Gila Chapter Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico will improve equine access in the Gila National Forest. Courtesy New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Divisioncca
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Outdoor Recreation Division announced Tuesday that more than $4 million has been awarded to 28 recipients in 13 counties in the third round of FY25 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant program.
The Trails+ Grant program supports trail and outdoor recreation infrastructure projects that connect New Mexicans to nature, promote equitable access to the outdoors, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Grant recipients will amplify the investment’s impact by contributing $3.3 million in matching funds. The selected projects will boost New Mexico’s $3.2 billion outdoor recreation industry by creating an estimated 298 jobs.
“The Trails+ Grant program fuels local economies, creates jobs, attracts visitors, and enhances the quality of life across New Mexico,” said Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary-Designate Rob Black. “This innovative program is propelling New Mexico forward as a leader in outdoor recreation.”
The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant was created in 2019 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and lawmakers to support projects that enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for communities and promote stewardship of New Mexico’s lands and waters. Since then, the Outdoor Recreation Division has invested $26.4 million in trails and outdoor recreation infrastructure projects.
“Las Cruces is thrilled to receive this grant for phase 1 of the development of a regional bike park at the East Mesa Sports Complex. This initiative will significantly enhance recreational opportunities for our residents, diversify our park system, and stimulate our local economy by attracting visitors and promoting active outdoor lifestyles,” Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez said.
“This funding enables us to expand equestrian access and opportunities for both locals and tourists in the Gila Wilderness. The Trails+ Grant is crucial for the future of outdoor recreation in our region,” Melissa Green of the Gila Chapter Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico stated.
The fourth and final round of FY25 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant applications is open through March 14, 2025. Interested applicants can visit www. NMOutside.com to learn more and apply.
Village of Eagle Nest will add ADA access to their pavilion at Enchanted Eagle Park. Courtesy New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Divisioncca
Round three of the FY25 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant was awarded for the following projects:
Cibola Trail Alliance ($500,000, Cibola County): Construction of 23.8 miles of single track, non-motorized, multi-use trails on Lobo Canyon trail in the Cibola National Forest. The proposed trail segments will ultimately connect three existing recreation sites: The Continental Divide Trail and trailhead, Lobo Canyon Picnic Area, and Coal Mine Campground.
City of Deming ($380,000, Luna County): Continued expansion of Trees Lake area including 1.13 miles of defined pathways to enhance the connectivity between the attractions in the area, signage, and benches.
City of Las Cruces ($1,000,000, Doña Ana County): Construction of an 80-acre state-of-the-art bike park will offer a National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) course, XC trails, slopestyle tracks, dirt jumps, pump parks, dual slalom course, trails for adaptive bikes, accessible signage, seating/viewing areas, accessible parking with van-friendly loading zones and ADA-compliant paths.
El Rancho de Las Golondrinas ($99,999, Santa Fe County): Expansion of ADA-accessible trails throughout the museum property and a wayfinding system that will feature universal symbols and Spanish translation throughout the trail networks.
Enchanted Circle Trails Association (ECTA) ($99,425, Taos County): Funding for ECTA’s 8-week trail maintenance Youth Conservation Corps program to provide maintenance of up to 50 miles of trails in Carson National Forest. Participants will be supervised and trained by industry experts to tackle deferred maintenance on forest trails, will earn CPR/First Aid certifications, and learn vital trail construction/maintenance skills.
Field Institute of Taos (FITaos) ($65,000, Taos County): Creation of an interpretive nature trail at FITaos Base Camp facility and improvements to their outdoor classroom space including new shade sails and tables.
Gila Chapter Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico ($89,000, Grant County): This project will enhance the equestrian experience in the Gila National Forest through trail maintenance and major improvements at Woody’s Corral trailhead, including construction of corrals, installation of frost-free water hydrants, manure bays, and removal of dangerous posts.
Grants MainStreet Project ($49,806, Cibola County): The RiverWalk Park Enhancement Project will revitalize a key outdoor space in Grants by upgrading amenities like picnic tables, benches, and trash receptacles and adding informational signage.
Heart of the Gila ($25,434, Grant County): The Gila River Trail Maintenance Project will restore 16.6 miles of the Continental Divide Trail alternate route through the Gila Wilderness, which was severely damaged by post-fire flooding after the 2022 Black Fire.
Homewise, Inc. ($99,999, Santa Fe County): Construction of walking trails in Los Prados Park that will provide residents with access to a trail and connect residents to the Acequia Trail and broader Santa Fe trail systems.
