+ 4
Alien Run: Long Loop
Trail Running Route
Moderate
9.58 mi
767 ft
Cover the very best trails at Alien Run and visit a UFO crash site on this route.
The Alien Run trails fly well below the radar, but mountain bikers in the know rave about this small trail system as one of the best in northwestern New Mexico. While these trails are most often used by two-wheeled aficionados, hikers and trail runners should also investigate this fantastic network of desert singletrack. The trail system is divided into four stacked loops: The Short Loop, Long Loop, Outer Limits, and Area 51. Black Hole is a short, optional add-on found just off the Short Loop. The route mapped here is the Long Loop, which is a scenic yet mostly-flat dose of the best singletrack that Alien Run has to offer. On this fantastic loop run, you'll enjoy a delicious taste of the best singletrack that Alien Run has to offer! The singletrack on this loop is well-ridden, creating a smooth, flowing trail that dips and bobs through the junipers, intermittently running over exposed slickrock slabs and along elevated rock rims. Throughout the run, you'll enjoy ever-changing scenery in this beautiful Northern New Mexico desert... just try to ignore the constant hum of the oil wells. This relatively mellow run does have a few rocks, sandy bits, and washes to negotiate, but all of the footing is quite solid, and it's fairly easy to overcome any potential obstacles. If even this "Long Loop" doesn't offer enough mileage and you're considering heading out to Outer Reaches and Area 51, do note that the trail character changes dramatically. The trail gets much steeper and rougher, and the trail tread contains many loose rolling rocks that make for tricky footing. Written by Greg Heil
The Alien Run trails fly well below the radar, but mountain bikers in the know rave about this small trail system as one of the best in northwestern New Mexico. While these trails are most often used by two-wheeled aficionados, hikers and trail runners should also investigate this fantastic network of desert singletrack. The trail system is divided into four stacked loops: The Short Loop, Long Loop, Outer Limits, and Area 51. Black Hole is a short, optional add-on found just off the Short Loop. The route mapped here is the Long Loop, which is a scenic yet mostly-flat dose of the best singletrack that Alien Run has to offer. On this fantastic loop run, you'll enjoy a delicious taste of the best singletrack that Alien Run has to offer! The singletrack on this loop is well-ridden, creating a smooth, flowing trail that dips and bobs through the junipers, intermittently running over exposed slickrock slabs and along elevated rock rims. Throughout the run, you'll enjoy ever-changing scenery in this beautiful Northern New Mexico desert... just try to ignore the constant hum of the oil wells. This relatively mellow run does have a few rocks, sandy bits, and washes to negotiate, but all of the footing is quite solid, and it's fairly easy to overcome any potential obstacles. If even this "Long Loop" doesn't offer enough mileage and you're considering heading out to Outer Reaches and Area 51, do note that the trail character changes dramatically. The trail gets much steeper and rougher, and the trail tread contains many loose rolling rocks that make for tricky footing. Written by Greg Heil
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 0.35 mi | 26 ft | 1.3% |
| Alien Run "10 Mile" loop full | 8.51 mi | 433 ft | 0.0% |
| Alien Run "10 Mile" loop climb | 4.03 mi | 394 ft | 1.8% |
| Unnamed Rd Climb | 0.78 mi | 144 ft | 3.5% |
| Finish | 0.35 mi | -30 ft | -1.5% |