Update: August 27, 2024

The Lower Animas Valley Recreational Trail Alternatives Evaluation has been completed and presented to the San Juan County Commission. There is no further action planned. 

See the full evaluation HERE.

Download the presentation to Commission HERE.

Update: June 3, 2024

San Juan County is embarking on an exciting journey to evaluate alternatives and plan for possible future development of a walking path connection between Aztec and Farmington.

Currently, contracted engineers are examining four corridors. Possible alignments could use pieces of some or all corridors and will depend on many factors.

The public comment period was open until June 1, 2024 and is now closed.

Click to download a pdf version of this map

What is the status of the project and when will construction begin?

San Juan County is currently evaluating alternatives for trail routing. A presentation of the trail routing alternatives and associated master plan will be presented to the San Juan County Commission at a regular meeting, date to be determined. There is no identified construction funding or planned schedule for construction.

Where will the project begin/end and what is the route?

The project routing is still in development. The goal of the route is to provide a non-motorized pedestrian, bicycle, and potentially equestrian connection roughly between the intersection of Pinon Hills Blvd/NM 516 in Farmington and Hartman/Riverside Parks in Aztec. The alternatives analysis and planning document currently being prepared has analyzed four potential corridors for the route: NM 516, Old Aztec Hwy, Old Railroad ROW, and County Road 3000. Those corridors are illustrated on the project corridor map. As shown, the routes are approximately 7-8 miles.

What is the Old Railroad ROW?

The Denver and Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) Railroad operated from the early to mid-19th century in San Juan County between Farmington to Durango, CO. Originally responsible for the transport of agricultural products, the line transitioned to support a burgeoning oil & gas industry and time of prosperity in San Juan County. Pipeline and highway transportation infrastructure led to the decommissioning of the line. The D&RGW Railroad Company donated the decommissioned right-of-way (ROW) to the City of Farmington, City of Aztec, and San Juan County in 1971. Some portion of the ROW was sold to adjacent landowners in 1977. Those gaps in contiguous ROW are illustrated on the project corridor map and are no longer public property.

Will the project follow the Animas River like the City of Farmington river trail system?

Riverfront properties between Farmington and Aztec are privately owned. This project considers existing public rights-of-way between Farmington and Aztec.

Who owns the property?

Each corridor focuses on County-owned property or State right-of-way. Some corridors are broken by privately-owned parcels. Privately-owned portions will inform the ranking of any corridor’s inclusion in the final plan. Private property will be avoided and respect the current land owners.

How wide would the trail be and what does it look like?

The alternatives analysis has identified several options as shown renderings here.

Why would we want a trail system?

San Juan County is rich in beauty, culture, and history. What better way to enjoy those things than a peaceful walk in the heart of the county. Public trails are a no-cost means for the enjoyment and public health of the community.

In 2021, the San Juan County Commission adopted a plan of Strategic Initiatives focusing on People, Place, Economy, and Relations. One of those Strategic Initiatives is continued expansion of recreational opportunities in San Juan County to promote economic diversity and quality of life for residents and visitors. The plan can be found here.

Recent grant-funded recreation projects completed by San Juan County include $1.5M in new mountain bike and OHV trails in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management, a new public river access on County property in Cedar Hill, and a $1.8M multi-use path to provide alternative transportation access in the vicinity of High, Middle, and Elementary schools in Kirtland, NM.

How was this project funded? Shouldn’t the County use available money for more important infrastructure projects (roads, bridge, etc.)?

The funding for this study was a Trails Plus grant awarded in 2022 grant from New Mexico Economic Development Department Outdoor Recreation Division.

There are State and Federal grant programs that exclusively fund recreation and alternative transportation projects. At the Federal level, those programs include the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Safe Streets for All (SS4A). The alternatives analysis for this project was funded by a State grant from the NM Economic Development Department Outdoor Recreation Division. These grants are specific to alternative transportation/recreation projects and the associated monies CANNOT be used for road/bridge projects.

What happens after a plan is studied?

Nothing. Once a plan is completed, there will be no further action until there is funding to do so.

When can the public give their opinion on the plan?

The public comment period ends on June 1, 2024.

When is the next public information meeting?

There are no further meetings planned.

When will the results be made public?

The plan will be presented to the San Juan County Commission at a regular meeting, there is no date for the plan to be complete.

In the News:

Tri City Record, May 14, 2024, Lower Animas Valley Recreation Trail meeting held Thursday