ECTA is actively engaged with area land managers to develop new trails and trail systems identified in the Enchanted Circle Trails Plan as top priorities.
NM150 Multi-Use Pathway
Update 2023: Taos Pueblo awarded grant for developing the NM 150 multi-use path and clearing Pueblo trails Taos Pueblo has been awarded a Trails+ grant from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Department for two major projects on Pueblo land which will positively impact the lives of both tribal members and the general public. The money...
Bull of the Woods to Middle Fork
In 2014, the Taos Mountain Bike Association (previously known as Del Norte MtB Assocation) negotiated a promise from the Forest Service that this trial would be constructed to replace just a few of the miles of mountain biking opportunities lost with the establishment of the Columbine–Hondo Wilderness. The trail will connect the Bull of the...
Outward Link Trail
A key component of any community trail system is public access. ECTA has been advocating for the Town of Taos to re-establish public access to the National Forest on the Outward Link Trail. The trail has been effectively closed to public access since a neighboring land owner purchased the property on which the trail easement...
Horsethief Mesa
As part of the Bureau of Land Management's commitment to expanding recreation access on public lands, they considered ECTA's conceptual trail plan for the Horsethief Mesa area during their travel management plan update. After an extensive survey of all existing trails and roads, and dozens of hours of ground-truthing, ECTA and our community partners developed...
Talpa Ridge
Current Update (Fall 2023) After an involved, mediated, multi-month public feedback process, which was more extensive than is typically held for any Forest Service project, the Carson National Forest is digesting the community input. They are working to find solutions to the issues while balancing the many, sometimes competing, ideas identified through the working group...
Rio Grande Trail: Bridge to Bridge
In 2015, New Mexico state legislators passed a bill to establish a 500-mile cross-state recreational trail. The Rio Grande Trail will be open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the Rio Grande, allowing users to explore, learn about, and connect with a tapestry of diverse natural habitats, rich history, striking landscapes, and vibrant communities....
Questa to Red River Trail
This multi-use, sustainable recreation trail will connect the communities of Questa and Red River to the land, the water, and the people. The trail will enhance the quality of life for locals and visitors, attract and bolster tourism, and spur economic development in both communities. The idea for the trail along the Red River stems...
Miranda Canyon
ECTA drafted a conceptual trail plan with the Miranda Canyon Commission and the Forest is now reviewing it, getting input to incorporate into the next draft trail plan for the Miranda Commission's digestion. The proposal included both motorized and non-motorized routes, and attempts to incorporate current use patterns. Several trailheads were recommended to manage user access...