Most-loved routes.

Northside's trail system allows for a multitude of ride configurations. Loops can be ridden clockwise, counter clockwise, in a Figure 8, all road or a mix of road and singletrack.

Alpine Wildflower Loop is a 16 km moderately popular expert route located near Taos New Mexico. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 5 trails. This route climbs 671 m with a max elevation of 3,545 m then descends -669 m.

Skip the Malachite climb to High T and enjoy stunning views on this versatile ride. While both directions work, clockwise is the favorite. A perfect ride with a balance of flow and scenery!

Reaching the Summit: Best Routes Up & Down

The shortest route to the Frazer Mtn. summit is via Frazer Mtn. Rd. (~6mi roundtrip), but it’s not the most enjoyable. We recommend taking the Alpine Wildflower Loop instead.

Ascending Options:

  • At High T Trail, choose to:

    • High T → Frazer Mtn. Rd. to the summit

    • Stay on Wheeler Peak Trail until the cutoff, then descend to Frazer Mtn. Rd. (the final stretch of Wheeler Peak Trail is too rocky to ride), and continue up to the summit

Descending Options:

  • Wheeler Peak Trail → Malachite, then return the way you came

  • High T Trail → Frazer Mtn. Rd., then descend to Ox Cart and follow the Alpine Wildflower Loop back to the trailhead

Stunning Views Without the Frazer Climb

If Frazer Mountain feels out of reach, this is a fantastic alternative. Follow the Alpine Wildflower Loop to the high point of Malachite Trail, then take a sharp right onto Bull of the Woods Trail for a climb to the summit of Bull of the Woods Mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views of Gold Hill, the village, and La Cal Basin before looping back via the Alpine Wildflower Loop to the trailhead.