The Santa Fe to Taos Trail and the Rio Grande Trail

The Rio Grande Trail (RGT) is a proposed multi-use trail envisioned as a continuous route along the Rio Grande from Colorado to Texas. Authorized in 2005, the project remains in development and is currently evaluating alignment options between Santa Fe and Taos.

Last year, representatives of the Rio Grande Trail Commission approached SF2T about incorporating portions of the Santa Fe to Taos Trail alignment into the proposed RGT route.

During discussions, SF2T leadership asked the RGT team whether there would be any benefit to the SF2T in being incorporated into the Rio Grande Trail. No clear benefit was identified. SF2T subsequently communicated that it does not want its alignment incorporated into the RGT.

The Santa Fe to Taos Trail was independently scouted and developed over the past decade with a specific stewardship vision: to create champions for wilderness and nature. It has an established identity, community, guidebook, volunteer base, and conservation framework.

Current RGT alignment options include substantial overlap with the Santa Fe to Taos Trail’s route. At present, the SF2T Trail and its existing stewardship framework are not reflected in the RGT alignment materials.

SF2T has serious concerns about incorporating its route into a multi-use statewide designation, including:

  • Overuse and ecological capacity
    The SF2T is already experiencing rapid growth. Increased traffic — particularly multi-use traffic — could strain sensitive alpine lakes and riparian corridors.
  • Use compatibility
    Bicycles are not permitted in the Pecos Wilderness, and some sections near Santa Fe are not designed for mixed high-volume bike and foot traffic.
  • Existing conflict areas
    Sections such as Winsor Trail already experience friction between user groups. Increased designation-driven traffic will intensify these conflicts.
  • Mission integrity
    The SF2T was built around a specific stewardship model and conservation ethos. Incorporation into a broader multi-use corridor could alter its character and long-term management trajectory.

The Rio Grande Trail Commission is currently soliciting feedback on three possible alignments for the RGT between Santa Fe and Taos. SF2T believes the most appropriate alignment approach would be to:

  • Use the Eastern (Teal) alignment below Big Tesuque Campground
  • Use the Western (Purple) alignment north of Big Tesuque Campground

This would allow the Rio Grande Trail to remain closer to its intended corridor while avoiding sensitive sections of the existing SF2T route, including lower Winsor Trail and a neighborhood trail that runs parallel to Camino Pequeno in Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe to Taos Trail supports thoughtful alignment decisions that protect ecological capacity, minimize user conflict, and maintain the integrity of existing stewardship models.

This position will be updated as the RGT alignment process develops.