FIND OUT MORE AT www.RioGrandeTrailNM.comA project administered by the New Mexico Energy Minerals Natural Resources Department

NORTH REGION:

229

UPPER SOUTHERN:

32

MIDDLEREGION:

258

LOWER SOUTHERN:

133

N E W M E X I C O

WHAT? The Rio Grande Trail Virtual Open House was an online public

engagement and educational tool. In addition to a public

survey, the site provided information about the project vision,

how the trail will be built, project timeline, route selection,

trail best practices, and project partners. It was available

between November 13 and December 11, 2017. The Virtual

Open House was promoted through a print ad, press releases,

word-of-mouth through the network of New Mexico trail

users, email blasts, and the Rio Grande Trail project website.

WHY? The Virtual Open House informs New Mexicans about the

purpose and process of the Rio Grande Trail Master Plan,

elicits public input, and builds awareness and support for the

Rio Grande Trail. Feedback from the Virtual Open House

complements in-depth stakeholder outreach, data analysis,

and robust fieldwork. The project team will use public insights

from the Virtual Open House to help plan a world-class trail

network that New Mexico residents and visitors can enjoy.

Note:The Virtual Open House is a way to share information and hear from people who are already interested in the Rio Grande Trail Project, who may be potential “first users.” It is not a statistically valid survey or comprehensive representation of statewide input.

Participants came from

125 different zip codes,

including every region of

the river corridor.

KEY FINDINGS

Participants are well-versed in long-distance trail features

and willing to travel to visit a long-distance trail. Half of all

people who filled out the survey have traveled to another

state to experience a long-distance trail.

Access to nature was the most important benefit, followed by

exercise opportunities, and biking or walking for transportation.

The Virtual Open House confirmed that the trail will have a large

audience of local and regional users on foot. And with at least 10%

of participants choosing every offered trail use, it also showed that

the trail will attract a broad range of users.

1

3

2

Most participants are interested in historic and cultural tours,

as well as birding or wildlife viewing experiences along the trail.

Rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as archaeological tours,

were also listed by more than half of participants.

4 For hospitality provisions, campsites and showers/bathrooms

were clear favorites. Picnic sites and playgrounds, along with

places to purchase food were also popular suggestions. 5

GenderAge

What type of trail user will you be?

Which benefit of the Rio Grande Trail is most important to you?

Survey Responses by Region

Have you traveled to another state to experience a long-distance trail?

What would you like to experience o� the trail?

What hospitality and provisions would be most important to you?

WHO RESPONDED?

people filled out

the Virtual Open

House survey.

In November and December 2017, nearly 1,000 people from across New Mexico

participated in the Rio Grande Trail Virtual Open House. Participants’ insights will shape

the recommended route, design, and amenities of the Rio Grande Trail.

JOBS

0 200 400 600

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

TOURISM

CULTURAL AWARENESS

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

BIKING AND WALKING TRANSPORTATION

EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES

Access to Nature

0 200 400 600

EQUESTRIAN

THROUGH TOURING CYCLIST

BIKE PACKER

THROUGH HIKER

MOUNTAIN BIKER

LOCAL BICYCLIST

LOCAL WALKER AND RUNNER

Section Hiker

0 200 400 600

HUNTING

GEOCACHING

ROCK CLIMBING

GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS

FISHING

SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURS

RAFTING, CANOEING, OR KAYAKING

BIRDING OR OTHER WILDLIFE VIEWING

Historic or Cultural Tours

0 200 400 600

OUTDOOR GEAR STORE

BIKE SHOP

EQUESTRIAN ACCOMMODATIONS

HOTELS OR BED AND BREAKFAST

EQUIPMENT RENTALS,SHUTTLE SERVICES, AND…

MARKET OR GROCERY

CABINS

CAFES AND RESTAURANTS

PICNIC AND PLAYGROUND SITES

SHOWER/BATHROOM FACILITIES

Campsite

15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

ALMOST HALF OF RESPONDENTS

WERE AGED

46%55-64

65+

WOMEN

52%MEN

YesNo

2%PREFER

NOT TO SAY

55+

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

993 A fairly even distribution

of women and men

filled out the survey.