Nevada State Parks Accepting Pre-Applications for Recreational Trails Program Funding

Nevada State Parks Accepting Pre-Applications for Recreational Trails Program Funding

CARSON CITY, NV – Nevada Division of State Parks is now accepting pre-applications for the 2026 Recreational Trails Program (RTP), a federally funded grant program that helps build and improve outdoor trails across the state. The program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and provides critical support for creating and maintaining both motorized and non-motorized trails enjoyed by hikers, bikers, off-highway vehicle users, and outdoor enthusiasts.

RTP funding can be used to:

• Build or maintain recreational trails
• Install trailhead amenities like restrooms, parking, or kiosks
• Add signs or markers along trails
• Support outdoor education programs
• Conduct planning or environmental reviews related to trail development

Organizations eligible to apply include cities, counties, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and Native American tribal governments.

“RTP grants are a key part of how Nevada supports access to our great outdoors,” said Elyse Jolly, Park & Recreation Program Manager. “From backcountry trail maintenance to building new accessible routes, this program helps ensure our trails are safe, sustainable, and welcoming to all.”

In recent years, RTP funding has supported a variety of projects across Nevada, such as:

• Constructing new sections of the Sierra Front Trail in Washoe County
• Adding accessible signage and pathways at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
• Maintaining trails in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
• Remediating motorized trail routes at Rosaschi Ranch

Approximately $1.2 million in funding is available statewide. Because funding is limited, projects will be selected through a competitive process by the RTP Advisory Committee and Nevada State Parks staff. Final decisions will be made in January 2026 following a public presentation of project proposals.

How to Apply

All applicants must submit a pre-application to determine project eligibility. Only those who submit an approved pre-application will be invited to complete a full application this fall.

Deadline to submit a pre-application: Monday, August 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PST

Applications must be submitted online at: https://nvparks.webgrantscloud.com

No paper or email submissions will be accepted.

To learn more about the program, including detailed eligibility criteria and guidelines, visit:

http://parks.nv.gov/about/grant-programs/recreational-trails-program

For questions or help with the application process, contact:

Elyse Jolly, Park & Recreation Program Manager – (775) 684-2775 or emjolly@parks.nv.gov

Tamara O’Brien, Grants & Projects Analyst – (775) 684-2784 or tamara.obrien@parks.nv.gov

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