Supporting Sandia Ranger District Since 1997
Notices and Highlights
Everyone
– We love our mountains!
– Learn about Rocky Mountain Youth Corps at tonight’s membership meeting
– Sedillo Ridge Community Conversation August 14
– La Luz trailhead parking and access road closed August 11 – September 10
– Sandia Crest / National Scenic Byway sign re-erected
– Forest Service announces cancellation of Stage 1 fire restrictions
– Signs installed on new Kiwanis Meadow fence
– Forest Service issues public safety notice
Members
– Welcome our new members
– Paint crew leader needed
– New officers needed in 2026
– Time to report July hours
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Volunteer Opportunities
About Us
Who We Are
Our History
Trail Construction
Description
Reports and Photos
General Projects
Description
Reports and Photos
More About Us
Our Board of Directors
Our Awards and Recognition
Trail Maintenance
Description
Reports and Photos
Other Activities
Painting and Graffiti Removal
Youth Outreach
If you enjoy the outdoors and want to give something back,
join Friends of the Sandia Mountains!
Our volunteer work focuses on single-day activities in the Sandia Ranger District. If you are looking for opportunities ranging across New Mexico and often involving multi-day projects, check out our partner organization New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors (NMVFO) at https://nmvfo.org.
We Love Our Mountains*
Whether you are a hiker, mountain biker, cross-country skier, trail runner, or you just enjoy being in the Sandias, you know that our mountains are one of nature’s special gifts.
Have you ever wondered what you could do to help protect our mountains? Do you want to learn more about the animals and plants you find there? Do you like to meet people who share your concern for the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains?
Welcome! Please explore our website to learn more about the goals and many activities of the Friends of the Sandia Mountains (FOSM). We likely have volunteer opportunities that match your interests and abilities.
*Technically, it’s Sandia Mountain (singular), but we often use the plural to recognize the existence of northern and southern peaks.
New to Albuquerque or just new to the Sandias? Explore the many recreational opportunities our mountains offer. Please carefully read the Safety section.
Please check out our La Luz Trail webpage if you are planning to hike this iconic but too often dangerous trail.
An easy way to get involved is to join Cibola Trail Rangers, an email group consisting of hikers, bikers, XC skiers, horsemen, etc., who frequent the trails in the Sandia Ranger District and are interested in exchanging information on trail conditions on both an immediate and continuing basis. The group includes FOSM members trained to correct reported problems.
Please report corrective actions as well as problems so the FOSM trail maintenance crew doesn’t hike to fix a problem that no longer exists.
FOSM member Sally Lowder maintains a comprehensive database of reported trees and their disposition.
Take the Tram to the Top⏤an Unforgettable Experience!
Sandia Peak Tramway makes the top of the mountain easily accessible and one-way hikes of La Luz Trail possible, but be sure to check their website before starting your journey.
Weather and Road Conditions
Learn about Rocky Mountain Youth Corps at Tonight’s Membership Meeting
Date and Time – August 5, 6:00 PM (Note earlier starting time)
Location – Sandia Ranger Station conference room
Program Abstract – For 30 years, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps has been engaging young adults in meaningful conservation projects throughout New Mexico. RMYC focuses on creating a more resilient landscape in the face of an ever-changing world and serving as a stepping stone to new opportunities for the folks in our program. Coupling intensive training and project work with personal and professional training opportunities, our goal is to ensure that when it comes time for someone to graduate from the Corps, they are walking into a professional path that is both rewarding and offers a degree of long-term stability.
Conservation Program Director, Quinn Mendelson, joins Friends of Sandia Mountains to discuss the importance of paid landscape stewardship opportunities for young people, share success stories from recent RMYC projects, and to explore opportunities for increased partnership and collaboration in the Sandia Mountains and beyond.
Speaker bio – Quinn Mendelson is the Conservation Program Director for Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, overseeing field programs based out of RMYC’s offices in Taos and Albuquerque. Quinn has been focused on outdoor youth development and conservation work for the past decade in New Mexico, Colorado, and the Northeast. He is a resident of Albuquerque and spends as much of his free time exploring the Sandias as possible.
