Burnt Cabin Flats to Chloride

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

This ride makes use of the Continental Divide Trail from Burt Cabin Flats until the singletrack enters Wilderness on Chloride Canyon Road. From there, the ride continues through Chloride Canyon and eventually ends in the town of Chloride, NM.

The Chloride Museum and Gift Shop should be visited and a small cafe that is generally open on the weekends in Winston, NM can provide you with freshly-cooked meals. Additionally, there is an RV camping area and even cabins that can be rented in the space behind the Chloride museum. A public restroom facility is located next to the museum as well.

This ride is best ridden from Burnt Cabin Flats down to Chloride, NM. The opposite direction is possible, but will substantially increase the amount of climbing and will not allow you to enjoy some of the great descending afforded by this route.

This particular option also requires a shuttle. A shuttle up to the Burnt Cabin Flats trailhead should be arranged. Additionally, a shuttle/meet-up/parked vehicle should be left in Chloride. There is a public parking area just across the road from the Chloride museum, which can be used as a meet-up/pickup point.

Start on singletrack at the kiosk near the Burnt Cabin Flats parking area. Follow the CDT: Burnt Cabin Flat to Chloride Canyon (NM Sec. 11) over a series of steady climbs and descents. At approximately 13 miles, the trail will cross Forest Road 226A (Lookout Mountain Road). Cross the road and make sure you continue on the the CDT: Burnt Cabin Flat to Chloride Canyon (NM Sec. 11) trail.

At approximately 14 miles in, the trail will merge into Forest Road 226 (Chloride Canyon). Turn left onto the road and continue the journey generally heading down Chloride Canyon. Eventually, Chloride Canyon Road will merge into the city of Chloride, NM.

This area of the Gila National Forest/Black Range has a substantial history due to it's importance in frontier mining. Make sure you check out the Chloride Museum and learn more about the rich history of this area. Additionally, several petroglyph sites accent the beauty of Chloride Canyon. Many of the petroglyphs can be see from the side of the road or only require a short walk off the road in order to access.