By Bob Milford and Amanda Gadomski
Like many Colorado mountain towns, Pagosa Springs thrives on tourism and outdoor recreation, with about 50% of its land base as public lands. Visitors and residents can float the San Juan River and summit a 13,000-foot peak in a single day. However, increasing recreation demand has highlighted the challenge of balancing growth with preserving natural resources, wildlife and community character.
Recognizing this need, the Pagosa Area Trails Council (PATC) established the Pagosa Area Recreation Coalition (PARC) — a local coalition with a broad interest dedicated to addressing outdoor recreation opportunities and challenges in the region.
The Pagosa Area Recreation Coalition (PARC) was formed to address the growing demand for outdoor recreation while preserving the natural resources and wildlife that make our region special. As an initiative led by the PATC, PARC is developing a long-term, community-supported outdoor recreation plan for the Greater Pagosa Springs Area, covering Archuleta County, portions of Hinsdale County south of the Continental Divide, and portions of Mineral County east of the Continental Divide.
Our Goals:
- Develop a Regional Outdoor Recreation Plan that balances sustainable recreation with conservation.
- Collaborate with Land Managers & Stakeholders to implement strategies that ensure quality outdoor experiences while protecting public lands.
- Engage the Community through surveys, meetings, and data collection to shape the plan based on local needs.
- Work collaboratively to Implement and Monitor PARC’s Outdoor Recreation Plan.
In 2024, PARC secured $125,000 from Colorado Parks & Wildlife and $30,000 from the U.S. Forest Service, joining the Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnership Initiative. This partnership provides access to funding and aligns us with other Colorado communities facing similar recreation challenges. With guidance from SE Group, an experienced outdoor recreation planning firm, PARC is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future—one that protects our local natural resources and wildlife while ensuring equitable and high-quality outdoor recreation.
A PARC Leadership Committee (PLC), including representatives from the Town of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta, Hinsdale and Mineral Counties, Forest Service, PLPOA, PATC and the Southern Ute Tribe, leads the effort. Additionally, a PARC Task Force (PTF) of 35-40 local stakeholders with diverse interests is working collectively and in smaller groups focused on summer recreation, winter recreation, education and information, partnerships and funding, and data collection.
Community Involvement is Key
The PARC leadership team has thoroughly reviewed past recreation management plans, assessed current community needs, and is now guiding the development of a comprehensive recreation plan. Over the past several months, the PARC Task Force has identified challenges, priorities, and opportunities that reflect the shared values of our community.
PARC will continue to host public meetings, send out surveys, gather input and data to ensure the plan reflects local priorities. Your participation—whether through discussions, feedback, or trailhead data collection—will directly shape the future of recreation in our region.
Together, we’re creating a sustainable recreation legacy that benefits both our community and the environment. We are excited about the progress being made and remain committed to ensuring that the voices of our residents guide this effort. Thank you for your dedication and support.
For updates or to get involved with PARC initiatives, please visit our web page.