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This photo shows the newly constructed Rail Trail Segment #6, near the Cero Alto Trailhead, with a scenic view toward the town of Lamy. The sides adjacent to the trail were developed to help maintain a smooth grade and are being reseeded to fill in the vegetation.

SANTA FE, NM, March 27, 2026—Santa Fe County will celebrate an expansion of its trail system, April 7, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a ribbon cutting, refreshments, and speakers, at the newly constructed Rail Trail Segment #6 and Cerro Alto Trailhead, located at 28531 US Hwy 285, in Lamy, and the public is welcome to attend. The turn for the parking lot is right after the railroad tracks on the southbound side. The shareable Eventbrite link has more detailed directions and an option to RSVP.

“The extension of the Rail Trail from Spur Ranch Road to Route 285 passes through some hilly and beautiful country. It will be a great stretch to walk or bike,” said Santa Fe County, District 5, Commissioner Hank Hughes, who will be attending the ribbon cutting.

Segment #6 is part of the Santa Fe Rail Trail, a 15.7-mile multi-use trail connecting Santa Fe to Lamy. The system also links into the west-east trending Hondo Trail system, providing broader regional connectivity from the 599 Rail Runner depot through the Santa Fe Community College district. In total, the County maintains about 70 miles of trails.

This project added a concrete gathering area at the Cerro Alto Trailhead, and parking access with ADA-accessible parking, and room for horse trailers. It connects to Segment #5 on Spur Ranch Road and adds 1.78 miles that meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. The segment undergoes about 400 feet of elevation gain but maintains a maximum five percent grade from beginning to end. To help meet ADA requirements, a wider section of trail was graded, and any disturbed areas adjacent to the trail will be reseeded.

“Segment #6 is neat because of its topography. We couldn’t follow the railway in all sections, so there is wonderful scenic variety, including beautiful views of Galisteo Basin,” said Santa Fe County Project Manager Dan Anderson, who will share project updates at the ribbon cutting.

Another thoughtful feature was the use of boulders for a stabilization wall, which helps maintain a natural look rather than using masonry blocks, which tend to feel more industrial.

This project brings the County closer to finishing the Rail Trail, which follows the historic, and still-in-use Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (ATSF) Railway line from the Santa Fe Railyard Park south to the town of Lamy. Since 1997, when ATSF Railway granted its first easement along the tracks (with another easement to follow in the mid-2000s), the County has steadily added trail access for the public to enjoy.

There’s one major segment left to build, which will connect Segment #6 to the Lamy Train Station, effectively making this a “depot to depot” trail.

The City of Santa Fe manages the section from Railyard Park to the I-25 overpass near Rabbit Road. Santa Fe County manages the remaining 12.5 miles south to Lamy. Trail users may see the Santa Fe Southern Railway train, which conducts tours along the route.

This project is part of the Santa Fe County Open Space, Trails, and Parks Strategic Master Plan and was funded through a $678,128 reimbursable Federal Department of Commerce grant, a $500,000 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, $371,397 from the Lodger’s Tax Fund, and $1,641,055 in Capital Outlay General Tax Funds.

Future enhancements, like shade structures and picnic tables, could be added as funding allows.

The County practices Leave No Trace principles. That means plan ahead, stay on trails, properly dispose of waste, take only pictures, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.

County rules and regulations include the following (the full list is linked):

• Stay on designated trails.
• All trail users must yield to horses.
• Cyclists must alert other users when approaching, and yield to horses, hikers, walkers, and runners.
• Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
• Clean up after your pet. Do not leave poop, or bags containing poop, on or near the trail.
• No motorized vehicles, including ATVs or motorcycles, are allowed on any Santa Fe County trails or open spaces.

Go to the Santa Fe County website to learn more about the County’s Open Space, Trails and Parks Program, and to read the full list of rules and regulations, along with details about open space properties and trails, including maps.

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