In David Lamb’s latest video, he takes on the 300-mile La Paliza Grande bikepacking route in New Mexico, sharing a detailed 40-minute look at the rugged terrain and bountiful flora and fauna found along the track. Watch it here…

Words, photos, and video by David Lamb

Created by Dylan Boyle, the La Paliza Grande is a 300-mile bikepacking route in Northern New Mexico. The name translates to the “Big Beating,” which tells you almost everything you need to know about this route. Dylan’s aim in creating the route was to piece together many of the lesser-known roads and trails in this region.

What sets this route apart from many of my other bikepacking trips is the variety of terrain and the amount of wildlife I saw. The route features trails that are inaccessible to cars, and I spent a lot of time enjoying the sounds of the forest and seeing elk, coyotes, butterflies, and chipmunks.

The climb up Canjilon Mountain is 36 miles and 5,000 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. It was a 9/10 ride!

The Route

Further Reading

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