Photo: Rocky Mountain Youth Corps hires youth from New Mexico to restore and maintain trails in national forests across the state.
SANTA FE, N.M. — The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant program has awarded more than $3.2 million to support 18 outdoor infrastructure projects across New Mexico, strengthening outdoor access, improving trail systems, and supporting a total of 105 jobs across 13 counties and three Tribal communities.
The program, administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) through its Outdoor Recreation Division, continues to see record interest as communities invest in improving outdoor recreation amenities.
EDD received 56 applications totaling $12.6 million, marking a 60% increase in applicants compared to the previous grant cycle. This year’s awards include 11 first-time recipients, demonstrating growing statewide commitment to outdoor recreation as an economic and quality-of-life driver.
“New Mexicans are proud of their expansive vistas and unique outdoor spaces,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “Communities across New Mexico are eager to improve accessibility and provide safe and beautiful spaces for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy all that New Mexico has to offer.”
High-Impact Projects Across the State
More than $2 million in matching funds will be leveraged through this round of grants, amplifying the economic and community benefits. In addition, $2 million from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund will support ten of the projects.
In total, the funded projects will:
- Support 105 jobs
- Improve or develop more than 700 miles of trails
- Enhance outdoor recreation access for rural, urban, and Tribal communities
Project types include:
- ADA-accessible trail improvements
- Enhancements for Continental Divide Trail hikers
- A new campground in Hatch, N.M.
- Connectors to the Rio Grande Trail
- A kids’ bike pump track for Navajo youth
- Upgraded trail signage and amenities
“This grant will allow us to build a kids’ bike pump track for young cyclists, support our growing Navajo mountain biking community, and provide a healthy activity to connect our youth to the outdoors,” said Prestene Garnenez, Executive Director of the Navajo Townsite Community Development Corporation.
Final FY26 Funding Round Now Open
The final round of FY26 Trails+ funding is open through January 31, 2026, with $1.7 million expected to be distributed. Applicants may learn more, apply, or register for an informational webinar taking place Wednesday, Dec. 10, at nmoutside.com.
Awarded Projects
Catron County
- New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (New Mexico Wild), $99,891
Cibola County
-
Continental Divide Trail Coalition, $333,174
Colfax County
-
Friends of Sugarite Canyon State Park, $26,400
Doña Ana County
- City of Sunland Park, $499,798
- Village of Hatch, $99,999
Grant County
-
Grant County, $352,908
Guadalupe County
-
Guadalupe County, $499,999
Hidalgo County
-
City of Lordsburg, $69,214
McKinley County
- Navajo Townsite Community Development Corporation, $33,333
- The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, $99,999
Otero County
-
CAPPED, Inc., $99,999
Rio Arriba County
- McCurdy Ministries, $99,000
- National Indian Youth Leadership Development Project, $85,534
Sandoval County
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City of Rio Rancho, $50,807
Santa Fe County
-
Spanish Colonial Arts Society Inc., $89,838
Taos County
- Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, $500,000
- Taos Center for the Arts, $99,214
- Town of Red River, $99,999
Full project descriptions are available at nmoutside.com/news.
