Updated October 2026
E-Bikes on Carson National Forest Trails
Mountain bike
324mi
designated on 51 segments
53% of mapped trail
E-bike
104miClass 1
designated on 23 segments
17% of mapped trail
Mountain bike
324mi
designated on 51 segments
53% of mapped trail
- Season on record
- Mar–Nov
E-bike
104miClass 1
designated on 23 segments
- Class 1104 mi
- Class 2104 mi
- Class 3104 mi
Treated as a motor vehicle: ridden only where designated.
- Class 2 segments
- 23
- Class 3 segments
- 23
Both lanes share one scale: the 613 mi of National Forest System trail mapped in Carson National Forest, New Mexico. From USFS National Forest System Trails records, updated October 2026.
In Carson National Forest, USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 23 trail segments (104 mi), Class 2 on 23, and Class 3 on 23. Conventional (non-motorized) mountain bikes are designated on 51 segments. On Forest Service land an e-bike is a motor vehicle, so it is allowed only where designated.
E-bike access by class
Where a trail is open to conventional bikes, check the e-bike columns separately — a non-motorized mountain bike being allowed does not by itself mean an e-bike is.
| E-bike class | Trail segments with access | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1designatedPedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle. | 23 | 104 mi |
| Class 2designatedThrottle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling). | 23 | 104 mi |
| Class 3designatedPedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle. | 23 | 104 mi |
Trail-by-trail (largest bike trails)
Conventional-bike and Class 1 e-bike status with season windows, per USFS designation.
| Trail | Miles | Bike | Class 1 e-bike |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Divide TrailMay–Oct | 102.85 | Allowed | Not designated |
| South BoundaryMar–Nov | 20.58 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Tony MarquezMay–Oct | 19.5 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Elliot BarkerMar–Nov | 12.47 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Tusas LoopMay–Oct | 11.92 | Allowed | Not designated |
| OjitosMar–Nov | 9.48 | Allowed | Not designated |
| North BoundaryMar–Nov | 9.37 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Martinez CanyonMay–Oct | 9.31 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Ojito Maes | 9.14 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Elephant Rock North | 9.13 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Comales Canyon | 8.35 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| MondragonMar–Nov | 8.12 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Canjilon MountainMar–Nov | 7.25 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Agua PiedraMar–Nov | 7.07 | Allowed | Allowed |
| Lost LakeMar–Nov | 6.99 | Allowed | Not designated |
| PolicarpioMay–Dec | 6.56 | Allowed | Allowed |
| Capulin | 6.46 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| YesoMay–Oct | 6.15 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Rio Grande Del RanchoMar–Nov | 6.11 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Osha Canyon | 6.07 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Rio ChiquitoMay–Oct | 5.81 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Elephant Rock South | 5.52 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| East ForkMar–Nov | 5.36 | Allowed | Not designated |
| La Cueva Canyon | 5.05 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Devisadero LoopYear-round | 4.99 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Pioneer Creek | 4.71 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Sardinas Canyon | 4.68 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Comales Cutoff | 4.41 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Indian CreekMay–Oct | 4.3 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Buena SuerteMay–Dec | 4.2 | Allowed | Not designated |
| 70 Motorized Trail | 4.08 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Rito De La OllaMay–Oct | 4.01 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Drake Canyon LoopMay–Dec | 3.86 | Allowed | Not designated |
| AmoleMar–Nov | 3.84 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Bear MountainMay–Oct | 3.82 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Cordova CanyonMar–Nov | 3.33 | Allowed | Not designated |
| La Cueva | 3.3 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Agua SarcaMar–Nov | 3.14 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Elephant Rock Mill | 3.12 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
| Gallegos | 3.08 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed |
Frequently asked questions
- Are e-bikes allowed in Carson National Forest?
- On National Forest System land, e-bikes are legally motor vehicles. Under U.S. Forest Service policy (36 CFR 212; FSM 7700), an e-bike of any class may be ridden only on routes that are designated for motor-vehicle use or specifically designated for e-bike use — not on every trail where a conventional (non-motorized) mountain bike is allowed. In Carson National Forest, Class 1 access is recorded on 23 trail segments; Class 2 and 3 on 23 and 23 respectively.
- Does an e-bike count as a mountain bike on Carson National Forest trails?
- No. Under USFS policy an e-bike of any class is a motor vehicle, even Class 1 pedal-assist. A trail being open to conventional bikes does not by itself permit e-bikes — the trail must carry an e-bike or motorized designation.
- When are bikes open in Carson National Forest?
- Most bike-designated trails in Carson National Forest carry a Mar–Nov season window in the USFS data; higher-elevation trails open later as snow clears. Always confirm current conditions with the ranger district.
See also: Carson National Forest trail data profile · E-bikes across New Mexico
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