Pecos Canyon State Park, located in northern New Mexico, offers visitors stunning natural scenery and a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. The park is known for its clear mountain streams, dense pine forests, and access to the Pecos River—making it a favorite spot for fishing, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. It’s a cherished area for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat into nature.
GO Unlimited, in partnership with New Mexico State Parks (NMSP) and local architectural professional, is working to enhance access at Pecos Canyon through a series of innovative accessibility projects. These efforts go well beyond minimum ADA standards. Instead of focusing solely on flat, paved paths, the team is exploring new ways to integrate adaptive technology and creative design into natural outdoor spaces.
During a recent site visit, the team began mapping out a new dirt hiking and biking trail through the trees. To better understand the terrain and usability, GO Unlimited brought along an adaptive three-wheel cycle to test how well it could maneuver through narrow turns and natural obstacles. This hands-on approach allows for thoughtful design that accommodates multiuser equipment while preserving the outdoor experience.
The goal is not to simplify or limit the adventure—but to make it more inclusive. By considering the needs of adaptive riders, hikers using mobility aids, and others with varying abilities, the project aims to create trails that are fun, engaging, and safe for everyone.
This collaboration represents a shift in how outdoor accessibility is approached. It’s about rethinking what inclusion looks like in natural spaces and designing environments that support a broader range of users. Pecos Canyon is becoming a model for how parks can balance preservation, recreation, and innovation—ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the great outdoors.
