PRESS RELEASE

USA BMX Track Development Expands in Colorado with Grand Opening of Higher Ground BMX in La Jara

Built for fun, health and rider development, the new USA BMX-sanctioned facility will celebrate its grand opening Aug. 15, creating a space for competition and community connection at the highest-elevation sanctioned BMX track in the United States.

TULSA, Okla. (Aug. 7, 2026)—USA BMX is expanding its network of tracks and strengthening access to the sport with the grand opening of Higher Ground BMX, a new nonprofit facility designed to serve new and seasoned riders throughout Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Opening Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. in La Jara, Colorado, community members are invited to join the grand opening celebration, take their first laps on the new track, cheer on local riders and experience the excitement of BMX racing. 

Higher Ground BMX is located at 312 S. Main St. in La Jara. Designed by Julian Espinoza, a seasoned BMX racer and track designer who now serves as the Higher Ground BMX track operator, the facility was built to provide riders with a challenging and welcoming place to develop their skills. The 950-foot-plus track features a concrete starting hill, wide turns and dynamic jumps, offering an exciting experience for riders of all ages and skill levels.

 “BMX has always been about progression: taking on the next challenge, learning a new skill and pushing yourself to go further,” said Julian Espinoza, Higher Ground BMX track operator. “Higher Ground BMX was built to give both beginner and experienced riders that opportunity, and we’re excited to see where it takes us. I can’t wait to see the next generation of racers make memories here.”

Built to support rider development, competition and community connection, the nonprofit track provides a dedicated space for riders of all ages and abilities while earning the distinction of being the nation’s highest-elevation sanctioned BMX track at 7,605 feet above sea level. 

Driven by strong community support and collaboration throughout Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, the Higher Ground BMX project was made possible through the support of sponsors Espinoza Consulting Services, JEAR Speed and Custom, Joey’s Towing and Diesel Repair and Southside Towing, along with contributions from the town of La Jara, The Gates Foundation and volunteers Christopher Chacon, Mike Reynolds, Josh Phillips, Jaakobah Hartman, Jonathan Pena and their families, who helped shape, test and maintain the track.

“USA BMX is committed to creating more opportunities for riders to discover and compete in the sport of BMX,” said Justin, director of business development at USA BMX. “We’re excited to welcome Higher Ground BMX to the USA BMX network and continue expanding the reach of the sport into new communities. Facilities like this play an important role in growing BMX by supporting riders at every stage of their journey, and they also serve as valuable community assets – bringing people together, attracting visitors and creating opportunities for increased economic activity in the region. 

Those interested in attending the Higher Ground BMX grand opening are invited to join the celebration Saturday, Aug. 15, at 3 p.m. at 312 S. Main St. in La Jara. The event is free and open to riders and community members of all ages and abilities.

To support track maintenance, sponsor a race, stay updated on upcoming events, plan a commemorative event, or get involved as a rider or volunteer, visit highergroundbmx.org. Higher Ground BMX is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. To set up an interview with a USA BMX representative or local BMX riders, please contact Alayna Dalgleish at [email protected] or (360) 703-8602. Images can be found here. 

 

About USA BMX

Established as the American Bicycle Association in 1977 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ABA is the nation’s largest cycling organization with more than 70,000 members with combined racing and freestyle events at more than 300 sanctioned BMX tracks across the United States and Canada. ABA empowers and elevates the early stages of bicycle development by creating opportunities through facility development, programs, and national events. As a result, ABA has developed a structured blueprint. A cyclist can progress from humble beginnings on a balance bike to becoming a BMX Olympian by establishing these roots.

Through STEAM, scholarships, freestyle amateur events, the national series, the Olympics and new facilities built across the United States, these four pillars under the USA BMX organization will impact young riders and families: USA BMX Foundation, USA BMX Freestyle, USA BMX Racing and ABA Ethos.

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Media Contact: Alayna Dalgleish | 360-703-8602 | [email protected]