park on Monday before the Conference Welcome Party. We’ll do a short drive up the mountain to ride an epic pine forest loop in the Zuni Mountains. This adventurous mountain bike trail begins with a rugged hilltop climb through a shaded pine forest, where rocky terrain and fun turns challenge your legs and reward your effort with crisp mountain air and the scent of evergreens. You gain elevation only to descend again as the trail transitions into a narrow canyon, where canyon walls and pine trees frame this ascent. This canyon climb offers dramatic terrain, a slickrock section, and a true backcountry feel.
After a short section through pine trees, the reward is a long, fast, and flowing descent on Quasi-Moto Trail to the top of Milk Ranch Canyon Trail. Here, the trail dives through more pine trees, weaving between boulders and over natural rock features in a rhythm of rollers, sweeping turns, and small rocky drops. The descent is a mix of adrenaline and flow, with just enough tech to keep you alert and grinning all the way down.
This route is perfect for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a blend of technical climbing, scenic terrain, and one of the most exhilarating descents in the area.
Total Trip Time: 4 hours
Meeting Times: Mon. Sept. 8th at 12 noon
Where to Meet: Red Rock Park
Tour Leader: Brian Culligan
Actual Tour Time: 3 hours, 17.3 Mile Ride
Terrain: Easier smooth desert singletrack loop
What to Bring: Bring Your Own bike, Water, sun-screen, sunglasses, helmet, and gear.
Group Limit: 10
Age Limit: N/A
Difficulty Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Special Directions, Safety Restrictions, etc.: All participants will be required to wear a helmet and to sign a waiver. This activity is intended for those conference participants that are interested in strenuous MTB trail ride with some technical sections.