Secretary Jewell Announces Designation of 28 National Recreation Trails in 18 States

Under President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors program to promote outdoor recreation and reconnect Americans to nature, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Director of the National Park Service Jonathan B. Jarvis today announced the designation of 28 trails as national recreation trails, adding almost 650 miles of trails to the National Trails System. "From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the great outdoors," said Secretary Jewell. "These 28 new national recreation trails, established through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, connect federal, state and local lands and waters to provide access to inexpensive, enjoyable outdoor activities for all Americans.” “Today’s trails span 18 states and join a network of more than 1,200 previously designated trails that total more than 15,000 miles,” said Director Jarvis. “As we get ready to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, I encourage everyone to get outside and explore one of these great trails.” National recreation trail designation recognizes existing trails and trail systems that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands and in local parks across the nation. Communities and other partners supporting the establishment of the new national recreation trails receive a certificate of designation, a letter of congratulations from Secretary Jewell, and a set of national recreation trail markers. The national recreation trail program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with a number of other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the national recreation trails website. The following 28 trails are being designated this year as national recreation trails:..press release

NEW MEXICO

Sierra Vista Trail - Built by the Bureau of Land Management, local mountain biking and running groups, and many volunteers for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian use, this 29-mile trail runs the length of the west side of the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces. The trail provides spectacular views of the mountains jutting majestically above the desert floor, and is a safe, convenient, and relatively easy way to explore the Chihuahuan Desert.