Investing in access to New Mexico's great outdoors
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | February 12, 2025
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 Marketing Coordinator
Greetings outdoor enthusiasts!
Our team recently came together at Taos Ski Valley for the 10th annual Ski Lift Pitch event hosted by ActivateNM. The Economic Development Department of NM was proud to support the event through co-sponsorship from the department's Outdoor Recreation Division and Office of Strategy, Science and Technology. Congratulations to this year's finalists, Evress and Firescape , and the winner NeuroGeneces ! Read the full press release online.
We are also pleased to announce the third round of FY25 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant recipients ! ORD invested $4 million in 28 projects to improve trails and outdoor access in 13 counties across the state. From a $1 million grant to the City of Las Cruces for a state-of-the-art bike park to numerous projects supporting improved recreation opportunities for the equine and ADA communities, this wide variety of initiatives will foster community engagement, boost local economies, and promote stewardship of our public lands. The projects awarded in this round of Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant funding underscore ORD’s commitment to making the outdoors more inclusive and sustainable for all.
In addition, we’re excited to introduce a new Grant Recipients Map o n our website, showcasing the impact of our grants across New Mexico. Explore the interactive map to see how these investments are enhancing outdoor recreation in communities statewide.
Stay wild!
Michelle Simon
Marketing Coordinator
In Other News
Meet the Uncivilized Outdoorsman — a Santa Clara Pueblo native serving Indigenous youth
What the EXPLORE Act has instore for adventure cyclists
Bill to rename New Mexico Game & Fish Department snags approval
New Mexico's outdoor industry still has room to grow
New Mexico's newest state park could be coming to Doña Ana County
Get Involved
Outdoor Equity Fund Film Screening
Join Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project on February 20 for a free film screening highlighting local Outdoor Equity Fund recipients and the impact they are making in their community. 4-5:30pm at REI in Santa Fe.
Lands, Water, and Wildlife Day
Head to the State Capitol on February 20 to celebrate Lands, Water, and Wildlife day from 9am-2pm.
American Trails Advancing Trails Webinars
February 20 : Trail Bumps: Lessons Learned from Removing 1,000 Bumps
February 27 : Making Organizations Inclusive: Stories of Deaf Gain in the Outdoors
Society for Outdoor Recreation Professionals Webinar
February 19: Policy Pathways: Evolving Permits and Access for Public Lands
Outdoor Recreation Day at the Roundhouse
Join NM Outdoor Recreation Division on March 18 from 9am-3pm to celebrate the collective and powerful impact of the outdoor economy in our state! There will be interactive displays and a press conference featuring success stories from youth who’ve participated in Outdoor Equity Fund programs, and businesses who've partnered with organizations to make outdoor recreation more equitable and accessible for all New Mexicans.
Upcoming Trail Runs
March 1 – Sierra Vista Trail Ru n s , Las Cruces, NM
March 9 – King of the Hill Trail Run , Los Lunas, NM
April 5 - Magdalena Madness , Magdalena, NM
April 18-19 – Capitan Mountain 34-Hour , Capitan, NM
April 26 – Cedro Peak Trail Run , Tijeras, NM
May 10 – Jemez Mountain Trail Runs , Los Alamos, NM
May 17 - Land of Entrapment Back Yard Ultra , San Ysidro, NM
May 24 - Ultra Cheii Relay (& Solo) , Tijeras, NM
June 7 – Hood Mesa Trail Run , Farmington, NM
Valle del Oro Pond Cleanup
Gear up for the annual Valle del Oro pond wetland cleanup on Saturday, February 22 .
Pre-register by sending an email to dakota_dominguez@fws.gov .
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Join Santa Fe Conservation Trust on March 18-19 for two different lineups of the best in mountain and adventure films from around the globe – curated just for Santa Fe! Purchase your ticket today!
Volunteers needed in Las Cruces
Friends of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks needs volunteers to help with guided hike field trips on weekdays. Sign up today!
Volunteer Trail Projects in the Gila - Spring 2025
Back Country Horsemen help keep trails open in the Gila and invite all trail users to help out and join in the fun and adventure of clearing trails.
Trail Highlight
Anthony's Nose Via Sierra Vista Trail
Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), Mescalero Apache, Piro, Tampachoa (Mansos) lands
Anthony, NM
About the Trail: This 6.4-mile out-and-back trail in southern New Mexico takes you to the highest peak in the Franklin Mountains on the New Mexico side. The first section follows the Sierra Vista trail along a fairly flat jeep trail. The second part of the hike involves more strenuous hiking up a dry canyon while gaining 1,000 vertical feet. Hikers will be rewarded with stunning views of the nearby Organ and Franklin Mountains spanning into Texas.
Know before you go: The parking area is down a dirt road and there are no services. The trail can be difficult to follow so it's strongly advised to use an app with GPS tracking like AllTrails to help find the way. Dogs are not allowed on this trail and there is little shade. Always practice leave no trace principles.
Where to go afterward: Head to Estrella de Michoacan for homemade ice cream and Mexican snacks.
Industry Careers
Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division is searching for a Grants Coordinator (search EDD #10114450)
Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails is seeking to fill multiple positions
The Nature Conservancy is in search of a…