Resting along the scenic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, this cherished East Mountain gathering spot delights hungry explorers with hand-tossed pies, roasted Hatch green chile, and hearty mountain hospitality. 🍕
Every scratch-made recipe highlights daily prepared dough, freshly grated whole milk mozzarella, and zesty regional ingredients baked to bubbling perfection. 🍅
How Trail Rider won Cedar Crest’s hearts
East Mountain residents and Albuquerque road-trippers quickly made this friendly neighborhood pizzeria their regular refueling stop along Highway 14 for the most dependable Cedar Crest NM dining. 🌲
The kitchen team earned lasting neighborhood loyalty by preparing dough from scratch every single morning, blending house pizza sauces with vine-ripened tomatoes, and hand-grating whole milk mozzarella daily without ever using pre-shredded cheese. 🧀
Locals deeply appreciate the pizzeria’s thoughtful menu, which offers gluten-free crusts and generous plant-based selections alongside rich carnivorous pies. 🥗
Instead of relying on commercial shortcuts or frozen crusts, the dedicated bakers hand-stretch each pie to order, topping them with slow-braised meats, roasted chiles, and vibrant garden vegetables. 🌿
Word of mouth traveled quickly through Bernalillo and Santa Fe counties as diners praised the generous topping portions, crisp bubbly crusts, and family-friendly prices. 🥖
That steady focus on scratch preparation and community-focused hospitality turned this roadside stop into an indispensable locally-owned restaurant. 🌟
Every pie baked here celebrates the unique flavors that define beloved New Mexico comfort food. 🌶️
Food Highlights
-
Loaded 8-Topping Supreme Pizza: Robust house-made marinara and whole milk mozzarella piled high with savory Italian sausage, ham, ground beef, spicy pepperoni, onions, sliced mushrooms, green bell peppers, and black olives. 🍕
-
Carne Adovada Pizza: Hand-stretched crust brushed with an olive oil base with tender slow-braised red chile pork, mozzarella, red onions, and cilantro. 🌶️
- Chicken Carbonara Pizza: Velvety garlic alfredo sauce topped with mozzarella, chicken, bacon crumbles, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. 🥓
-
Meat Lovers Pizza: Hand-stretched dough covered in rich tomato sauce and mozzarella, loaded corner-to-corner with Italian sausage, ground beef, sliced ham, bacon, and pepperoni. 🥩
-
Santa Fe Pizza: Loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, green chile, black olives, and optional jalapeños. 🫒
-
Tijeras Pizza: Light olive oil foundation topped with mozzarella, sliced mushrooms, onions, baby spinach, yellow summer squash, pine nuts, and creamy ricotta cheese. 🍄
- Taco Pizza: Angus ground beef, melted cheeses, and mild tomato sauce baked over hand-tossed dough, garnished with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and house salsa. 🌮
-
Cedar Crest Pizza: Olive oil base topped with mozzarella, diced onions, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and spinach. 🍃
Atmosphere
Wood accents, mountain trail maps, and rustic signage give this dining room a cozy alpine cabin feel. 🌲
Sunlight streams through expansive front windows, revealing stunning views of the surrounding pinyon-juniper foothills. ☀️
The casual counter-service setup allows hungry travelers to place quick orders while soaking in the relaxed community ambiance. 🚲
Friendly chatter between local mountain regulars and staff fills the warm space with easygoing charm. ✨
Bottom Line
Visit for hand-stretched scratch dough, authentic roasted Hatch green chile, house-smoked specialty meats, and generous community hospitality. 🌟
Address:
12165 NM-14 Ste B2, Cedar Crest, NM 87008
📞 (505) 281-6068
🕔 Open Mon–Thu & Sun, 8 AM–8:30 PM; Fri–Sat, 8 AM–9:30 PM