ABOUT RTA
Formed in the spring of 2017, our mission is to steward the regional trail systems within the upper Dolores Watershed focusing on the sustainable and inclusive recreational use, development and access of and to non-motorized trails. Read all about what we’ve been working on and what we have planned below.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Our Story
The Rico Trails Alliance (RTA) was formed in 2017 by a small group of mountain bike enthusiasts interested in working with the US Forest Service to improve and extend trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail running and fat-tire (snow) biking around the Town of Rico, a small town of less than 300 year-round residents located in Southwest Colorado’s Dolores River valley.
In just a few years, RTA became the region’s trusted non-motorized trail organization. Volunteers and partners completed major projects including reroutes and improvements on Ryman Creek, the Circle Trail, the RGS River Trail’s southern section (FS #238), the Burnett Connector and more.
During the surge in mountain tourism brought on by COVID, RTA shifted from promoting to stewarding trails—focusing on education, community celebrations, and close collaboration with the Town of Rico, local businesses, and regional partners. In 2024, RTA broadened its mission to serve the entire upper Dolores River watershed and to champion inclusive, sustainable trail use.
Today, RTA is leading its most ambitious effort yet: the RGS River Trail & Pedestrian Bridge, a multi-mile project along the historic Rio Grande Southern railroad grade. This trail will connect Rico’s new recreation facilities to hundreds of miles of Forest Service trails and will be the region’s only river-grade path, linking hundreds of miles of Forest Service trails to a trail on the valley floor.
Since 2018, RTA has secured key easements, raised significant private and grant funding, completed all NEPA and agency reviews, and defended the project’s trail designation in federal court. With support from local partners and new organizational development efforts, RTA is now positioned to bring this long-held community vision to life.
What’s Next
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RGS River Trail & Bridge
Breaking ground on the RGS River Trail & Pedestrian Bridge (2026-7)
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Galloping Goose Trail
Mapping/planning a future trail to connect with the Galloping Goose Trail 12 miles north of Rico on Lizard Head Pass (2026–28)
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Circle Trial Access
Improving non-motorized access to the Circle Trail
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Volunteer Trail Work
Continued seasonal volunteer trail workdays and winter fat bike grooming
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Organizational Capacity Building
Continued organizational capacity-building
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Community Events
Community events that celebrate trail stewardship, education, and connection