2025 Trails Plan
Your Opinion Counts!
The Draft 2025 Trails Plan is now available for public comment. Please take some time to review the full draft here, then email comments directly to TrailsPlan@azstateparks.gov. Feedback will be accepted through April 10, 2025 at 5 p.m. The 2025 Trails Plan provides a blueprint for future actions and priorities regarding trails, grant funding distribution, and how land managers can work together.
Arizona's diverse and beautiful scenery, temperate climate, and unique attractions make it an outdoor recreation hub. More than 4.3 million Arizonans used trails in 2020, and many consider the proximity of trails when they are deciding where to live. Maintained trails enrich our communities, make outdoor recreation more accessible, and protect our landscape and wildlife habitat.
What are the next steps?
On March 10, we will be sending the plan to Arizona tribes for tribal consultation, and we are now collecting feedback through April 10, 2025.
The final version of the 2025 Trails Plan will be approved in public meetings by:
- the Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (OHVAG),
- the Arizona State Committee on Trails (ASCOT),
- the Arizona Outdoor Recreation Coordinating Commission (AORCC) and
- the Arizona State Parks Board (ASPB)
After the Plan is approved, the grant criteria for the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP), the state Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Fund and Heritage Fund will be updated to reflect the priorities in the 2025 Arizona Trails Plan.
Thanks to generous partners like the Arizona Office of Tourism, Pin Drop Travel Trailers, County Line Riders, and the Southern Arizona Hiking Club, public survey participants had the opportunity to enter for a chance to win Arizona experiences and prizes, including staycations in scenic Pinetop-Lakeside and Flagstaff, a two-night camping trip in a comfortable micro-camper, Arizona State Parks annual passes and gift cards, and more. Winners of the drawing will be notified by Arizona State Parks and Trails in March and April, 2025.
What is the Trails Plan?
The Trails Plan guides the acquisition, development, management, and resource allocation for both motorized and non-motorized trails throughout Arizona across land managers and recreation providers. It helps determine the distribution of grant funding from the federal non-motorized and motorized Recreational Trails Program and the state's Off-Highway Vehicle and Heritage Trail funds. Arizona State Parks and Trails is required to update this plan every five years.
The plan's development is overseen by a working group of trail managers from all jurisdictions, non-profit organizations associated with non-motorized or motorized trail use, as well as conservation groups, user groups from across Arizona, members of the Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (OHVAG), the Arizona State Committee on Trails (ASCOT), and other outdoor recreation and trail advocates. To ensure a comprehensive and informed plan, the trail managers and stakeholders incorporate data from various sources, including user feedback, trail usage statistics, and their communities.
One of the most significant impacts of the 2025 Trails Plan is its ability to guide the distribution of federal and state grant funds, allowing for the acquisition of land for trails; construction of trails; and installation of signs, kiosks, restrooms, parking, and other amenities to support trail use in communities. This, in turn, has a positive impact on communities, promoting outdoor recreation, economic growth, and tourism. The 2025 Trails Plan is an essential guide and roadmap for the development and enhancement of Arizona's trail system, ensuring that individuals and communities can enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation and the natural environment. Thank you for playing an important role in the future of Arizona's trails by taking our public or land manager surveys!
Where We Are Now
2020 Trails Plan Accomplishments
Use the interactive map below to browse the accomplishments that have happened since our last trails plan in 2020. Click on the map icons for more detailed information about each accomplishment.
Thank You!
A special thank you to our 2025 Trails Plan Working Group Member organizations! Click HERE to see a current list of active members.
Contact
For more info about Trails Plan, please contact Dawn Collins at trailsplan@azstateparks.gov.