Click here to view materials from previous meetings and information about future meetings.
Sedillo Ridge Community Conversation August 14
La Luz Trailhead Parking Area and Access Road Closed August 11 Through September 10
Albuquerque, NM, August 1, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF&NGs) has issued a temporary closure order (03-03-05-25-13) for National Forest System Roads (NFSR) 333A, and the La Luz Trail Head Parking area effective August 11, 2025, through September 10, 2025. The purpose of this order is to protect the public’s safety while the La Luz Pavement Restoration Construction project is being completed as described below and shown on the attached map.
Work expected to be completed in the area includes:
- Pothole repair along NFSR 333 and 333A.
- Mastic crack sealing along NFSR 333 and 333A.
- Chipseal, fog seal, restriping, and parking stopper replacement along NFSR 333, 333A and within the La Luz Trailhead parking area
The La Luz parking area will be closed in its entirety and NFSR 333A will be closed at the intersection of NFSR 333A/333E.
Various single lane closures are also to be expected throughout NFSR 333 from its start at the National Forest boundary to its end at the NFSR 333/333A/333D intersection. At times La Luz Trailhead will not be open or accessible for trail access or parking. Please check the Cibola National Forest website for up to date information https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/recreation/la-luz-trailhead-and-la-luz-trail-137.
Recommended alternative recreational opportunities: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/recreation
- La Cueva Trailhead – La Luz trail can be accessed from the La Cueva trailhead. This will add approximately ½ mile to your trip for one way travel.
- Embudito – This trail provides plenty of views of the Albuquerque area and will take you to South Sandia Peak as well as the South Crest Trail.
- Three Gun Springs – This trail offers a more gradual accent to Oso Pass a South Sandia Peak with great view of the Manzanos
The official closure order 03-03-05-25-13 posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website under Alerts & Notices.
For more information on this order contact:
Sandia Ranger District in Tijeras, New Mexico, (505) 281-3304
Cibola NF&NGs Forest Supervisor’s Office – Albuquerque, NM, (575) 346-3900
Roundabout Project Nears Completion with Re-erection of Sandia Crest / National Scenic Byway Sign
July 22, 2025 – Thanks to Joelle Hertel and Don Carnicom for the photos below showing that the new roundabout project at the intersection of Highways 14 and 536 (Sandia Crest Highway) is nearing completion with the erection of the Sandia Crest / National Scenic Byway / Cibola National Forest sign. Friends of the Sandia Mountains and New Mexico Department of Transportation have signed an agreement whereby FOSM will maintain the sign once it is re-erected and the NMDOT project is complete. Watch for an announcement from Sam Beard about repainting the sign.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Lifted on Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – July 21, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) has lifted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective Monday July 21, 2025, on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts.
This decision follows careful monitoring of fuel moisture, weather patterns, and fire activity.
Forest visitors are reminded that the fire season is not over, and fire prevention remains a shared responsibility. While the monsoon rains will bring relief, fire managers ask the public to always practice fire safety with anything that can spark a fire. Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal year-round. Campfires must be dead out – cold to the touch – before you walk away.
The Cibola NF & NGs wants to acknowledge our continued appreciation to wildland firefighters and support personnel for providing preventive measures and response to protecting our communities and natural resources.
Mt. Taylor and Magdalena Ranger Districts remain in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
- Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Stage 1 Fire Restriction remain in effect through July 31, 2025 unless rescinded. (order #03-03-02-25-05).
- Magdalena Ranger District: Stage 1 Fire Restriction remain in effect through July 31, 2025 unless rescinded. (order #03-03-03-25-08).
The official termination of stage 1 fire restriction order for Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts (03-03-00-25-12) is posted on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Alerts & Notices
Any fire related information and updates will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook & X pages.
