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In the high desert landscapes of Socorro County, public lands do more than stretch across miles; they anchor communities, ignite passions, and quietly fuel local economies. From the dusty trails of the Quebradas Backcountry Byway to the cliff walls of The Box Recreation Area, these terrains are held sacred by locals and wanderers alike.
These lands were recently threatened by a congressional proposal to sell between 2 and 3 million acres of public lands. While over a thousand protesters showed up in Santa Fe to fight back against this proposal, the proposal was ultimately removed by the Byrd Rule, a rule that prohibits non-budgetary items in reconciliation bills.
Still, some may wonder what the purpose of these lands is or if they are being utilized by the public.
Scott Mitchell, a trail leader who is very familiar with the area, having written over two dozen trail guides for the Quebradas area on trailsoffroad.com, is a strong advocate for off-highway vehicle (OHV) access, safety, and responsible recreation.
“The more people who use it responsibly, the better,” Mitchell said.
For Mitchell and many of his friends, the Quebradas area is not just a place to take your jeeps and other OHVs; being out in nature is therapeutic. Mitchell describes the area as magical.
“It is one of the most beautiful places,” He said.
Mitchell believes Socorro County is one of the best off-road spaces for those who live in central New Mexico, and city dwellers in Albuquerque may use this space to get back into nature and away from the urban sprawl.
That is not all Quebradas is known for, however.
Mitchell also highlighted the geology of the area and other recreational activities as well. “The Quebradas area isn’t just for off-roaders. You see rock crawlers, sure, but also sightseers, rock hunters, hikers, motorcyclists, and mountain bikers. Geology is a big draw. You’ve got exposed layers from multiple eras. Rockhounds absolutely love this area. BLM partnered with the university to mark stops highlighting geological features, so it’s not just about driving; it’s educational. There are wilderness observation areas and national wildlife refuges nearby, so it’s ideal for birdwatchers and photographers,”Mitchell said.
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According to Jamie Garcia, the Public Affairs Specialist at BLM, Quebradas Backcountry Byway saw 57,621 visitors last year.
Mitchell claims that every weekend he is there, there are always visitors enjoying the space, and more are always welcome.
“It’s easy for people to take these lands for granted, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. You can’t get it back,” Mitchell said.
Don Boyd, a Project Manager and member of Friends of Bosque del Apache agreed to the therapeutic value of open spaces.
“Physicians in some countries are now writing ‘blue’ or ‘green’ prescriptions that require the patient to walk in a forest trail. If we lost our access to nature, we would really be losing something really important to us,” Boyd said.
He added that the economic impact, as the Festival of Cranes, which takes place at the Bosque del Apache refuge, contributes up to 3 million dollars per year to the local economy.
The draw of these public lands can even help boost the local population.
Dallas Smith and his partner, full-time travelers, are looking to purchase real estate in Socorro County following their month-long visit to New Mexico, after spending time in the Box Recreation area.
“The Box Canyons were truly unbelievable and an amazing experience to camp. You can see rock climbers, wildlife, mountain bike trails, and hiking through the canyons. The grounds were free of litter, the roads were not harsh on our vehicle, and the stargazing was amazing due to the lack of light pollution. This place left me speechless, and it would truly be heartbreaking to lose such a beautiful space.” Smith said.
The love for these areas extends to our Senator Martin Heinrich, who called the proposal being thrown out a “major victory for public lands.” Heinrich also plans to keep fighting.
“To those already plotting to go after our public lands another way: Don’t unless you like losing,” Heinrich said.
