The Southern Greenlee County Trails Study identified a framework of trails that could be developed to attract modern-day adventurers and naturalists to explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of Greenlee County. The study identifies trails that Greenlee County residents can use for recreation, enabling them to engage in healthy life choices with limited bike-car or pedestrian-car conflicts. Long dependent on mining as its economic base, this trails plan is another step Greenlee County is taking to diversify its economy by increasing tourism.

The purpose of the plan is to bring about coordinated physical development in accordance with the present and future needs of the county. The comprehensive plan shall be developed so as to conserve the natural resources of the county, to insure efficient expenditure of public funds, and to promote the health, safety, convenience, and general welfare of the public. Such comprehensive plan may include but not be limited to, among other things, studies and recommendations relative to the location, character and extent of highways, railroads, bus and other transportation routes, bicycle facilities, bridges, public buildings, public services, schools, parks, open space, housing quality, variety and affordability, parkways, hiking and riding trails, airports, forests, wildlife areas, dams, projects affecting conservation of natural resources, air quality, water quality and floodplain zoning.