Lagunita Saddle
Lagunita Saddle is never going to make it into the top 10
list of favorite New Mexico MTB rides, and that in spite
of its impressive altitude gain. Instead MTB guide books
focus on a number of short rides on the east side of this
flat saddle. The saddle is marked in these books. For
those not afraid of gravel, the ride from the bottom is an
excellent workout ride through a forested canyon. The
saddle is crossed also, on the way to higher and more
scenic territory of the unofficial Cabresto
Canyon - Valle Vidal divide. The saddle is at about
10400 feet ( altimeter measurement ). But an additional
200 feet has to be climbed over the ridge separating the
saddle from the Red River valley in a circle ride.
Approaches
From East. The Cabresto Canyon road leaves from
Questa, roughly paralleling Red River Valley, and soon turns
into a gravel road, that is not the easiest to ride. The top
is a subalpine meadow. Road conditions improve
considerably approaching the top (May/05).
From South. Continuing over the top, a confusing
number of forest roads make route finding difficult on the
first go around. The first sign after the unmarked top
points the way to the (Midnight) Trail Canyon jeep road. The
descent is often too steep and rocky for cycling.
Dayrides.
A ride from Questa over the saddle and descending the route
outlined, continuing back to Questa through Red River valley,
measured 60 miles with 6130 feet of climbing. This includes
around 5 miles of route finding on the east and south sides of
Lagunita Saddle. The eastern approach of the saddle is also
included in a ride of the unofficial Cabresto
Canyon - Valle Vidal divide.
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