Non-Motorized Trails Grants

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program is administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in collaboration with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP), and the Colorado Lottery. This long-standing initiative has supported outdoor recreation and trail enhancement projects across Colorado for over 30 years, with more than 1,000 projects funded to date. The program is designed to support a wide range of non-motorized trail projects that prioritize public access, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The purpose of this program is to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities through five types of projects: construction of new trails and trailheads, maintenance and restoration of existing infrastructure, planning and design initiatives, support for volunteer and education programs, and the funding of trail stewardship crews. Notably, trail stewardship is included as a pilot category for the 2025–2026 cycle. Across all categories, eligible projects must align with CPW’s mission to support sustainable public access while safeguarding wildlife habitats, natural landscapes, and cultural resources. Funding awards vary by project type. Construction and maintenance projects can receive up to $250,000, planning and support projects up to $45,000, and trail stewardship crews up to $150,000. A 25% match is required for all grants, with 10% of the total grant request required in cash. Eligible applicants include local, county, federal, and tribal government agencies; recreation and metro districts; and charitable nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. All proposed projects must occur on land controlled by the applicant (via deed, easement, or long-term lease) and remain accessible to the public for at least 25 years. The grant cycle for the 2025–2026 period opens on August 1, 2025. A letter of intent, accompanied by a site map, must be submitted by September 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. MT. Full applications are due by October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. MT. Applicants must present their proposals to a subcommittee in January 2026, with final grant awards announced by the CPW Commission in March 2026. Projects may begin as early as April 2026, pending finalization of contracts or purchase orders. The anticipated project duration is 2 to 2.5 years from award. Applications must include detailed documents, including a project narrative, budget, environmental forms (as applicable), governing body resolution, letters of support, and various maps. Scoring is based on a 100-point system derived from 20 weighted questions focused on project scope, implementation, community impact, environmental compliance, and budgeting. Successful applicants are expected to comply with relevant federal and state procurement regulations, including Build America, Buy America requirements where applicable. Key contacts for this program include Pam O’Malley, Non-Motorized Grants Administrator at pam.omalley@state.co.us or 720-622-4131. General inquiries may also be sent to trails@state.co.us. Regional Trail Coordinators for Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest Colorado are available for location-specific guidance. The program's full guidance and application documents are detailed in the Non-Motorized Grant Program Manual, Version 4, dated January 2025.