The La Paliza Grande is a 300 mile route in Northern New Mexico. The name translates to the “Big Beating” which tells you almost everything you need to know about this route. La Paliza Grande was created by Dylan Boyle and his goal was to piece together some of the lesser known roads and trails in this region.
What separates this route from my other bikepacking trips is the variation in terrain and the amount of wildlife I saw. The route features trails that are inaccessible by cars and I spent a lot of time enjoying the forest noises and seeing elk, coyotes, butterflies and chipmunks.
The climb up Canjilon Mountain is 36 miles and 5 thousand feet. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done on a bike, especially the final miles on the Continental Divide Trail with endless blowdowns and hike a bike, but reaching the fire tower at the top made it all worth it.
One moment you’re in a deep alpine forest on Canjilon peak and the next moment you are in the high desert looking at the multi-colored cliffs of French Mesa.
Northern New Mexico will always have a special place in my heart after this experience. 9/10 ride.
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[Link to my Video Recap](https://youtu.be/BonbN6viDL8?si=GE4aqKoa1PJKETYU)
[Link to Route](https://bikepackingroots.org/project/la-paliza-grande/)
The La Paliza Grande is a 300 mile route in Northern New Mexico. The name translates to the “Big Beating” which tells you almost everything you need to know about this route. La Paliza Grande was created by Dylan Boyle and his goal was to piece together some of the lesser known roads and trails in this region.
What separates this route from my other bikepacking trips is the variation in terrain and the amount of wildlife I saw. The route features trails that are inaccessible by cars and I spent a lot of time enjoying the forest noises and seeing elk, coyotes, butterflies and chipmunks.
The climb up Canjilon Mountain is 36 miles and 5 thousand feet. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done on a bike, especially the final miles on the Continental Divide Trail with endless blowdowns and hike a bike, but reaching the fire tower at the top made it all worth it.
One moment you’re in a deep alpine forest on Canjilon peak and the next moment you are in the high desert looking at the multi-colored cliffs of French Mesa.
Northern New Mexico will always have a special place in my heart after this experience. 9/10 ride.