Community · Nevada
Nevada state parks and outdoor recreation officials open a survey to shape the state's first statewide trails plan
Two Nevada agencies opened an online survey, available through Nov. 30, asking how people use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicles. The input will guide the state's first trails plan.
What happened
The Nevada Division of State Parks and the Division of Outdoor Recreation announced an online survey on Wednesday, according to the Las Vegas Sun. The survey collects public input for what the agencies call Nevada's first statewide trails plan.
The survey is open through Nov. 30. Residents and visitors can take it in English or Spanish, or reach it through the Nevada Division of State Parks website, the Sun reported.
What the trails plan is meant to do
The agencies said the plan is intended to help guide how trails are developed, accessed and managed. It covers a range of uses, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicles.
What the survey asks
Respondents can describe how they use trails and suggest upgrades, according to the Sun. They can also point out places where new connections or more recreation options are needed.
The agencies said the responses will also help identify ways to connect communities, improve existing trails and protect natural resources. The Sun illustrated its report with a photo from the Nevada Division of State Parks showing hikers on a trail at Valley of Fire State Park in Southern Nevada.
What officials said
Janice Keillor, deputy administrator of the Nevada Division of State Parks, said trails "connect communities, create opportunities for people to explore Nevada's public lands," according to the Sun. She added that they give access to the outdoors for people of all abilities and interests.
Denise Beronio, administrator of the Division of Outdoor Recreation, said the plan will help officials better understand what trail users need. She said it will also help the state keep delivering "world class outdoor recreation experiences," the Sun reported.
Why outdoor recreation matters to Nevada's economy
The Sun cited two sets of figures on the economic weight of outdoor recreation in the state. They measure different things and come from different sources.
State estimate
A November 2025 report from the Division of Outdoor Recreation estimated that outdoor recreation generated $24 billion in combined market and nonmarket benefits in 2023. That figure covers Nevada and the Tahoe Basin, including its California side. The same report said outdoor recreation supported more than 75,000 jobs.
Federal data
Separately, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data show outdoor recreation contributed $8.1 billion to Nevada's gross domestic product in 2023, according to the Sun. That ranked 10th among states. The sector grew 12.8% from 2022, the fourth-fastest growth among states.
How to take part
The survey is open to both residents and visitors. People with questions can contact Tyler Kerver, education and information officer for the Nevada Division of State Parks, at 775-684-2745, the Sun reported.
For more on public lands and parks in the state, see our coverage of federal funding cuts affecting Nevada park projects, along with other local stories in our community section.
What to watch next
- The online survey stays open through Nov. 30, 2026, in English and Spanish.
- State Parks and the Division of Outdoor Recreation will use the responses to shape Nevada's first statewide trails plan.
- The agencies said the plan is intended to help guide trail development, access and management for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicles.
