Adventure Pays Off: Economic Growth Takes Root in NM�s Great Outdoors

Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division

ORD Newsletter | December 04, 2024

Dispatches from New Mexico's

Outdoor Recreation Division

In the Outdoor Recreation Division’s biweekly newsletter, find the latest on office and New Mexico’s outdoor recreation initiatives.

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Letter from the Director

Dear Outdoor Enthusiasts,

We are thrilled to share exciting news from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that highlights the importance of outdoor recreation to New Mexico’s economy and communities. In 2023, outdoor recreation generated a remarkable $3.2 billion in value added, accounting for 2.4% of the state’s GDP. This represents a 6.6% year-over-year increase in GDP, the largest annual growth on record for New Mexico’s outdoor economy. The sector also supported 29,182 jobs statewide, providing vital employment opportunities in both urban and rural areas.

While New Mexico currently trails neighboring states in outdoor recreation rankings, this presents a significant opportunity for growth. By expanding initiatives and investing in key areas, we can elevate New Mexico’s competitiveness and ensure the sector thrives for years to come. Notably, several activities have seen double-digit growth in New Mexico: snow sports, including skiing, increased by 10%, canoeing and kayaking surged by 13%, and hunting and trapping grew by 17%, reflecting the growing demand for our state's diverse outdoor experiences. Read the full press release.

The Outdoor Recreation Division remains committed to building on this momentum through programs like the Outdoor Equity Fund and Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant , while also developing new initiatives to ensure more New Mexicans and outdoor businesses benefit. Together, we are creating a brighter, more connected future for outdoor recreation in the Land of Enchantment.

Thank you for your continued dedication to New Mexico’s outdoor legacy. Let’s keep the momentum going!

See you on the trails,

Karina Armijo

Director

In Other News

Support New Mexico's Outdoor Recreation Industry This Holiday Season!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Give the gift of adventure: NM State Parks Pass , National Parks America the Beautiful Pass

Reserve a one-of-a-kind guided tour :

Navajo Tours USA , Desert River Guides , Enchantment Equitreks ,

Moss Adventures , Wolfhorse Outfitters , Enchanted Mountain Guides,

New Mexico River Adventures, Far Flung Adventures,

Angler Management, Taos Fly Shop, JACO Outfitters

Get a gift card from your local bike shop : Moon Rock Outfitters , Rift Cycles , Outdoor Adventures , Bicycle Revival, Gila Hike & Bike, Bisti Bad Lands Bike Shop, Barefoot Bikes, The Broken Spoke, Fat Tire Cycles

Snag outdoor gear from local retailers: Hangtime Gear Koala Phone Harness , Dynamic Discs NM , Zia Kayak Outfitters , Morningstar Outfitters, Outdoor REGear, High Altitude , Raton Adventure Centre

Support NM Search & Rescue : 2025 calendar

Ski Lift Pitch applications now open

Ski Lift Pitch brings New Mexico’s best startups and world-class venture capital funds together for a one-of-a-kind pitch event in Taos Ski Valley on February 4, 2025 . Applications are open now through December 15, 2024 .

Learn More & Apply

Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant Info Session

If you've been curious about applying for this exciting grant opportunity, now's your chance to join us for a virtual info session where you can learn more, ask questions and connect with others interested in improving access to outdoor recreation in New Mexico. Wednesday December 4 at 4pm

Join the Info Session

Visit ABQ unveils masterplan prioritizing outdoor recreation

"Visit Albuquerque unveiled a 10-year plan to make Albuquerque a hotspot for travelers. One of the key areas of interest is outdoor recreation."

Read More

Call for Applications: President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards

Your student's project could be an award winner! Encourage your students with an existing environmental stewardship project or an idea for a project to apply so that their achievements can be further recognized.

Learn More

Fire, water and hope: Tucked into the Lincoln National Forest, Bonito Lake battles wildfires for existence

"Bass, who is trained as a natural resources biologist, became director of Alamogordo Parks and Recreation in spring 2023. She has a long-term plan for making Bonito Lake a more diverse recreation area without sacrificing its natural beauty."

Read the OpEd

Meet the park rangers protecting the stunning wilderness of New Mexico

Trail use in the mountains and mesas of Cibola and McKinley counties has been increasing in recent years. In partnership with Cibola Trails Alliance, Cibola Outdoors, the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments, Adventure Gallup, and the U.S. Forest Service, Headwaters Economics modeled the trail use and associated economic impact.

Meet the Rangers

Trail Highlight

Peña Blanca

Las Cruces, NM

Mescalero Apache, Tampachoa (Mansos), Piro lands

About the Trail: About the Trail: This 2.4-3 mile out-and-back hike is considered an easy to moderate hike with rocky terrain and some mild elevation gain. After parking your car, head northwest toward the rock formation in front of you. The little hill on the western edge of the range is the Peña Blanca outcrop, with its main body being the larger portions to its eastern side. Start off by hugging the southern base of the formation as you traverse it heading east.

There is a well-used but uneven path to follow. After about two hundred yards of cliff-hugging, you will reach the eastern edge of the dethatched formation. Duck under the rock that juts out and appears to block the path and take a look around. There is another small outcropping of rock about one hundred yards due east. Head for that, working carefully down the steep slope between your current position and that…