View from Talaya Hill Open Space.
Vision
Santa Fe County’s Open Space, Trails and Parks Program sustainably manages and conserves a vibrant network of cultural, historical, recreational and natural community resources that inspire a deep sense of regional identity and stewardship among current and future generations.
Mission
Santa Fe County provides innovative leadership in local land management and conservation that enhances the quality of life for County residents, provides access to public lands for unique outdoor experiences, advances community stewardship through partnerships, and effectively leverages community investments in the Open Space, Trails and Parks Program. Management of County open spaces and trail networks provides sustainable and resilient ecosystems with landscape-wide benefits for human, plant, and wildlife communities.
Advisory Committee
The County Open Lands, Trails and Parks Advisory Committee (COLTPAC) advises the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to open space, trails, and parks, acting through and with the assistance of the Open Space and Trails staff. Please see the committee page for more information about this advisory committee, and to access meeting schedule, agendas and minutes.
Scarlet Hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus coccineus) in Talaya Hill Open Space.
The Open Space, Trails and Parks Program aims to develop open space and trails management based on integration with existing regulations and requirements as well as cooperative efforts between private, non-profit, and government agencies. In total the program manages 6,750 acres of open space, 18 parks, and 65 miles of trails, and encompasses planning, capital improvements, maintenance, and volunteer opportunities towards the management of these properties for the use and enjoyment of Santa Fe County residents and visitors.
News & Updates
| Santa Fe County Acquires New Open Space: "Bobcat Crossing Ranch" | |||
|
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 14, 2025 SANTA FE, NM – On October 9, 2025, Santa Fe County acquired 2,650 acres of piñon-juniper woodland, rolling hills and grasslands, south of Santa Fe, NM. The new open space is called “Bobcat Crossing Ranch.” It is bordered to the east by I-25, and to the west by 2 miles of the Southern Santa Fe Railway and multi-use Santa Fe Rail Trail. The acquisition was recommended by the County Open Lands, Trails and Parks Advisory Committee (COLTPAC), and approved by the Board of County Commissioners on April 29, 2025. The property, purchased for $3,700,000, is intended for use as a preserve and public recreational space. Chris Mann, COLTPAC Chair, expressed enthusiasm about this addition, “This acquisition—one of the largest tracts of undeveloped land between Eldorado and Santa Fe—will protect important cultural and natural resources while providing ample public recreation opportunities. This is a big win for wildlife, water resources, and the people of Santa Fe County. My thanks to the members of COLTPAC, the Board of County Commissioners, and the staff of the county's Open Space, Trails and Parks program for making this happen." This acquisition also garnered broad community support. Dan Potter, COLTPAC member and applicant for the acquisition, expressed his gratitude to community members who supported this acquisition, “Let me thank you all again for speaking out at public meetings, writing support letters, talking to neighbors and friends, and pushing this across the finish line. You should all be proud of your participation in the process." Potter added, "Bobcat Crossing Ranch shows great potential for historic preservation, recreation, habitat preservation, and as an important piece of a larger wildlife movement corridor between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Galisteo Basin, and beyond. This completes the first step in developing the ranch in a new direction, focused on these values.” The County will now develop a property management plan and master plan for the development of passive recreation trails. For media inquiries, please contact Stephanie Stancil, Director of Innovation, Strategic Planning, and Communications, at sstancil@santafecountynm.gov or 505-995-2710. |
One of the views looking southwest from the new Bobcat Crossing Ranch Open Space, with Cerrillos Hills centered in the distance. |
||
|
Ongoing Northern New Mexico Master Naturalist Program Have you ever wanted to become a Master Naturalist? This in-depth course combines classroom and field experiences to give you the knowledge and skills to better understand and care for the natural world. Each week we explore an environmental topic related to our region through guest lectures, group discussion, and hands-on activities. Please visit the website and send an email through the contact page. Course Dates: August 2025 - November 2025 |
 |
Contact Us
For general inquiries about Open Space, Trails & Parks, please contact:
(505) 992-9873
openspace@santafecountynm.gov
Laura Hernandez
Facilities, Operations and Maintenance Manager
Public Works Department
(505) 992-3054
lhernandez@santafecountynm.gov
Adeline Murthy
Planning Team Leader, Open Space and Trails
Growth Management Department
(505) 995-2774
amurthy@santafecountynm.gov
Monica Harmon
Open Space Resource Management Specialist
Growth Management Department
(505) 992-9825
mharmon@santafecountynm.gov
Rose Masters
Open Space Interpretive Ranger
Growth Management Department
(505) 992-9897
rmasters@santafecountynm.gov
Do you believe you may have lost an item on a Santa Fe County Open Space or Trail? For Lost & Found, please call or email the Open Space Interpretive Ranger.