La Paliza Grande

TEMPORARY REROUTE IN PLACE FOR THE START:

The original route for La Paliza Grande starts from Pajarito Ski area and drops into the Valles Caldera via the East entrance gate. At this time, access through the east entrance grate and VC09 road through the Valles Caldera is closed. A re-route has been established in the meantime, starting from Los Alamos and taking highway 4 up to the Valles Caldera entrance. This unfortunately means taking about 15 miles of steep, narrow shoulder pavement from Los Alamos to the Valles Caldera entrance to start the route, and another 15 miles of pavement to return to Los Alamos. The re-route provides a route to/from Los Alamos for those wishing to park a car in Los Alamos. However, if possible, it is recommended to get a ride to the Valles Caldera park entrance for your start in order to avoid these pavement miles!

——————–

La Paliza Grande presents a challenge for those who may have already completed two- to four-day bikepacking routes, such as the Chama Charmer or the Valles Caldera Explorer, and are looking for something bigger and more committing. La Paliza Grande includes several challenging climbs: from Abiquiu to the peak of Canjilón Mountain in the Carson National Forest; ascending the secret north entrance to the incredibly colorful French Mesa in the Santa Fe National Forest; and cresting the rim of the Valles Caldera at several locations. The long and sustained climb up Paliza Canyon, starting from the Jemez Pueblo and finishing on the southern caldera rim, gives the route its namesake. While the route officially passes through Jicarilla Apache Nation and Jemez Pueblo land, the Vallez Caldera region and the Jemez Mountains in general are part of the identity and history of many other surrounding pueblos including the Pueblos of Cochiti, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Zia, Nambe, Tesuque, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, and San Ildefonso. The Jemez Mountains are considered sacred to many. Please be respectful and mindful as you pass through.

Despite its name, La Paliza Grande is extremely rideable (99 %+) and generally follows moderately trafficked forest service roads. Each day, the route highlights drastically different ecosystems as it traverses desert landscapes, mixed pine and aspen forests, and alpine meadows. Overall, 80% of the route is off-pavement, with several segments taking riders onto less-traveled 4×4 secondary roads for longer stretches (5-15 miles) to connect remote sections of the national forest. Most riders will find a few short (generally less than 100 m) portions of these sections to be hike-a-bike territory where grades momentarily exceed 10%. Additionally, the route includes over 20 miles (7%) of moderately technical and rideable single track.

There are a surprising number of options for resupply along the route. A pace of roughly 50 miles per day (6 days overall to complete the route) can land a rider at a restaurant, convenience store, gas station, or a campground store every day. While not abundant, water is available on route often enough that a 4 to 5 L capacity is sufficient. While the route provides an excellent balance of riding surfaces to sustain a moderately fast pace, careful water resupply planning will be of critical importance. All natural water sources should be treated. Recommended season for riding La Paliza Grande is spring through fall. Be advised that the snow on Canjilón Mountain can persist until June, some years!!

• Paved: 20%
• Smooth Gravel: 30%
• Rough Gravel: 33%
• 4×4 Road: 10%
• Singletrack: 7%

July 2025 Update: The Laguna Fire has impacted the route from mile 179 to 182.5. There is a closure in place for the area. If you are riding this route at this time, please seek an alternative through the area. Continue straight at mile 170.4, towards Llaves and Gallina, on road 112 south to NM-96, and rejoin the route in Gallina.

Water:

• Having the means to treat water is suggested for this route.

Resupply:

• Water resources and resupply options are adequate but limited; plan accordingly.
• Store hours in remote locations can be variable and unreliable. Call ahead to locations if you are relying on them being open.

Getting to the start of the route:

Los Alamos is a great staging point for hosting travelers from out of town and makes for an excellent beginning and ending point for a long adventure. There are a few hotels, many restaurants, and three grocery stores in town. The bike-friendly Rail Runner train (Albuquerque to Santa Fe) and NM Park and Ride buses (Santa Fe to Los Alamos) make it possible to connect to Los Alamos from Albuquerque and Santa Fe airports. While you can start riding from Los Alamos, the route officially starts at the Pajarito Ski Area parking lot, saving the rider a 2000+ ft climb from town. There is no public transport up to the ski area, however, so arranging a ride to the start is advised. Parking options in Los Alamos include: Pajarito Ski Area parking lot, Smith’s parking lot, and Sullivan Field parking lot.

Dylan Boyle joined the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and the Los Alamos Mountaineers to give this presentation on his adventures setting out to establish a new bikepacking route in Northern New Mexico, called La Paliza Grande. The presentation begins at 6:16 in the video.

Dylan Boyle created and stewards this route. Here is a little about Dylan:

Dylan has offered to be available to answer questions if you are planning a trip on this route. Please also get in touch with any updates on route conditions that may be relevant to other riders.

Please submit your questions and comments on the route via the contact form below.

This route traverses the lands of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Jemez Pueblo.