Salida, Colorado has been recognized as a 2026 IMBA Trail Town, a new national designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) honoring communities with an exceptional commitment to building, maintaining, and celebrating trail systems.
The IMBA Trail Town designation recognizes communities that are leading with trails by demonstrating strong trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan. Together, these criteria support healthy lifestyles, local economies, and outdoor recreation access.
“This designation reflects years of collaboration between Salida Mountain Trails, City of Salida, volunteers, land managers, and partners all working toward a shared vision for trails,” said Jon Terbush, executive director of Salida Mountain Trails. “We’re proud of what we’ve built, and even more excited for what’s ahead.”
Trail systems are increasingly recognized as important drivers of outdoor recreation economies. Communities that invest in trails often see benefits including increased tourism, support for local businesses, improved public health, and stronger community connections to the outdoors. The Colorado outdoor recreation economy continues to grow: in 2024, outdoor recreation generated 18.1 billion in economic impact for Colorado and created 137,732 jobs.
Hundreds of miles of singletrack are easily accessible from Salida, including two in-town trail systems (Arkansas Hills, and Methodist Mountain), the world-renowned Monarch Crest, and the Colorado Trail. SMT manages about 100 miles of those trails in partnership with the City of Salida, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and other government and NGO stakeholders.
“Trails are an important part of what makes Salida such a great place to live and visit,” said Zach Ryerson, Parks, Trails and Open Space Supervisor for the City of Salida. “This recognition highlights how outdoor recreation contributes to our local economy and quality of life.”
As part of the Trail Town designation, Salida joins 28 communities leading a growing national network of trail-forward places committed to trail stewardship, collaboration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation.
“IMBA congratulates Salida on its IMBA Trail Town designation,” said David Wiens, IMBA Executive Director. “IMBA Trail Towns are leading with trails by demonstrating how trails support thriving, resilient communities. The IMBA Trail Town designation is more than a badge of honor. It’s national recognition that a community values trails and the people who ride them.”
Local trail leaders say the recognition will help strengthen future partnerships and support continued trail development and stewardship.
For more information about local trails and how to get involved, visit salidamountaintrails.org
For more information about the IMBA Trail Town designation, visit https://www.imba.com/designation/trail-town.
About IMBA
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501c3 nonprofit that creates, enhances, and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. IMBA is focused on Leading with Trails by partnering with communities on trail advocacy, education, stewardship and sustainable trail solutions, so everyone has access to great places to ride and recreate.
