A new bill in the works could shift the balance between outdoor recreation and real estate in Grand Junction, and it’s already got the biking world on edge.

Mountain bikers, trail lovers, and local bike shop owners are sounding the alarm over the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a proposed measure that would allow portions of federally managed land—including BLM acreage—to be sold off for private development. While aimed at addressing Colorado’s housing crunch, critics fear the move could gut public trail access and derail a thriving outdoor tourism economy.

Trails Could Be Traded for Townhomes

The legislation hasn’t passed yet, but even the possibility is enough to rattle riders.

That’s because many of the trails that make Grand Junction a mountain biking magnet run through federal land. If those parcels are sold off, access to riding routes could disappear overnight.

And that’s no small deal.

“We’re not just talking about a couple of backcountry paths,” said Ash Jordan, co-owner of The Bike Shop. “We’re talking about the backbone of an entire industry.”

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According to Jordan, Grand Valley’s 14 bike shops would not exist without the public land trails that draw cyclists from across the country—and the globe.

The Ripple Effect Could Hit More Than Just Bike Tires

Jordan believes the bill, if passed, could have far-reaching effects.

“This isn’t just about bikes,” he said. “It’s about restaurants, hotels, gas stations—any business that benefits from tourism.”

In the warmer months, especially spring and summer, cyclists flood the valley. Some come for races. Others show up to explore the legendary desert terrain. All of them spend money.

And with the current trail system intertwined with federal lands, cutting off even a portion could start a domino effect. Bike rentals would drop. Guided tours would shrink. Maintenance crews would get laid off. That’s just the beginning.

• Fewer trails = fewer visitors
• Fewer visitors = weaker sales across multiple sectors
• Weaker sales = job losses, business closures, less tax revenue

“It’s not just my shop that would suffer,” Jordan added. “We’re talking about a much bigger hit to the local economy.”

Public Land, Private Profit?

Supporters of the bill argue it’s a necessary step to combat Colorado’s housing shortage, which has driven prices up and limited availability—especially in growing areas like Grand Junction.

And yes, new development could ease some of that strain.

But opponents say it’s a shortsighted fix.

“What you gain in new houses, you lose in open space,” said one local trail user, who didn’t want to be named. “And once it’s gone, it’s not coming back.”

There’s also concern about transparency. Critics point out that the bill’s language doesn’t clearly define which tracts of land are being considered. That’s left many in the outdoor community unsure whether their favorite trails could vanish.

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That uncertainty alone has been enough to stir public backlash.

Trails Bring More Than Just Thrills

There’s a cultural element too.

Outdoor access is a core part of life in Grand Junction. For locals, riding trails isn’t just a hobby—it’s part of the daily rhythm. Families ride together. Teens train for competitions. Retirees explore new paths.

And for businesses, that community spirit translates directly into revenue.

One shop owner likened the loss of trail access to “closing a ski mountain in Vail.”

“The people who ride here don’t just ride once and leave,” Jordan said. “They come back. They bring friends. They spend money in town. You take that away, and it all changes.”

Looking Ahead: A Plea to Lawmakers

As of now, the trails remain open. But tension is rising.

Jordan and others in the industry hope lawmakers will slow down and consider the bigger picture.

“Please take into consideration that there’s an entire industry that depends on public lands throughout the western U.S.,” he said. “It’s not just Grand Junction. This would send a message everywhere.”

That message? That recreation, tourism, and local culture might be traded for short-term fixes.

Jordan isn’t alone in hoping the state doesn’t go down that trail.