USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026
E-Bikes on Carson National Forest Trails
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 | Definition | Trail segments with access | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 designated | Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle. | 23 | 104 mi |
| Class 2 designated | Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling). | 23 | 104 mi |
| Class 3 designated | Pedal-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 | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Divide Trail | 102.85 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| South Boundary | 20.58 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| Tony Marquez | 19.5 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| Elliot Barker | 12.47 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| Tusas Loop | 11.92 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| Ojitos | 9.48 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| North Boundary | 9.37 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| Martinez Canyon | 9.31 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| 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 | — |
| Mondragon | 8.12 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| Canjilon Mountain | 7.25 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| Agua Piedra | 7.07 | Allowed | Allowed | Mar–Nov |
| Lost Lake | 6.99 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| Policarpio | 6.56 | Allowed | Allowed | May–Dec |
| Capulin | 6.46 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| Yeso | 6.15 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| Rio Grande Del Rancho | 6.11 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| Osha Canyon | 6.07 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| Rio Chiquito | 5.81 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| Elephant Rock South | 5.52 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| East Fork | 5.36 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| La Cueva Canyon | 5.05 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| Devisadero Loop | 4.99 | Allowed | Year-round | |
| 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 Creek | 4.3 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| Buena Suerte | 4.2 | Allowed | May–Dec | |
| 70 Motorized Trail | 4.08 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| Rito De La Olla | 4.01 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| Drake Canyon Loop | 3.86 | Allowed | May–Dec | |
| Amole | 3.84 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| Bear Mountain | 3.82 | Allowed | May–Oct | |
| Cordova Canyon | 3.33 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| La Cueva | 3.3 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| Agua Sarca | 3.14 | Allowed | Mar–Nov | |
| 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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