Welcome to the

White Ridge Bike Trails Area!

Tucked away in rugged and scenic country southwest 

of the community of San Ysidro, New Mexico, is 

the White Ridge Bike Trails Area. To the west is the 

designated Ojito Wilderness. Both sites are a short 

distance from U.S. 550. This region is known for its 

geological, cultural and paleontological resources, as 

well as for its scenic qualities. The bike trail crosses 

a landscape of spectacular beauty and exceptional 

geology, meandering through the Pueblo of Zia, State 

of New Mexico, and public land managed by the 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM has obtained 

rights-of-way from the Pueblo and the State to provide 

this biking experience. Although the Trails have been 

developed primarily for mountain biking, hikers are 

welcome on the entire trail system, and one segment is 

also open to equestrian use.

White Ridge is named for the color of the gypsum 

that forms much of the mesa and the majority of the 

bike trails. Gypsum is a white mineral consisting of 

hydrated calcium sulfate and is commonly used in 

cement, plaster and fertilizer. This gypsum formed as 

a chemical reaction from evaporation of an ancient 

water body. In other words, the Ojito area was once 

covered with water! At the western edge of White Ridge, 

the Tierra Amarilla Anticline forms high, narrow mesa 

ridges. This classic example of a plunging anticline is 

visited by several university field schools each year.

THE TRAILS

Within this unique geological landscape are 15 miles 

of bike trails designed for both beginning and expert 

riders. The trails consist of two concentric loops. 

The west leg of the inner loop (the Dragon’s Back) 

and the east leg of the outer loop offer a thrilling 

ride on the high, narrow gypsum mesa ridges of the 

Tierra Amarilla Anticline. Both hikers and riders are 

rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of the 

New Mexico landscape from atop the gypsum trails. 

The less extreme (but still challenging) east leg of the 

inner loop traverses a central valley composed of redbrown Triassic period rocks and a surrounding rimrock 

composed of gray-white Jurassic period gypsum. The 

western leg of the outer loop crosses rolling alluvial 

fill, skirting tilted beds of sandstone and mudstone.

The trail system is labeled with numbered “Junction” 

signs. For more experienced riders, there are 

several segments of narrow trails with steep 

drop-offs and numerous obstacles that provide 

challenges. In particular, the following segments 

require advanced riding skills and endurance:

• Junction 3 to Junction 4 to Junction 6 (known as 

the “Dragons Back”)

• Junction 4 to Junction 6 (the portion of the 

Dragon’s Back called “Hike a Bike”)

• Trailhead at Cabezon Road to Junction 17

The remaining trail segments can be enjoyed by 

relatively inexperienced riders. While characterized 

by easier terrain than the trails listed above, these 

trails still provide a scenic and challenging ride. 

Equestrian use is allowed only along Junction 

24 to Junction 6 because this segment does not 

cross the gypsum. Unlike the tracks made by 

mountain bikes and hikers, horses’ hooves break 

down the gypsum, thereby increasing erosion.

OF OTHER INTEREST

Fossil remains of rare dinosaurs, plants, and trees 

from the Jurassic period are located in the Morrison 

Formation. Natural erosion processes have exposed 

the bones of huge dinosaurs and large segments of 

petrified trees. These fossils are approximately 150 

million years old! The longest dinosaur ever recovered, 

Seismosaurus, was discovered only a few miles west 

of the bike trails area in what is now the Ojito 

Wilderness. Paleontologists and geologists use this 

great variety of life to construct geologic timelines 

and interpret climate changes over the earth’s history. 

Please leave these objects in place.

BLM/NM/GI-06-10-1220

RULES OF THE TRAIL

The International Mountain Bicycling Association 

IMBA (www.imba.com) and Tread Lightly! (www.

treadlightly.org) both offer rules of the trail. Most 

bicyclists know the rules of the trail. The following 

are offered as a reminder:

 Don’t take a Physically prepare for your trip. •

route that’s beyond your capabilities. There are 

some narrow areas of the gypsum trail (less than 

three feet) with exposed 100-foot drop-offs.

