Help Build a Trail Where More People Can Ride Togther
The Santa Fe Fat Tire Society (SFFTS), in partnership with the City of Santa Fe, is working to create Santa Fe’s first adaptive and universal-access mountain bike trail at La Tierra—just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. The 2-mile loop will be designed with adaptive riders and a range of mobility needs in mind, while creating a fun, meaningful riding experience for people of many ages and ability.
This isn’t simply about making a trail easier to access. It’s about creating a place where more people can ride together.
How We Plan To Fund This Project
Already accounted for through volunteer labor, in-kind contributions, donations, and pledges
Needed from our community to reach the grant match requirement.
As of 9/30/26 we have reached our goal!
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation (ORD) Trails+ Matching Grant Opportunity – award announced January 2027
You can still donate to this project or to our General Fund which supports ongoing trail maintenance. Note ‘Adaptive Trails’ in the comments if you want your funds to be applied to this project.
Photos courtesty of Annikah Wade ©
Imagine a trail where adaptive riders, kids, parents, grandparents, and experienced mountain bikers can all enjoy the same ride.
That’s the vision for the La Tierra Adaptive Trails.
Phase 1 will connect existing and proposed trail segments to create approximately two miles of adaptive and universal-access mountain bike riding. Our primary goal is to open the outdoors to riders of every level and ability. By designing a trail that accommodates adaptive riders, we create a truly multi-generational asset—one where families and people with a wide range of physical, intellectual, neurological, and sensory abilities can ride together.
What Does Adaptive Mean?
Adaptive mountain bikes are specially designed three- and four-wheeled cycles that allow people who may not be able to ride a standard mountain bike — due to physical, intellectual, neurological, or sensory abilities — to experience the trail.
But the bike is only part of the equation. The trail itself needs to be designed with those riders in mind.
“I am confident that this trail will increase opportunities for riders of all ability levels to access the trails at La Tierra. As a staff member at the Adaptive Sports Program of NM, as well as an avid mountain biker, I’ve seen the financial impact of expanding trails and opportunities for inclusive outdoor recreation, with families prioritizing areas that offer accessible outdoor recreation when making their travel plans.”
— Bonnie Nuttall, OTR/L, Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico
To minimize environmental impact and maximize efficiency, Phase 1 blends new construction with smart restoration and use of an existing accessible trail in La Tierra:
“This project represents an important step toward broadening recreational access while further establishing Santa Fe as a premier outdoor recreation destination. Upon completion, the trail will serve as a model for other communities seeking to expand access to their trail systems.”
Questions?
Contact Bill Roth at bill@santafefattiresociety.org.