For more information contact the appropriate district office:
Mt. Taylor Ranger District: 1800 Lobo Canyon Rd., Grants, NM 87020 (505-287-8833)
Magdalena Ranger District: 203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825 (575-854-2281)
Mountainair Ranger District: 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036 (505-847-2990)
Sandia Ranger District: 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505-281-3304)
Jamey Browning Creates Signs for New Kiwanis Meadow Fence
July 17, 2025 – FOSM Maps & Signage Chair Jamey Browning created and installed three beautiful signs on the new Kiwanis Meadow fence “…to acknowledge construction by the Forest Service, TTYL, and FOSM using materials provided by FOSM thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of Dr. Charles Wood.”
The new signs are located near the eastern end of the south fence, on the west fence behind the Animals, Plants & People sign, and on the north fence behind the Meadow Neighborhood Interpretive sign.
You can learn more about this project here. Now if the vandals will just leave the signs alone.
Forest Service Issues Public Safety Notice: Northern Goshawks Defend Breeding Territory
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – May 21, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is advising visitors to the Cienega and Sulphur recreation sites on the Sandia Ranger District that a pair of Northern Goshawks are defending a mating territory along the Amijo, Pine Drop, Cresta, and Valle Trails. Northern Goshawks often defend their breeding territories during nesting season with aggressive behavior, including loud vocalizations, swooping down, and, in rare cases making contact with intruders.
We are strongly encouraging visitors to avoid this area. Visitors that choose to recreate in this area should move quietly and calmly, wear wide brimmed hats, eye protection, and stay alert. If a Goshawk is encountered through alarm calls or defensive behavior, leave the area immediately while keeping eyes on the bird.
“The Northern Goshawk is a large and powerful forest dwelling bird of prey that depends on mature forests to thrive. The Goshawks have started to defend their breeding territory within the Sandia Mountains. Forest Service staff have received reports of these Goshawks aggressively swooping down on forest visitors. The Goshawks will continue to defend their territory through the middle of August, when the young fledge and venture out on their own. This unique species is an important part of a healthy forest ecosystem, and it is important that the public let these impressive raptors have the space and safety they deserve to raise their young successfully. Choosing another part of the district to enjoy is safer for both the Goshawk and for you.” Andrew Ellis, Wildlife Biologist – USDA Forest Service – Sandia Ranger District.
Visitors to the Sandia Ranger District are encouraged to explore other recreation sites and trails on the Cibola National Forest at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/recreation
Further information contact the Sandia Ranger District:
11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505-281-3304)
Click on any image to enlarge.
Member Messages
Welcome, New FOSM Members!
Iris Meyer-Guthman – July 12
Jon Cooper – June 2
Bart Vanden Plas – May 29
Jay Wulf – May 23
Scott Forman – May 5
Nancy Gloman – April 27
John Braly* – April 11
Bill Perkins – March 31
Ira (Bud) Bickford – March 19
Noel Wagner – March 15
Craig Tucker – March 11
Roger Squires – March 11
Richard Fagioli – March 3
Jim Houle – March 3
John McNett – March 2
Carolyn Grady – March 2
Brandon Sanchez – February 26
John Samuli – January 26
Caleb Kirby-Meyer – January 23
Mimi Junick* – January 5
*Life sponsor
Volunteer Opportunities
Paint Crew Leader – Thanks, Anne Hickman for your years of faithful service as leader of the paint crew. Anne has stepped down due to other commitments. Please use the form on the referenced pages if you would be interested in assuming this leadership position.
Vice President – Cliff Giles has announced that he will not seek reelection after 5 years as FOSM vice president. Please let a member of the board of directors know if you are interested in assuming this position in October.
Treasurer – Jeff Young has announced that he will not seek reelection after his current term as FOSM treasurer. Please let a member of the board of directors know if you are interested in assuming this position in October.
Time to Report Volunteer Hours for July
Expect a monthly call for hours going forward during Forest Service fiscal year 2025 (October-September).
*The weekly crew leaders (Bob, Sam, Laura) have already provided their crew’s hours by individual into our FY2025 FOSM hours tracker, so if you signed an attendance sheet, your hours are already covered.
*Basically, report any and all individual time spent in a FOSM activity which pertains to the District.
Additional guidelines for reporting hours can be found here.
