Arizona Daily Sun (June 8, 2026)

The City of Flagstaff was one of 28 cities recognized last month by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) as a “Trail Town,” a new designation intended to honor communities that support access to robust and well-supported trail networks.

“IMBA Trail Towns represent communities that understand the powerful role trails play in shaping vibrant places to live, work, and play,” Jillian Olson, IMBA’s community progress manager, said in a press release. “These communities have invested in trails not only as recreation opportunities, but as essential infrastructure that supports local economies, attracts visitors, improves quality of life, and builds stronger connections between people and the outdoors.”

The criteria for recognition include strong and accessible trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan.

IMBA’s recognition of Flagstaff specifically noted the city’s urban trail system, and its connections to “several area trail systems stewarded regularly by local volunteer organizations.”

Over the past four years, the Coconino National Forest has substantially expanded the trail network in the Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills area, with the assistance of numerous volunteers including the Flagstaff Biking Organization, the Flagstaff Trail Faeries, Peak Trail Runners, Coconino Trail Riders, Arizona Conservation Corps, American Conservation Experience, and other partner organizations. That project has included two mountain bike-optimized trails, along with a pedestrian-only trail and many miles of multimodal trails.

In 2025, the Flagstaff City Council approved a new trails management plan for the Observatory Mesa area, in conjunction with the Forest Service. The plan calls for a mix of trail construction, adoption and decommissioning to create a more accessible, sustainable and navigable network.

Flagstaff is also the birthplace of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Today, that trail passes directly through the city – with a bypass option available for equestrians – on its way from the southern border with Mexico to the Utah state line. The trail is used by hikers and backpackers traversing the length of the state, and local sections are also popular with mountain bikers.

“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,” IMBA executive director David Wiens said. “These towns are leading with trails by modeling what robust investments in the outdoors can do for local health, local economies and community connectivity — both to the outdoors and to one another. Trails bring communities together.”

The City of Prescott was also among the inaugural awardees of the Trail Town designation.

IMBA is a nonprofit organization that advocates for sustainable trail creation and access. More information about the 2026 Trail Towns is available at imba.com/trail-towns.

 

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