Polvadera Mesa

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

Take everything you think you could need (food, water, tools, etc). Food and drinks can be acquired at Bodes in Abiquiu. There's lots of sharp rocks so bring a tire repair kit and spare tube if needed.

The climb out of Abiquiu and into the Jemez Mountains via Polvadera Mesa has been said to be the roughest climb in the GDMBR. This mesa is remote, dry, rough, sandy, steep, and chunky the entire way up. Before embarking on this ride, ensure your bike is in proper working order and that you have plenty of water. After mile five, there are no reliable water sources.

Mile 1-4 will begin right in Abiquiu and will take you up a mesa valley and into the plateau. The climb isn't too rough at this point and the gravel texture is fair. This stretch also has reliable water because it rides right next to the river.

Mile 4-9.5 travels across the plateau and into the foothills of the Jemez mountains. This is the easiest part of the ride so make sure to enjoy it. This is a good place to refuel before starting on the big climb.

Mile 9.5-15 takes you to very steep climbs and chunky descents. Towards the end of this segment, you'll briefly leave the tree line and are rewarded with great views of the mesa you'll be climbing.

From mile 15 and onwards is what makes this route so famous. The terrain is unrelenting for the remaining duration of the ride. You'll traverse across a slew of rough riding conditions. The climbs are very punchy with very rough and sandy road texture. The mesa seems to go on forever with the road conditions just getting more rugged over time.

For all the effort, you are rewarded with magnificent views of Cerro Pedernal once you get high enough.

After the sand subsides, the terrain will become very chunky with babyheads everywhere. The climb remains steep and chunky but at least you're out of the sand. The vegetation will turn from high desert trees and brush into aspens and mountain grass. Despite the rough road, this is a very scenic ride.

Once you finally reach the end, you'll approach a nice ridge with great camping spots and stunning views. If you cross the camping spots and look south towards the Valle Caldera there are stunning vistas to witness.

This is a great camping location if you choose to spend the night after this bruiser. Once at the end spot, the closest water source is San Antonio Creek in the Valle Caldera Preserve.