A generous offer from friends to use their house in Angel Fire for the weekend was the ticket away from sweltering Albuquerque heat, and the ticket to ride some high country singletrack. First thing Saturday, we hit up one of my favorite loops in the area, the Valle Escondido. It climbs from the Valle, just outside Taos, via FR 70, Elliott Barker Trail, and Trail 164 (South Boundary), to Osha Summit. At the summit you have the option to head down Jarocito Trail, or continue on #164. We opted for #164 this time since that first section to Garcia Park is such a hoot. Then at Garcia, it’s a rippin, fun decent back to the start in Valle Escondido. Perfect weather, epic trails, and riding with my best friend; what could be better? Afterward, put steaks, veges, and fresh pineapple on the grill and enjoyed a tasty dinner on the deck at our home for the weekend. More riding Sunday morning on the very fun greenbelt trails, then it was time to head home. At less than 3 hours from home, this is a great destination. Higher resolution photos are on the sidebar flickr links.


Entering Osha Park near Elliott Barker Intersection

Near Elliott Barker, Trail 164 (South Boundary) Intersection

The big climbing is done.

Corner Park


Nice Aspen Grove on Trail 164.

Ann rolling into Quintana Pass.

A reward from the deck.