A Flat, Scenic Ride Through Albuquerque: The Paseo del Bosque Trail

A great bicycle trail in the USA is the Paseo del Bosque Trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s not as long as some of the other trails I’ve written about, but what makes it great is that it gives you something hard to find in Albuquerque—a flat place to ride. This is a city known for its hills and climbs, so finding a scenic, mostly level route makes this trail especially appealing—especially for senior cyclists or anyone looking for a relaxed training day.

I’ve ridden this trail myself, and if I lived in Albuquerque, I’d use it often on the days I just wanted to spin my legs without climbing. The Paseo del Bosque runs through the Rio Grande Valley and offers peaceful views of the river, the Sandia Mountains in the distance, and shaded stretches lined with cottonwood trees. It passes through several parks and open spaces, including the Rio Grande Valley State Park.

When I first rode it, the trail was about 16 miles long, running from Alameda Boulevard in the north to Rio Bravo Boulevard in the south. But since then, the city has made some nice additions. A southern loop adds around 2.3 miles, creating a longer ride for those who want more mileage without changing terrain. There's also a new 1.5-mile accessible segment near Tingley Beach, which includes a pedestrian bridge and smoother pavement for a safer, more inclusive ride. With those additions and optional side paths, you can stretch the ride to nearly 19 miles.

One of the special things about this trail is the wildlife. I’ve seen hawks overhead, heard the calls of songbirds, and even spotted the occasional beaver dam in the river. The cottonwoods provide welcome shade on hot days, and there are plenty of places to stop and rest or enjoy the scenery.

The trail is paved, wide, and easy to follow. It does get busy at times, especially on weekends, so it's good to stay alert and follow trail etiquette. But overall, it’s a stress-free ride that’s great for cyclists of all skill levels.

There’s another path in Albuquerque that climbs from the valley toward the mountains—very challenging and definitely not flat. I’ll cover that one in another post. But for now, if you’re looking for an easy, beautiful ride through the heart of the city, the Paseo del Bosque Trail is a must. I’ll definitely ride it again.