Insights Science Discovery ($117,543, Doña Ana County): Enhancements to DinoTracks outdoor pavilion and trailhead development including accessible waterless toilets, native landscaping with rainwater harvesting, and new signage.
National Ghost Ranch Foundation, Inc. ($73,521, Rio Arriba County): Improvements to four prominent Carson National Forest trails – Chimney Rock, Matrimonial, Kitchen Mesa, and Yeso Trails. Re-routing, maintenance, and new signage will enhance sustainability, safety, and access, while protecting sensitive ecosystems.
Natural Curiosity ($275,000, Sierra County): Enhancing equine access to the Gila National Forest through construction of a functional equine facility at the Hermosa Field Station to support trail work, wilderness stewardship, educational programs, and conservation efforts. This project will preserve the historic barn and protect the South Palomas Creek Watershed.
Nature Niños ($95,007, Bernalillo County): Enhancements to outdoor spaces at Mark Armijo Academy and RFK Middle and High Charter Schools including planting trees, constructing outdoor classrooms, archery ranges, and shade structures.
Of Grief & Dreams ($99,999, Bernalillo County): Construction of a fully accessible outdoor classroom and immersive outdoor space with an interactive sculptural viewing platform on Albuquerque Open Space property, connected by the development of trails and signage.
Questa Economic Development Fund ($99,000, Taos County): Environmental assessments and engineering surveys for the Questa to Red River Trail, a 14-mile, non-motorized, multi-use trail that will connect Questa and Red River communities to surrounding recreational areas, including the Carson National Forest and the Rio Grande Trail.
Quetzalcoatl Temple ($25,000, Grant County): Construction of an outhouse and shower facility to serve visitors and campers at the Quetzalcoatl Temple’s Botanical Garden in Silver City.
Sangre de Cristo Communities Interacting, DBA Gateway Museum/Eagle Nest Visitor Center ($49,050, Colfax County): Upgrades to key community spaces in Eagle Nest including replacement of signage, restoring the old skate rink, creating a kids pond and constructing an adult garden for community gardening.
SFNF TERMITES Volunteer Trail Maintenance Team ($65,776, Santa Fe County): Maintenance of the Winsor, Tesuque, Rio En Medio, and Chamisa Trails and improvements to facilitate use by physically challenged hikers and families with young children. Improvements will include widening trails, grading trails for drainage, removing downed trees from 50 miles of trails within the Santa Fe National Forest, and installing informational/directional signs on the Winsor Trail.
South Central Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Council ($99,999, Lincoln County): Design and planning improvements to Smokey the Bear Museum including an upgraded irrigation system, walkway reconstruction, and improved ADA access and usability.
SPIRIT of Hidalgo ($99,999, Hidalgo County): Construction of 12 horse stalls at the Hidalgo County Fairgrounds for use by rodeo participants, horseback hunters, and travelers looking for equestrian facilities along the interstate.
Tamaya Wellness Center ($82,000, Bernalillo County): The Tamaya Trail Connection Project will improve trail access in the Santa Ana Pueblo between the Tamaya Wellness Center and natural areas like the Rio Grande and Bosque ecosystem, benefiting the Tamaya’meh community.
Taos Land Trust ($99,999, Taos County): Maintenance and park access enhancement at Rio Hondo Fishing Park and Rio Fernando Park including new trails, benches, picnic tables, wildfire mitigation, design and construction of an outdoor learning pavilion and horno with a seating area for community gatherings, and a redesigned park entrance.
Village of Angel Fire ($99,999, Colfax County): Design and engineering of a 1.25-mile trail extension for the Frank Young Trail, adding universally accessible pathways, connecting Moreno Valley High School, Allen Fields, the village sports complex, and the community dog park.
Village of Cloudcroft ($25,000, Otero County): The Elevation Park Trailhead Improvement Project will enhance visitor experiences by adding an educational trailhead kiosk, bike maintenance stations, and picnic areas.
Village of Eagle Nest ($50,000, Colfax County): Enhancement of an ADA-accessible outdoor pavilion including walkways, and a bicycle pump track for cyclists of all abilities.
Village of Taos Ski Valley ($94,600, Taos County): Developing a comprehensive trail and green space plan to improve connectivity, wayfinding, and accessibility while addressing deferred trail maintenance to enhance community and visitor experiences.
Zuni Mountain Sanctuary ($90,450, Cibola County) Construction of the Ancient Path trail to create a sustainable off-highway route connecting downtown El Morro to El Morro National Monument, featuring interpretive stations, art, bike racks, and rest areas to enhance accessibility and visitor experience.
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