Advancing the "Rio-Buckman Reach": A New Link for the Rio Grande Trail

We are excited to share a significant milestone for the Pajarito Trails Initiative. On March 16, we had the opportunity to present the draft Rio Buckman Reach application to the Alignment Committee of the Rio Grande Trail Commission (RGTC).

Our goal was to introduce a compelling vision for connecting the Pajarito Plateau and the eastern Jemez Mountains to New Mexico’s ambitious 500-mile "recreational spine." We are thrilled to report that the idea was positively received by the committee, marking a major step forward for regional connectivity.

What is the Rio-Buckman Reach?

The Rio-Buckman Reach is a proposed alignment designed to bridge a critical gap in the Rio Grande Trail (RGT) corridor. By leveraging existing trail systems and historic routes near the Buckman area, this reach would:

• Connect the "Mosaic": Link the trail systems of Los Alamos County and the Caja del Rio (Santa Fe National Forest) directly to the statewide RGT network.

• Enhance Stewardship: Provide a managed, sustainable route that celebrates the unique geography and cultural history of the Rio Grande as it passes the Pajarito Plateau.

• Boost Outdoor Tourism: Create a premier destination for hikers, bikers, and riders traveling the "Land of Enchantment" from north to south.

Positive Momentum at the March 16 Meeting

During the presentation, we highlighted how the Rio-Reach aligns with the RGTC’s core strategies of economic development and environmental stewardship. The committee expressed strong interest in the proposal, recognizing its potential to strengthen the RGT’s presence in Northern New Mexico.

What’s Next?

With the committee’s encouragement, we are moving immediately into the next phase of the process. Our upcoming steps include:

1. Refining the Application: We will be working with the RGTC planning consultant to fine-tune the technical details of our draft application.

2. Formalizing the Alignment: This collaboration will ensure that the Rio-Buckman Reach can meet all state standards for trail sustainability, multi-use access, and connectivity.

3. Broadening Engagement: Once we determine technical viability, we will reach out to coordinate with land managers and stakeholders to ensure the proposed path respects all jurisdictional boundaries and resource protections.

This is a marathon, not a sprint, but the progress made this March has given us momentum. We look forward to keeping you updated as we work to put the Pajarito Plateau firmly on the map of the Rio Grande Trail.