Seeking National Recognition: The Road to National Recreation Trail Designation

 

The Pajarito Trails Initiative is excited to share progress on a project to bring national prestige to our local landscape. Recently, Kevin Holsapple and Craig Martin briefed the Open Space Working Group of the Los Alamos County Parks & Recreation Board (PRB) to brief them on a unique opportunity: nominating the Los Alamos County Trail System for official designation as a National Recreation Trail (NRT).

What is a National Recreation Trail?

Managed by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, the NRT program recognizes trails of local and regional significance that contribute to the nation’s health, heritage, and economy. While our 60-mile municipal network is a daily resource for residents, it also serves as a "living museum" that perfectly meets the high-quality recreation and historical criteria required for this national honor.

Why Does Los Alamos Qualify?

Our trail system is far more than just paths through the woods. The nomination highlights several layers of our unique local history:

• Ancestral Puebloan Pathways: Preserving the original footpaths carved into the volcanic tuff by the plateau’s earliest inhabitants.

• Hispanic Homesteading Era: Utilizing the historic roads that connected early 19th-century settlements.

• L.A. Ranch School Legacy: Showcasing the meticulously engineered horse trails of the pre-Manhattan Project era.

• Diverse Recreation: Providing unparalleled access to our distinct canyon-and-mesa topography for hikers, runners, and cyclists.

What This Means for the County

Obtaining NRT status is about more than just a title. It provides tangible benefits to our community:

1. National Prestige: Inclusion in the National Trails System database, marking Los Alamos as a premier destination for heritage and outdoor recreation.

2. Grant Advantages: NRT status provides "extra points" and higher preference for several federal and state grant programs, including the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

3. Technical Assistance: We gain access to a national network of trail professionals, training, and specialized signage through American Trails and the National Park Service.

4. Local Control: Importantly, the County retains 100% local ownership and management. This is an honorary designation that supports our trails without adding federal land-use restrictions.

What’s Next?

Following the positive briefing with the Open Space Working Group, Kevin and Craig are now collaborating on a formal draft application. This comprehensive document will be presented to the full Parks & Recreation Board for their review and consideration later this year.

A successful nomination requires a formal Letter of Consent from the County and a commitment to keeping the trails open to the public for the long term—a commitment our community has already demonstrated for decades.

We are proud to champion this effort to ensure our trails are recognized for the national treasures they truly are.