Flagstaff earns Trail Town designation from International Mountain Bicycling Association
News Release
March 31, 2026
Flagstaff, Ariz. — The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) today announced Flagstaff and the city’s trail-building partners are among 28 communities receiving the IMBA Trail Town designation. The new, national recognition honors places that have made exceptional commitments to developing, stewarding and celebrating trail systems that strengthen community life.
The inaugural IMBA Trail Town designation recognizes communities that are leading with trails by demonstrating strong trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan. Together these criteria support healthy lifestyles, local economies, and outdoor recreation access.
“IMBA Trail Towns represent communities that understand the powerful role trails play in shaping vibrant places to live, work, and play,” said Jillian Olson, IMBA Community Progress Manager. “These communities have invested in trails not only as recreation opportunities, but as essential infrastructure that supports local economies, attracts visitors, improves quality of life, and builds stronger connections between people and the outdoors.”
Trails are increasingly recognized as drivers of outdoor recreation economies. Communities that invest in trail systems often see benefits ranging from increased tourism and small business growth, to improved health outcomes and stronger community identity. The American outdoor recreation economy continues to grow. In 2024 it generated $1.3 trillion in economic output while supporting 5.2 million American jobs. The sector accounts for 2.4% of the nation’s GDP.
The IMBA Trail Town designation highlights communities that have demonstrated leadership in these areas and are helping set the standard for how trails can positively shape the future of outdoor communities. This year’s honorees highlight 28 communities in 20 U.S. states.
The inaugural 2026 IMBA Trail Town designees include:
Anniston, Alabama; Anchorage, Alaska; Flagstaff, Arizona; Prescott, Arizona; Big Bear Lake, California; Breckenridge, Colorado; New Castle, Colorado; Leadville, Colorado; Salida, Colorado; Columbus, Georgia; Nashville, Indiana; Versailles, Indiana; Decorah, Iowa; Mason City, Iowa; Annapolis, Maryland; Germantown, Maryland; Northville, Michigan; Ely, Nevada; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Marietta, Ohio; Klamath Falls, Oregon; Cascade Locks, Oregon; Warren, Pennsylvania; Rapid City, South Dakota; Knoxville, Tennessee; Sugar Land, Texas; Cedar City, Utah; Marlinton, West Virginia.
These 28 communities are leading a growing national network of trail-forward places committed to trail stewardship, collaboration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation. Learn more about these IMBA Trail Town communities at www.imba.com/trail-towns.
“The IMBA Trail Town designation is more than a badge of honor. It’s national recognition that a community values trails and the people who ride them,” said David Weins, IMBA Executive Director. “These towns are leading with trails by modeling what robust investments in the outdoors can do for local health, local economies and community connectivity — both to the outdoors and to one another. Trails bring communities together.”
For more information about the IMBA Trail Town designation, visit www.imba.com/designation/trail-tow.
About IMBA
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501c3 nonprofit that creates, enhances, and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. IMBA is focused on Leading with Trails by partnering with communities on trail advocacy, education, stewardship and sustainable trail solutions, so everyone has access to great places to ride and recreate.
Media Contact:
Eleanor Blick
IMBA Director of Communications
eleanor.blick@imba.com
Flagstaff provides an ideal home base for visitors to explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, including the Grand Canyon and other national parks and monuments, Route 66, a charming historic downtown with trains, shopping, art galleries, events, music, restaurants and nightlife. It is the world’s first international dark-sky city and is also in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest and surrounded by Native American culture. Uniquely Arizona with four seasons, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy perfect weather for summer hiking or biking, beautiful fall colors, winter sports and spring wildflowers. Flagstaff’s restaurant scene includes four James Beard nominees, and it is a leading craft beer city.
Please stay and play responsibly. Visit the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. 66) for an official Flagstaff Visitor Guide.
Learn more at discoverflagstaff.com.