Pagosa Springs is growing as a highly prized destination for adventurous outdoor athletes.  Central to this distinction is the growing network of trails through the forests and public lands surrounding Pagosa Springs.  These trails not only offer exceptional mountain bike trails, but also hybrid/cross-bike routes, running trails, and Nordic/cross-country trails.  Below are links to several Pagosa area clubs formed by local, like-minded outdoor athletes to share information and coordinate common access to these trails.

Central to trail access for both local and visiting outdoor athletes is trailhead information and trail maps.  Pagosa Trails, a developing WEB site (www.pagosatrails.net), provides a database of trails – including trailhead access information, topographical trail maps, photos and other details – for both winter and summer outdoor athletes.  These include mountain bike trails, road and cross-bike routes, running trails and cross-country/Nordic Trails.  If you network on Facebook and want to receive ongoing news and updates of Pagosa area trail maps, descriptions and outdoor-athlete events, become a “fan” of Pagosa Trails at www.facebook.com/pages/Pagosa-Trails/116426449981.

The Wolf Creek Wheel Club (www.wolfcreekwheelclub.com) exists to promote the sport of bicycling in the Pagosa Springs area.  Their focus includes developing and maintaining trails for mountain bikers and organizing group rides for road and cross bikers.  Also central to their mission is promoting proper trail etiquette and bicycle safety on our local roads. 

The Pagosa Springs Nordic Club (www.pagosanordic.com) works to “enhance winter recreational opportunities in Pagosa Springs by maintaining accessible groomed winter trails for skate skiing, classic cross country skiing and snowshoeing for all ability levels and to encourage and promote the use of these winter trails through education, marketing and events.”

The Pagosa Area Running Club (www.pagosarunner.org) was recently formed by a group of runners living in Pagosa Springs Colorado who “love great friendships, great racing, and great mountain living.” They aim to meet the running needs of runners from the beginner to the highly competitive athlete and be very social and supportive of each member’s running goals.  In their own words:  “At the end of the day, we want to make running a fun and  enjoyable pursuit.”

GECKO (Giving Every Child Knowledge of the Outdoors) evolved from outdoor adventures experienced by local endurance runner, Morgan Murri (www.joingecko.org).  Inspired by the growth and transformation he witnessed in his daughter after her participation in NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), Morgan developed GECKO as an opportunity to give back to the youth of today.  Included in its mission is to provide children scholarships in Outdoor Adventure Education programs with the belief that each program in which they enroll a student “will result in positive and substantive growth that not only benefits the student but his/her community.”  GECKO also organizes the annual Pagosa Peaks Trail Series.  This trail race series includes the Turkey Track Trail Marathon and half marathon, the Devil Mountain 50 mile and 50k Ultra and the Mountain Chile Cha Cha.

Visit their WEB sites for more details.  Join and support the clubs and their events.  Enjoy the trails they are glad to share.  Happy trails to you!