Outdoor recreation boom reshapes travel demand in Santa Fe

Outdoor participation is setting new records nationwide, and regional tourism hubs like Santa Fe are adjusting as hikers and mountain bikers steer lodging choices toward trail access. Piñon Court by La Fonda is positioning itself for that shift with a location designed for quick departures to nearby trail networks.

Why it matters: - Outdoor recreation is no longer a niche travel driver. National participation growth is pushing more visitors to choose destinations based on trail access, not just downtown attractions. - Regional economies with established hiking and biking infrastructure stand to benefit as active travelers spread demand beyond crowded national parks. - Hotels near trailheads and route corridors can capture a growing share of visitors looking for easier gear transport, faster morning departures and lower-traffic stays.

What happened: - The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report said outdoor recreation has posted consecutive years of record-breaking growth. - The same report said core outdoor users increased by 5 million people nationwide. - The report pointed to strong growth among youth and senior participants. - The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2026 Hiking Report said U.S. hiking participation reached 63.4 million active participants, an all-time high. - Santa Fe County said outdoor recreation is a major economic driver in the regional economy. - Piñon Court by La Fonda highlighted its South Capitol location in Santa Fe as a base for travelers heading to local trail systems.

The details: - Santa Fe County said the area includes more than 600 miles of designated hiking trails. - Santa Fe County said the region also has more than 400 miles of mountain biking trails. - The International Mountain Biking Association designated the area a Silver-Level Ride Center. - Visitors in Northern New Mexico are increasingly looking for Santa Fe hiking and biking trails, including the Dale Ball Trails network and high-altitude singletrack routes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains foothills. - Piñon Court by La Fonda said its location gives guests a direct drive to side highways that lead to local trail networks. - The hotel said its placement helps guests avoid heavy downtown traffic during busy morning hours. - Piñon Court by La Fonda describes itself as a historic lodging property with 45 traditional guest rooms and suites in a Southwest motor court layout. - The property includes an outdoor courtyard with communal fire pits. - Guest rooms include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, 55-inch Smart televisions, complimentary high-speed wireless internet access and dedicated workspace desks. - Some rooms include fireplaces. - The Bistro serves local food and cocktails on site. - Guests also have access to a 24-hour fitness center and full-service wellness spa at sister property La Fonda on the Plaza. - The fitness center includes treadmills, stationary bicycles and free weights.

Between the lines: - The shift in traveler behavior suggests outdoor infrastructure is becoming a competitive advantage for regional destinations. - Santa Fe’s mix of trail miles, biking designation and multi-use networks gives the area a stronger position than destinations that rely mainly on a single marquee attraction. - Hotels that can reduce friction for outdoor trips may gain an edge as travelers prioritize convenience over central-urban amenities.

What's next: - More destinations are likely to market trail access as a core part of their tourism pitch. - Lodging operators near outdoor recreation areas may continue tailoring amenities and positioning to hikers, bikers and other active travelers. - Regional tourism strategies in Northern New Mexico are likely to keep leaning on trail-based recreation as participation grows.

The bottom line: - Outdoor recreation growth is changing where people travel and where hotels compete, and Santa Fe is betting its trail network and lodging layout will help it win that demand.