My boy (12) and I are going to Albuquerque for a homeschooling conference in September. We want to arrive early and go up to Santa Fe for some sweet trails.

I've done a lot of research--the Dale Ball Trails look good for us. There are some trails in national parks that I want to try, although we only have 3 days (still want to see Santa Fe, too!). But I noticed there are some bike shops that will shuttle you to the top of a ski area, and then you ride down. Is this what is known as downhill? Sounds like fun. My boy was really pumped up about that! But I've skied a few times and those slopes are pretty steep! I'm sure the landscape is way different when not covered in snow. Are the trails more side to side?

I'm also a little concerned about the elevation. Last time I was at Breckenridge, I was sick the first day with what only can be described as altitude sickness. Don't want that to happen again. We're at 1300 feet here--Santa Fe is around 7000. We'll be stopping in Amarillo on the way at 3500 feet. Would a night and a day there help me adjust? I know Santa Fe is not really high elevation, but it's higher than here.

Any input on Santa Fe, camping there, riding there, downhill MTBing, elevation, etc.? Thanks!

Karen