Calling all NM Outdoor Businesses � Adventure Pitch Fest is Coming to Albuquerque!
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | August 27, 2025
Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
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Letter from the Director
Hello Outdoor Enthusiasts,
We’ve got exciting news — Adventure Pitch is back, and this year it’s bringing a whole new energy. Introducing Adventure Pitch Fest — a stand-alone celebration of outdoor innovation that’s free and open to the public, filled with opportunities to connect, compete, and cheer on New Mexico’s most adventurous entrepreneurs.
Save the Date! On Thursday, November 6 at The Rail Yards in Albuquerque, you’ll find outdoor entrepreneurs, gear makers, guides, and innovators from across the state showcasing their products and services to an audience of investors, consumers, and fellow outdoor lovers.
At the heart of the fest is a live business pitch competition where entrepreneurs at any stage can vie for $15,000 in cash prizes. Add in the festival atmosphere — complete with booths, networking, and a healthy dose of outdoor inspiration — and you’ve got yourself a can’t-miss day. Read all about it at nmoutside.com/news
Whether you're an entrepreneur ready to pitch, an investor hunting for the next big thing, or just someone who loves seeing big ideas come to life — this is your day. Applications and tickets open September 1 at nmoutside.com/adventure-pitch-fest .
Let's celebrate the innovators putting New Mexico on the outdoor recreation map.
See you on the trails,
Karina Armijo
Director
Outdoor Recreation Division
In Other News
Adventure awaits: USGS releases detailed topographic maps designed for recreational use
UNM professors publish rock climbing guidebook to support local recreation and safety
Trump spending bill means big cuts for New Mexico
Explore New Mexico! Tour guides are a growth industry in the state
‘The American Southwest’ Trailer: New documentary from Director Ben Masters, Narrator Quannah ChasingHorse teems with stunning imagery
Investing in our outdoors means investing in our future
Get Involved
ORD Grantee Gathering
We invite all of our past and present grantees to join us for casual networking at the Outdoor Economics Conference on Tuesday, September 9 from 12:30-1:30PM. Must be conference ticket holders. Email evan.pilling@edd.nm.gov with questions.
Upcoming Workshops & Conferences
Aug 28, Sept 4, Sept 11: American Trails Advancing Trails Webinar Series , virtual
Sept 3, 17: TOTAL NM's NM Outdoor Classroom Free Virtual Workshop Series , virtual
Sept 8-10: Outdoor Economics Conference , Gallup
Sept 13: Santa Fe Conservation Trust Restoration Workshop: Erosion Control Structures , Dovetail, Galisteo Basin
Sept 16-18: Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals Visitor Use Management Training , virtual
Sept 18: Environment for the Americas Shared Spaces Webinar Series: Dark Skies & Birds , virtual
Sept 23-25: Annual Conference on Aging , Glorieta
Sept 25-26: Governor's Conference on Economic Development , Pueblo of Isleta
Sept 30-Oct 2: Wildland Urban Fire Summit , Valencia
NM Magazine 25th Annual Photo Awards
Enter your best photos of New Mexico's people, places, and wildlife for a chance to win prizes valued up to $5,000! Contest closes September 15.
Race Events
For a list of running races visit runguides.com/new-mexico/runs
For a list of cycling races visit nmcycling.org
Aug 30: Chile Festival 5k Run , Hatch
Sept 6: Holloman Ace of Races , Alamogordo
Sept 6-7: Downhill Rockies 5 , Angel Fire
Sept 7: High Altitude Classic , Cloudcroft
Sept 13: Latino Conservation Week Virtual Race , virtual
Sept 21: Corrales Ditch Run , Corrales
Sept 21: Santa Fe International Half Marathon , Santa Fe
Oct 4: Road Apple Rally , Farmington Oct 11: SVH 5K Walk/Run , Elephant Butte
Oct 11: Gila Monster Gran Fondo , Silver City
Rio Grande Trail Commission
The next RGT Commission meeting will take place Friday, September 19 at Taos Civic Plaza. Tune in virtually or connect with commission members and stakeholders on Sept 18 for a Horsethief Mesa Site Tour or Hiker Happy Hour at Midtown Market in Arroyo Hondo. RSVP HERE and view the latest newsletter at conta.cc/4fD5kEN.
Volunteer Opportunities
For a list of NM organizations with ongoing volunteer opportunities, visit nmoutside.com/volunteer
Sept 5-7: Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon Trail Project – North Fork , Walker Flats
Sept 6: Bull-of-the-Woods Half & Full Marathon Race , Taos Ski Valley
Sept 6: South Broadway ABQ NeighborWoods Tree Planting , Albuquerque
Sept 12: Ute Lake State Park Trail Work , Logan
Sept 19-21: Rio Embudo Restoration , Dixon
Sept 19-21: Adaptive Sports NM's Disabled Veterans' Water Sports Camp , Logan
Sept 25-28: Black Range Backcountry Adventure , Gila National Forest
Sept 27: Pecos to Pecos Road & River Cleanup , multiple locations
Free Search and Rescue Mock Mission Experience
Step into the boots of a real Search and Rescue (SAR) responder in an immersive, hands-on experience! Join a live simulated SAR mission led by experienced professionals, where you’ll learn how teams respond to real emergencies in the New Mexico wilderness. Offered as a "tour" at the Outdoor Economics Conference in Gallup on September 10, this activity is now free and open to the public! Email teal@base-medical.com . Check out the teaser video here .
Community Events
Aug 28: Enchanted Circle Flyfishing Film Festival , Taos
Aug 30-31: 3rd Annual Mora Valley of the Mills Tour , Mora
Aug 31: Free Skate Lessons Sundays at 9:30am with Doña Ana Village Association , Radium Springs
Sept 1-7: Four Corners 4x4 Week , Farmington
Sept 2: Birding Basics with Mesilla Valley Audubon Society , Las Cruces
Sept 7: White Sands National Park Full Moon Concert - Randy Granger
Sept 6: Bosque Wild Guided Hike the First Saturday of Every Month , Albuquerque…