Del Norte: Small Colorado town offers big opportunities for adventure on public lands

Across the spectrum of 640 million acres of federally managed public lands in the U.S., the variation of that land’s potential can be difficult to measure. Public lands mean a lot of things to a lot of people, creating a complex mosaic of tangible and intangible benefits that make this public resource truly priceless.

However, there are ways to measure some of that value. Predominantly located in rural areas, public lands often play a significant role in local economies. Del Norte, a small community in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, is one of those communities.

Del Norte is rich in outdoor resources – many on areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Currently, economists estimate BLM management of the San Luis Valley’s public lands drives the creation of more than 1,000 jobs and more than $150 million in total economic impact. Mick Daniel, the executive director of San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, believes the way those resources have been managed was transformative for Del Norte.

“Over the years, the recreation opportunities – especially those initiated with the creation of the Pronghorn and Limekiln trail systems – have made a significant economic impact on the community,” said Daniel. “It’s also kind of become the ‘cool’ place to live in the Valley.”

The figures back that up. The Limekiln and Pronghorn trail systems alone had an estimated 21,000 visitors last year. That is approximately 15 times Del Norte’s total population. The Del Norte town administrator, Bernadette Martinez, understands the opportunities provided by public lands and appreciates the value they provide.

Martinez explained the trails developed by the Del Norte Trails Organization laid the groundwork for expansion on to BLM lands. Since that time the trail system has only continued to see growth, and the town is now a common resting point along one of the most famous mountain biking trails in the world — the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.

“As the mountain biking took off, we’ve seen things slowly progressing. We enjoy the people who come through, and the impact on the town has been great,” said Martinez of the town’s economic growth.

The combination of economic activity and community support has led nearby locations to explore expanding their own trail systems. The upside is significant. Currently, the economic impact of BLM recreation in the San Luis Valley is valued at $142.5 million.

Beyond the immense economic benefits, the unrealized value of public lands is rich, varied, and nuanced. It can truly be understood on a personal level. When someone find a place that holds special meaning to them, it often defies words but amplifies feeling. The people of the San Luis Valley know this better than most.  

To build your own connection to public lands, see what the BLM has to offer in Colorado.