Outdoor Recreation
At DUST2, we’re all about building an active and thriving biking community in Pagosa Springs. Through trail development, youth cycling programs, and advocacy, we’re creating safe, fun, and accessible outdoor experiences for riders of all ages.
Why We Started
DUST2 was born out of a simple but powerful need—more trails in downtown Pagosa Springs. Our seven-member board came together with a vision: to develop exciting, safe, and easy-to-access trails while launching a youth cycling team that empowers local kids to ride. By constructing urban and rural singletrack trails in public spaces and public lands, we’re eliminating barriers that have kept many people from accessing trails. These new pathways seek to seamlessly connect downtown trails, sidewalks, schools, and parks while building on existing trails on town-owned, Forest Service land, and beyond —opening up a world of biking opportunities right in our community’s backyard.
Our Story
DUST2 started as part of the Archuleta School District’s (ASD) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative—a movement aimed at building a dedicated Urban Singletrack Trail (USTT) to link the Pagosa Springs Elementary School and High School.
On September 4, 2015, DUST2 officially came to life, partnering with ASD and the Town of Pagosa Springs (TOPS) to develop a growing network of singletrack trails. We also launched Pagosa’s first youth cycling development team, giving local kids structured opportunities to ride, train, and compete.
Our journey began with Phase 1 of the Urban Singletrack Trail, built on a 54-acre school-owned parcel known as Dakota Springs. Thanks to professional trail builder Tony Boone, a two-mile, family-friendly flow trail was created—quickly becoming a favorite among local riders and students. The trail connects to Yamaguchi Park, providing students with a fun, safe, and scenic route between schools and parks.
With funding from the Ride The Rockies Community Foundation, we kicked off our first youth cycling development season in 2017—welcoming 35 enthusiastic riders, 10 of whom received full scholarships from our generous partner, Pagosa Ski and Snowboard Rental. By 2018, we launched an earn-a-bike program, investing in 10 specialized bikes to ensure every kid had a chance to ride.
Our Achievements
Trail Development & Advocacy
✅ Established a formal partnership with the Town of Pagosa Springs (TOPS) and the Archuleta School District (ASD) for urban singletrack trail development and maintenance.
✅ Created a risk management policy and a maintenance agreement with ASD & TOPS.
✅ Committed to leading two annual student trail workdays to promote stewardship and community engagement.
✅ Partnered with Tony Boone Trails LLC for Phase 1 construction in 2017, logging 600 volunteer hours in the process.
✅ Secured funding and partnerships to complete Phase 2 construction in 2018.
✅ Work begins on the PARC (Pagosa Area Recreational Coalition). This is a community feedback process requested by the USFS to understand the needs of recreational users in the Pagosa area. PATC (Pagosa Area Trails Coalition), led by Bob Milford.
✅ $50,000 grant awarded to DUST2 for the building of a mountain bike skills course at Yamaghuchi Park in Pagosa Springs.
✅ LPEA and Ballentine Family Fund dollars to support existing trail structure with new signage and more programming to get more GIRLS ON BIKES!
Youth Cycling Program
Looking Ahead
With each new trail and every young rider we support, DUST2 continues to shape Pagosa Springs into a hub for biking enthusiasts. We’re dedicated to expanding our trail network, growing our youth programs, and making cycling more accessible to all. Join us on this ride—because every great community deserves great trails and strong riders!
Non-profit Basic Level