Outdoor recreation boom reshapes tourism demand in Santa Fe

Trail use is climbing across the U.S., and destinations with strong hiking and biking networks are seeing new demand from active travelers. In Santa Fe, that shift is boosting the role of outdoor infrastructure and nearby lodging as hotels adapt to guests planning trips around trail access.

Why it matters: - Outdoor recreation growth is changing where travelers go, what they prioritize and how regional tourism hubs compete for spending. - Santa Fe County is positioning its trail network as an economic asset as visitors increasingly choose destinations based on access to hiking and biking infrastructure. - Hotels near trailheads and route connections can capture travelers who want easier gear transport and faster access to outdoor activities.

What happened: - The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report shows consecutive years of record growth in outdoor recreation across the U.S. - Core outdoor users rose by 5 million nationally. - Youth and senior participation grew faster than other groups. - The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2026 Hiking Report put U.S. hiking participation at a record 63.4 million active participants. - Santa Fe County’s target industry analysis identifies outdoor recreation as a major driver of the regional economy. - Santa Fe County has more than 600 miles of designated hiking trails and more than 400 miles of mountain biking trails. - The International Mountain Biking Association designated the area a Silver-Level Ride Center. - Piñon Court by La Fonda in Santa Fe’s South Capitol neighborhood is leaning into that travel pattern by marketing its location near regional trail access.

The details: - Trail-based recreation is pulling travelers away from conventional indoor urban attractions and toward lodging tied to outdoor access. - Visitors in Northern New Mexico are increasingly researching Santa Fe hiking and biking trails before booking trips. - The Dale Ball Trails network and high-altitude singletrack routes in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are part of the draw. - Piñon Court by La Fonda sits on the edge of downtown Santa Fe, which helps guests avoid central city traffic when heading into the mountains with outdoor gear. - The property’s location offers a direct drive to side highways that connect to local trail networks. - Piñon Court by La Fonda has 45 traditional guest rooms and suites. - The hotel uses a classic Southwest motor court layout centered around an outdoor courtyard with communal fire pits. - Guest amenities include a daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet, 55-inch Smart televisions, complimentary high-speed wireless internet access and dedicated workspace desks. - Some rooms include fireplaces for cool desert evenings. - The Bistro, the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar, serves local food and cocktails. - Guests also have access to a 24-hour fitness center and a full-service wellness spa at sister property La Fonda on the Plaza. - The fitness center includes treadmills, stationary bicycles and free weights.

Between the lines: - The growth in hiking and trail recreation is creating a broader shift in destination planning, with infrastructure now competing with traditional urban amenities. - Municipal tourism strategies are increasingly tied to networked trail systems rather than single marquee attractions. - Lodging operators near trail corridors may have an advantage as outdoor travelers look for convenience, lower congestion and easier movement between town and trailheads.

What's next: - Regional destinations with trail systems are likely to continue emphasizing outdoor access in tourism marketing and infrastructure planning. - Hotels near hiking and biking corridors may keep tailoring amenities and positioning to active travelers. - As participation rises, demand for multi-use trail networks, parking access and trail-adjacent lodging is likely to remain strong.

The bottom line: - Outdoor recreation is no longer a niche tourism add-on. In Santa Fe and similar hubs, trail access is becoming a core driver of visitor demand and local hotel strategy.