Mountain bikers can enjoy this area known for its open meadows, vistas, and wildlife such as elk and black bear.
The Valle Vidal, part of the Carson National Forest, offers mountain biking enthusiasts opportunities for adventure in Northern New Mexico. These include remote mountain biking in an area with lake vistas, high meadows, and historical sites.
How to Get There
To get to the Valle Vidal, begin in the town of Cimarron, NM. Drive north on U.S. Highway 64 out of town until reaching a dirt road. A sign on the right side of the road will indicate that it is the Valle Vidal Road, also known as the Cerrososo Road. Drive on this dirt road for about an hour-and-a-half until reaching the Valle. Note that the land on either side of the dirt road is privately owned until reaching the Forest Service boundary, and that one should drive conservatively and slowly (no more than 25 MPH) for safety and to avoid tire blowouts.
McCrystal Creek Campground
This campground area is centrally located in the Valle Vidal, and makes a great base for day riding. Facilities include established campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, and a water spigot. Note that the water is not potable, so visitors should either bring their own purified water or bring water pumps or other forms of water treatment. The campground is used by other campers, as well as horse riders. There is a fee for camping so check with the campsite host.
Mountain Biking Opportunities
A series of backcountry dirt roads connects the Valle Vidal, and it is possible to ride a mountain bike on these roads. Some are graded dirt roads, others are two-tracks that are not often used by vehicles, and provide access to lakes and meadows. Below are a few ideas for rides.
McCrystal Campground through Seally Canyon
This route takes riders through areas of the 2002 Ponil Complex Fire, as well as past ruins from abandoned cabins. Ride east from McCrystal Campground on the Cerrososo Road to a small parking lot in the middle of a meadow, which will be on the left side of the road. A two-track cuts through the main road. Make a right and follow the two-track south past a metal gate until the road intersects with another road. Make a right onto this road, which takes one through the Seally Canyon and past Seally Canyon Camp. Return to McCrystal Campground either by doubling back, or follow the Seally Canyon to a two-track that cuts north through two lakes and goes past Ring Place.
McCrystal Campground to Philmont Scout Ranch Boundary
For a longer route, begin at McCrystal Campground and ride south to Ring Place and continue on the two-track, which is faint, past two lakes until reaching Seally Canyon. Continue south on the two-track past Beatty Lakes and follow the road south to the boundary with Philmont Scout Ranch. Return to McCrystal Campground by doubling back on the original route to Ring Place. An alternate route is when reaching Seally Canyon, bike east through Seally Canyon Camp and north up North Ponil Creek to the Valle Vidal Road. All along this ride will be evidence from the 2002 Ponil Complex Fire.
Things to Bring
- Potable water and/or water purification.
- Spare tubes, tire irons, and portable bike pump.
- Food, first aid kit, and other essentials for an all-day ride.
More Information
For more information about the Valle Vidal, including maps, contact the U.S. Forest Service.
