The Questa Economic Development Fund invites all area residents and interested parties to a public meeting on January 24 at 6 p.m. at the Questa Public Library. We are exploring the potential for community trails in and around the Largo Canyon area, southeast of the Village of Questa, as well as the development of additional climbing areas in Red River Canyon. We would like further community input to help shape this planning process as we explore our outdoor economy’s untapped potential.
As part of a long-term vision for revitalizing Questa’s economy, the QEDF’s Recreation Opportunity Report identified proposals for developing new recreation options in the region. These enhancements will provide residents with better access to the many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits the great outdoors provides.
Increased outdoor recreation will bring more patrons to our area and businesses, and will also encourage new recreation-oriented entrepreneurial enterprises. Industries looking to start businesses in new communities often cite outdoor recreation as a key factor in their decision.
In December of 2023, the QEDF was awarded a Trails Plus Grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department for $28,050 to explore the feasibility of two of the Tier 1 recommendations from the Questa Recreation Opportunity Report. The grant includes the public meeting and incorporating the public comments into the conceptual plans for mapping these recreational opportunities.
The first is a network of multi-use, trails for all abilities in the Largo Canyon area. This area of the Carson National Forest provides undulating terrain and access to vistas overlooking Questa and is perfect for a trail network that will appeal to hikers, runners, equestrians, mountain bikers, and casual walkers
This area is located near Molycorp Field, accessed via South Kiowa Road, off NM-Hwy 38. Molycorp Field is proposed as the trailhead for the Largo Canyon Trails. The vision is to make this area a community recreation hub with ample parking for trail users and outdoor enthusiasts.
The second Tier 1 opportunity is to expand rock climbing options in Red River Canyon. This region is already home to world-class climbing, however, most of the routes cater to highly skilled climbers and lack appeal for a beginning to intermediate audience. By expanding the route options for a broader range of skill levels, more climbers will be attracted to Questa, stay longer, and spend more money in our community.
We are looking for community feedback on these two projects, and we want to hear your ideas for these developments, and to understand any potential concerns or impacts that we can work to mitigate during the planning process. We look forward to brainstorming with you on how to most effectively enhance Questa’s economy through sustainable outdoor recreation while ensuring maximum benefit for area residents.
For more information about these projects and the public meeting, contact QEDF Director Lynn Skall, at lynn@questaedf.com or leave a message at (575) 586-2149.
