Recreation is abundant in the proposed Mimbres Peaks National Monument. The areas see a lot of OHV users, hikers, hunters, and recently, bikepackers.
“If folks haven’t bikepacked before: similar to backpacking, you take everything you need with you for some nights outside with you. Instead of packing things on your back, you pack it on your bike in different bike bags,” explained McKenzie Stock, an avid outdoor recreationist.
Liz Anichini, professional gravelero, describes bikepacking a different way. “I love bikepacking because I feel like you pack yourself a party for a few days. You pack food, you pack everything you need, and leave everything else behind. All you have to do for the next few days is ride your bike, be with your friends, be with nature, and it’s like you give yourself a little present, and enjoy the present you pack for yourself.”
Bikepacking provided Liz and McKenzie an opportunity to truly learn about the desert-landscape. Being able to explore the desert this way has taught the two of them the different wildflowers found in different areas, the different native plants, and how they change over the seasons, or change even with just a little bit of rain.
The two are well-experienced mountain bikers, and bikepackers. They often ride the Monumental Loop–the informal route that connects all four parts of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. Mountain bikers in Doña Ana County have worked to connect the proposed areas of Mimbres Peaks, creating a West Loop.
Both Liz and McKenzie took the chance to explore a new yet familiar landscape. For McKenzie, the peaks surrounding Luna County have always intrigued her but was unsure of the recreational opportunities present in the area.
Riding in Mimbres Peaks allowed the two to discover the great potential Luna County has for mountain biking. They started their journey at Irma’s Cafe before heading out to the Florida’s, and riding making their way to Tres Hermanas before riding down to Columbus. Liz appreciated being able to see where she rode through while seeing all the different dimensions of mountain peaks as they approach the different sky islands.
They set up a minimal camp at the Tres Hermanas during their journey. They were greeted with a lovely sunset and an abundance of stars. Their ride also allowed them to witness how people in Luna County recreate: hunting, hiking, and using their OHV. All friendly and respectful as Liz and McKenzie rode to Columbus.
The pair agreed that Luna County could be a great place for mountain bikers to get their start on bikepacking for those familiar riding in the desert. Bikepacking routes like the West Loop, and the Monumental Loop encourage respectful recreationists to explore towns, villages, and unique landscapes they may not have thought to before.
If you are interested in seeing the full route, go to bikepackingroots.com or use the link below.
