The Fight for Public Lands Isn’t Over: 5 Bikepacking Routes Under Threat

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Senator Mike Lee is reviving efforts to sell off public lands—this time targeting recreation-rich BLM parcels just outside towns, putting iconic bikepacking routes like the Monumental Loop, Sage and Saddles, and the Kokopelli Trail at risk. His revised proposal threatens front-country access millions rely on for connection, conservation, and outdoor adventure. Here’s what’s at stake and how you can speak up to help protect these treasured lands…

As of Wednesday afternoon, Senator Mike Lee is making yet another bid to sell off public lands, this time targeting cherished Bureau of Land Management (BLM) parcels near towns under his amended budget reconciliation bill. Although a previous proposal to offload over 3.3 million acres was blocked, this revised version focuses solely on BLM lands within five miles of population centers—areas including beloved recreation spots like Hartman Rocks (Colorado), Lunch Loops (Colorado), and Porcupine Rim (Utah). Here are just a few of our rider-favorite bikepacking routes that would be greatly affected—a couple of which may have to be completely dismantled—by such an act:

Sage and Saddles

Sage and Saddles is a week-long bikepacking route that travels through the incredibly diverse landscapes of Gunnison County, Colorado. It starts by rolling out through the Hartman Rocks BLM, which is at risk under Mike Lee’s latest public lands threat.

Gunnison, Colorado / Route Guide
Kokopelli Trail (Porcupine Rim)

The Kokopelli Trail is a classic bikepacking route connecting the two mountain biking hubs of Fruita and Moab. Our favorite version finishes with the spectacular Porcupine Rim, a slice of BLM set to be developed if this bill goes through.

Moab, Utah / Route Guide
Idaho Smoke n’ Fire

The Idaho Smoke ‘n’ Fire 400 bikepacking route is a storied classic designed to explore an epic portion of Idaho’s backcountry from Boise’s doorstep, an area threatened by Mike Lee’s bill.

Boise, Idaho / Route Guide
The Monumental Loop

Weaving a network of rarely ridden singletrack, backcountry dirt roads, and sandy washes into an expansive figure-eight, the Monumental Loop is a treasured route centered around Las Cruces, New Mexico. It also uses BLM land targeted by this bill.

Las Cruces, New Mexico / Route Guide
Hartman Rocks Overnighter

The Hartman Rocks Overnighter is a scenic 30-mile high desert loop in Colorado’s Gunnison Basin that’s perfect for a quick escape from the town of Gunnison. Hartman Rocks BLM is a prime target in this bill’s crosshairs.

Gunnison, Colorado / Route Guide

These are just a handful of routes that are at risk under this legislation. There are undoubtedly more. Outdoor Alliance warns this narrow scope actually threatens critical front-country access for millions, removing foundational protections and making sales mandatory once implemented. Even as the Senate parliamentarian ruled Lee’s broader plan out of order, he’s undeterred—advocating now that this “zoned” version is the key to addressing housing shortages. But critics wisely emphasize that public lands aren’t just vacant plots—they’re essential for clean water, wildlife, and outdoor economies. Lawmakers need to listen, not sell out, the lands we all rely on.

Fortunately, backcountry hunters are also speaking out, and you can too. Now is not the time to be passive. Here’s what to do:

Write your senators using a form: Use this Outdoor Alliance form to write your senator and voice your support for protecting public lands. Backcountry Anglers and Hunters have a similar form.
Find your representatives: You can find who your elected officials are by texting your ZIP code to 520-200-2223. You can also look up your senators here and your elected congressional representatives here.
Make a call: Dial the switchboard at 202-224-3121 to get connected with any of your senators or representatives.
Find tips on how to communicate with your representatives here.