Hiking and Biking

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Where Trails meet Adventure.

Hit the trails in Grants, where adventure is as vast as the landscape! Hike lava fields, summit mountains, or ride through rugged forests and desert mesas. From the flowing singletracks of Quartz Hill to the sweeping views atop Mt. Taylor, every step and pedal stroke brings you closer to the wild spirit of New Mexico.

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Hiking Trails

    • Gooseberry Trail leads to the 11,301' summit of Mt. Taylor.

    • Begins at 9,000'+ elevation and may have snow into late spring.

    • Summer: Cooler temperatures, wildflowers, and expansive vistas.

    • Fall: Stunning golden aspen scenery.

    • Distance: 6.25 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,030'.

    • Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) follows the Rocky Mountain crest with stunning, rugged landscapes.

    • This section offers breathtaking views and the option to extend the hike.

    • Distance: Approximately 4 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 980'.

    • El Calderon Area showcases lava tubes, cinder cones, and lava flows.

    • Trail passes several lava tube cave entrances in the first mile.

    • Climbs through ponderosa forest to the top of El Calderon cinder cone.

    • Distance: 3.8 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 400'.

    • Hike along Cretaceous sandstone ramparts with spectacular views over El Malpais National Monument.

    • Features expansive lava flow scenery and a distant view of La Ventana Natural Arch.

    • Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 460'.

Biking Trails

    • Gooseberry Trail leads to the 11,301' summit of Mt. Taylor.

    • Begins at 9,000'+ elevation and may have snow into late spring.

    • Summer: Cooler temperatures, wildflowers, and expansive vistas.

    • Fall: Stunning golden aspen scenery.

    • Distance: 6.25 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,030'.

    • Hike along Cretaceous sandstone ramparts with spectacular views over El Malpais National Monument.

    • Features expansive lava flow scenery and a distant view of La Ventana Natural Arch.

    • Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 460'.

    • First completed section of the Lobo Canyon Trail system

    • Depart from Coal Mine Campground, gently climbing a mesa.

    • Suitable for all skill levels with minimal technical features.

    • Distance: 1.3 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 165'.

    • Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) follows the Rocky Mountain crest with stunning, rugged landscapes.

    • This section offers breathtaking views and the option to extend the hike.

    • Distance: Approximately 4 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 980'.

Gravel Biking

    • Starts in Grants with a few miles of flat pavement.

    • Climbs through Zuni Canyon with narrowing and then widening canyon walls.

    • Slight climb through Bonita Canyon, followed by a fast descent to NM 53.

    • Offers great views of Mt. Taylor on the return to Grants.

    • Distance: Approximately 40 miles.

    • Nine-mile loop on La Jara Mesa, ideal as a primer or shorter adventure.

    • Two-track roads pass through piñon/juniper stands and open meadows.

    • Spurs near the mesa edge offer high desert views.

    • Avoid after heavy precipitation due to mud.

    • Distance: Approximately 9 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 360'.

    • 50-mile loop showcasing Zuni Mountain gravel.

    • Climbs from 6,500' to over 9,000', transitioning from high desert to mixed conifer and aspen forest.

    • Descent passes the Zuni lava flow and enters Zuni Canyon.

    • Terrain: 10 miles of pavement, 30 miles of gravel, 10 miles of rocky dirt roads.

    • No reliable water or resupply points—plan ahead.

    • Distance: Approximately 50 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,000'.

    • Explore the high country, climbing from 9,000' to 11,000'.

    • Travel through ponderosa forest, fir, aspen, open slopes, and meadows.

    • Ideal for late summer wildflowers or early fall aspen leaf viewing.

    • Distance: Approximately 20 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,000'.

Walking Trails

    • Paved trail along the Rio San Jose

    • Easy walk or bike ride through Grants

    • Connects parks, shops, and Route 66 spots

    • Great for families and casual outings

    • Scenic views and peaceful setting

    • Paved multi-use trail for walking, running, and biking

    • Loops around 2nd Street near downtown Grants

    • Easy, accessible path for all ages and skill levels

    • Connects to parks, neighborhoods, and the Riverwalk Trail

    • Scenic paved and gravel paths around the golf course

    • Peaceful setting with views of Mt. Taylor and the mesas

    • Best for early morning or off-peak walking

    • Flat, easy terrain great for casual strolls

    • Sidewalk route along historic North First Street and Route 66

    • Easy, accessible for casual walking or short strolls

    • Passes shops, murals, and local landmarks

    • Connects to downtown parks and the Riverwalk Trail

Even More Adventures Nearby.

Just a short drive from Grants, El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments offer stunning hikes through volcanic landscapes, sandstone bluffs, ancient lava tubes, and historic petroglyphs. From easy walks to rugged backcountry adventures, these parks showcase the beauty and rich history of New Mexico.

Explore the National Monuments
El Morro National Monument
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For even more trails, parks, and outdoor recreation around Grants, check out Cibola Outdoors! From hiking and biking to camping and sightseeing, Cibola Outdoors is your guide to exploring the natural wonders of northwest New Mexico.

Cibola Outdoors