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The O2O trail, a 2.8-mile looped hike in Socorro, is now open to the public. Named after the historic Ocean to Ocean Highway, the trail is for non-motorized activities such as hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
The trail is the result of collaborative efforts between volunteers, the BLM, and local ranchers, providing outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area.
“In response to community feedback, the BLM Socorro Field Office proposed and approved a set of loop trails connecting off the Blue Canyon trail in May 2023. The O2O Trail is the first of those loop trails to be constructed,” Rob Selina, Socorro Trails coordinator, said.
The BLM completed the biology and archeology surveys in early 2024, and Selina organized three volunteer work days over the year to complete the project.
“The BLM Socorro Field Office has been central to the project development, and we’re very appreciative of them responding to community input on the value of having trails to provide for public recreation, health, and economic development through outdoor tourism,” Selina said “The New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors have also partnered with us on the volunteer side for two of the trail construction days.”
Selina said Mr. Kerr, Mr. Pound and their families, long-time ranchers in the area, were also accommodating and supportive of recreational use on lands they use for cattle grazing.
“It’s important that new users of the trails realize this connection and give due respect to the cattle. For example, please keep dogs on leashes and always close gates along the trails and at the trailheads,” Selina said.
Selina is hopeful in building the next approved loop trails west of Socorro.
“We are also actively collaborating with the City of Socorro and the US Forest Service to plan and improve the trails in the Magdalena Mountains. Using the Trails+ grant, we’ve hired a contractor to develop a new trail plan for the Magdalenas and this is a first step to improving the trails within the forest.” Selina said.
He believes access to outdoor spaces can contribute significantly to the quality of life and health of the community.
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“We’re fortunate to have the diversity of public land that we do in the Socorro Area - from the Bosque to the Quebradas, or the Chupaderas and the Magdalenas.” Selina said “It’s also a resource we can share with visitors to leverage the successful tourism we already see driven by places like the Bosque Del Apache. There’s an opportunity to increase tourism and economic development in the area through outdoor recreation.”
Selina appreciates the City and land managers, including the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy, for helping to improve recreational access. For more information on participating or giving input on trails visit: https://www.socorro-trails.org/
