Join the discussion!

Discussion closed on March 24, 2026, 05:00 PM

Top Themes Discussed at the February 11 Listening Session

Safety Concerns: High traffic and dangerous intersections near the trailhead; conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles; parking on the wrong side of the road and lack of enforcement.

Parking and Access: Debate over expanding parking at the current trailhead versus relocating it; suggestions to use existing facilities at North Mesa Picnic Grounds; seasonal parking options for sledding and equestrian needs.

Equestrian Access: Need for horse trailer parking and safe turnaround space; connectivity to other trails for equestrian users; challenges with steep grades and winter accessibility.

ADA Accessibility: Discussion on practicality and necessity of ADA compliance; opportunities for accessible trails near North Mesa Picnic Grounds.

Community Coordination: Lack of integration among multiple North Mesa projects; desire for a unified vision for recreation planning; importance of cost-effective solutions and minimizing long-term maintenance.

Environmental and Aesthetic Considerations: Preserving the primitive character of Bayo Canyon; avoiding overdevelopment and maintaining a natural feel.

Alternative Solutions: Multi-use connector trails from picnic grounds to trailhead; education and community engagement to reduce reliance on convenience parking.

Now that these critical issues have been identified, we need YOU to help us prioritize and refine the direction of the project.

Your voice matters in determining how we balance safety, accessibility, and community values.

  1. Georgia Strickfaden
    2026-03-21T12:28:57-06:00
    Though it was mentioned during the listening sessions, it apparently was not taken seriously, about biting the bullet and putting in a large culvert for passing under Barranca Road by all users. I would suggest leaving the little tunnel and in the deeper part of the canyon that crosses under the fill for San Ildefonso Road up to Barranca Mesa, to put in a large culvert/tunnel, like LANL put in under Diamond between the Transit Center and the Ad Building complex.
    Bayo Trailhead is so heavily used for going all directions that before going through the contortions and expense for trying to accommodate parking at the current trailhead, the possibilities for parking on the other side, the west side, of the San Ildefonso Road fill up to Barranca Mesa, should be seriously considered with adequate passage under the road. It would be money well-spent for such an important trails intersection.
    Realizing that there are nationally recognized Historic Trails on the west side of that fill, parking can be designed to accommodate those.
    So now is the time to address safe and adequate passage under the road, before doing anything else there.
    1. Katherine Hudspeth
      Moderator Locked
      2026-04-17T13:40:56-06:00
      Georgia,
      Thank you for your comment. It has been forwarded to the contractor.
Back to top