 Wear helmet and Properly equip yourself. •

gloves. Gypsum in the summer reaches soaring 

temperatures. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, 

and double the amount of water you would 

normally bring. Equip your bike with proper 

tools, spare tube, patch kit, and air pump. Bring 

essential survival items—first aid kit, maps, 

compass, matches, and pocket knife. Biking 

during the cooler parts of the day, especially 

in the early mornings, is recommended. 

Always travel with a friend and Protect yourself. •

don’t drink untreated water.

 The Ride only where bicycles are permitted. •

trails at White Ridge are well signed; comply 

with signs and barriers. Rights-of-way across 

State of New Mexico and Pueblo of Zia lands 

apply only to the trails. A recreation permit 

is required if leaving the trail on State lands. 

Bicycles and other mechanical conveyances 

are not allowed in the Ojito Wilderness.

 Stay in control, check speed on Ride safely. •

descents, and use caution when approaching 

turns; anticipate someone around the bend.

 Stay on designated Protect the environment. •

trails, avoid trampling vegetation, and don’t 

short-cut switchbacks. Cross-country riding 

is destructive and leaves an obvious path that 

tempts others to follow. Avoid skidding and wheel 

spinning. Avoid riding in muddy conditions. Ride 

only on open trails; if trails are closed, do not 

proceed.

 Pack out more than Littering is unacceptable. •

you take in.

White Ridge’s vast landscape is varied with both 

rugged and mild terrain, making it perfect for 

bike-riders of different levels.

White Ridge

Bike Trails

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Photo by Matt Turgeon

Photo by Matt Turgeon

Photo by Matt Turgeon Photo by Chris Pyle

Cover photo by Matt Turgeon

Photos by Chris Pyle

Bureau of Land Management

Albuquerque District, Rio Puerco Field Office

100 Sun Ave. NE

Pan American Bldg., Suite 330

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109

505/761-8700

or

www.blm.gov/new-mexico

In case of emergency:

mediate Emergency – 911 Im

BLM 24-hour Dispatch – 1/800/637-9152
White Ridge Bike Trails Area

Produced by the Bureau of Land Management

All trails are for mountain bikes and hikers.

Equestrians may use double track trail from marker post 24 to 6.

North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) Projection UTM Zone 13N

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the

accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data, or for the purposes

not intended by BLM. Spatial information may not meet National Map

Accuracy Standards. This information may be updated without notification.

Cabezon Road

Gas Co. Road

Rio

Salado

550

.68 .55

2.50

2.73 .65

.72 .48

.75

.76

.27

.19

.45

.25

1.38

1

2

3

4

9

8

7

6

5

23

20

22

21

18 17

16

15 14

13

12

11

10

24

19

106°49'0"W

106°49'0"W

106°49'30"W

106°49'30"W

106°50'0"W

106°50'0"W

106°50'30"W

106°50'30"W

106°51'0"W

106°51'0"W

106°51'30"W

106°52'0"W 106°51'30"W

35°33'0"N

35°33'0"N

35°32'30"N

35°32'30"N

35°32'0"N

35°32'0"N

35°31'30"N

35°31'30"N

35°31'0"N

35°31'0"N

35°30'30"N

35°30'30"N

35°30'0"N

35°30'0"N

35°29'30"N

35°29'30"N

0 0.3 0.6 Mile

0 0.275 0.55 1.1 Kilometer

1:16,439

Dragon

s' Ba

ck

Hike-a-Bike

Marker Posts Beginner, Double Track

Moderate, Single Track

Moderate, Double Track

Difficult, Single Track

Difficult, Double Track

Severe, Single Track

Severe, Double Track

Vista or Unique Geology

Parking

Trailhead

Power Line

Underground Pipeline

Equestrian Trail

BLM

Private

State

Tribal

LOCATION MAP