More than 60 trails were submitted to a coalition, led by Bikepacking Roots, to build a database in compliance with the 2025 federal act. That trail data was analyzed and synthesized into a new report, “Long Live Long Trails: A Report by the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Coalition.”

The report included 20 existing trails covering 5,232 miles in 12 states on USFS, BLM, and NPS managed lands, and 13 potential trails currently covering 5,077 miles with a potential to cover 7,778 miles when completed in 10 states on USFS, BLM, and DoD managed lands.

“Through publishing this report, we are excited to celebrate this diverse catalog of outstanding long-distance trails on federal public lands across the country,” said Bikepacking Roots Executive Director Noelle Battle. “We are also encouraged by the potential for BOLT recognition to support ongoing development of many of the promising trails classified as potential in the report.”

Arizona had four trails included in the report.

Both the Arizona National Scenic Trail and the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail were included as existing trails that met the criteria. The Highline National Recreation Trail and Verde Valley Circle Trail were both identified as currently making progress toward meeting the criteria for “existing trails.”

Restoration efforts for the existing 63 miles of the Highline Trail were completed last year. Originally a wagon route used by early Rim Country settlers, the point-to-point trail travels along the diverse landscape of the Mogollon Rim, offering scenic views and recreation opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers of all experience levels.

Recognition could boost tourism

While the BOLT Act does not create a new national trail designation, the coalition’s report is intended to help federal land management agencies identify long-distance cycling destinations that could receive greater recognition and support in the future.

Supporters say the report also highlights the economic benefits of outdoor recreation for gateway communities.

“The BOLT Coalition report and recognition have the potential to elevate the importance of long-distance trails within the broader outdoor recreation system and demonstrate the economic, community, and recreational value these experiences provide,” said Rachel Fussell, senior manager of recreation policy at PeopleForBikes.

“At PeopleForBikes, we see this report as an important step toward strengthening partnerships between riders, local communities, nonprofit organizations, and federal land managers to support the long-term sustainability and connectivity of these iconic trail experiences across the country.”

For Rim Country, inclusion in the inaugural BOLT report places the Highline Trail among a select group of nationally significant long-distance cycling routes while recognizing years of local trail restoration and advocacy efforts aimed at making the historic Mogollon Rim trail a premier destination for mountain biking and bikepacking.