Notices and Highlights
Sandia Crest recreation area closed until January 2027. Click here for details and alternative hiking routes.
Everyone
– We love our mountains!
– Volunteer opportunities
– Presentation materials available from October 6 membership meeting
– Officers and board members elected for FY2027
– Bob and Sally Lowder receive Sam Beard Awards
– Adopt-a-Highway fall cleanup scheduled for October 23
– Forest Service announces Sandia Ranger District recognition celebration
– Sandia Peak Ski Area holds 1st Annual Trailfest
– Successful National Public Lands Day event at the Sandia Ranger District
– Bernalillo County sponsors East Mountain celebration
– Forest Service announces plans for prescribed fires
– Forest Service lifts fire restrictions
– SRD provides updates on projects
– Forest Service revives Visitor Orientation Program
– Forest Service announces surveys on the Cibola and Gila National Forests
Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site Activities
– Nature Journaling Workshop Held on September 12
– Final Tijeras Pueblo Level 1 Docent Training to be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9am-3pm
Member Messages
– Pueblo of Sandia Land Transfer Proposal
– Welcome our new members
– Volunteer opportunities
– Report volunteer hours
– Help with In Memoriam page
Click on a link above to go to details below. You may need to scroll back up slightly to see the topic header. Click on the up arrow (^) at bottom right of page to return here.
We Love Our Mountains*
*Technically, it’s Sandia Mountain (singular), but we use the plural because of the northern and southern peaks.
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.
Click here to learn about the fascinating geological history of the Sandias as well as some unique features of our beloved mountains including Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, Ten 3 restaurant, 84 medallion trees, and sadly more than a dozen aircraft crash sites.
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 sometimes dangerous trail.
Weather and Road Conditions
Volunteer Opportunities
About Us
Who We Are
Our History
More About Us
Our Board of Directors
Our Awards and Recognition
Trail Construction
Description
Reports and Photos
Trail Maintenance
Description
Reports and Photos
General Projects
Description
Reports and Photos
Other Activities
Painting and Graffiti Removal
Youth Outreach
Visitor Orientation
Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site (TPAS)
October 6, 2026 – FOSM secretary Silke Bletzer presented the data in the above chart summarizing volunteer hours contributed by FOSM members during the just-completed fiscal year. The total hours represents almost 5 full-time equivalent employees that the Sandia Ranger District of the Forest Service did not have to employ. Thanks to everyone who contributed!
Join Friends of the Sandia Mountains
if you enjoy the outdoors and want to give something back!
A great 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.
Special thanks to CTR members who cleared 90 trees from our trails during the first 6 months of 2026!
Or join our partner organization
New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors
Our volunteer work focuses on single-day activities in the Sandia Ranger District. If you are looking for opportunities ranging across New Mexico and involving multi-day projects, check out our partner organization New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors (NMVFO) at https://nmvfo.org.
Announcements
Presentation Materials Available from Final 2026 General Membership Meeting
Presentation materials from this and previous membership meetings are available here.
Officers and Board Members Elected for FY 2027
Officers and members of the FOSM board of directors for fiscal year 2027 were elected at the October 6 general membership meeting. Newly elected were Chuck Logan as president and Ken Sexe as board member focusing on Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site interests.
From left to right in the left photo above are treasurer Scott Dietrich, president Chuck Logan, secretary Silke Bletzer, and vice-president Kerry Jones.
From left to right in the right photo above are board members Silke Bletzer, Scott Dietrich, Susan Gregory, Kerry Jones, Jenny Blackmore, Bryron Garner, Jamey Browning, Chuck Logan, Laura Leon, and Cliff Giles. Absent from the photo are Sam Beard and Ken Sexe.
Bob and Sally Lowder Receive Sam Beard Achievement Awards
October 6, 2026 – FOSM president Mike Madden presented Sam Beard Achievement Award plaques to Bob and Sally Lowder for their many years of dedicated service.
This award is given to members of Friends of the Sandia Mountains in recognition of exceptional volunteer service to the Forest Service and our public lands. The award is named for Sam Beard who epitomizes the basis of the award. Sam cofounded FOSM in 1997 and still spends most days every week in dedicated service to its mission at an age when most have passed or retired to a comfortable chair.
Bob served very capably as FOSM president from 2004 through 2020. He has led the Monday trail maintenance crew for many years. He established the SWCP account that provides our FOSM and CTR email lists without which FOSM couldn’t operate, and he manages these lists to this day.
Sally served on the FOSM board from 2003 through 2022. She created and still manages the Trail Tree Report that enables the trail maintenance process to operate so effectively. She has managed our complex membership process for many years, and for many years she also managed the sawyer certification process.
Bob and Sally’s names join those of Tim Brown and Don Carnicom as award recipients on the perpetual plaque located in the Sandia Ranger District conference room.
Adopt-a-Highway Fall Cleanup Scheduled for October 23
Adopt-a-Highway Fall Cleanup
Friday, October 23, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Mile 4 – 5 on NM536 Crest Road
FOSM will provide vests, trash bags, a few pickup grabbers and buckets.
Half the crew will tackle the much needed brushing along the guardrail.
If you are interested and available, please RSVP to Susan Gregory, and additional details will be provided.
Forest Service Announces Sandia Ranger District Recognition Celebration
October 8, 2026 – Attached is the flyer invite for the SRD Volunteer Recognition Celebration.
Oak Flats Group Picnic Area,
Tuesday October 27, 3-5 PM
RSVP by October 20, to Andrew Ellis at Andrew.Ellis@USDA.Gov
Sandia Peak Ski Area Holds 1st Annual Trailfest
October 4, 2026 – FOSM president Mike Madden wrote: As you know, FOSM did some tabling at two events last weekend. Yesterday we had the opportunity to do a third. Mike set up the display, which also contained a Snowshoe Race poster and course map. There was a lot of interest in the Snowshoe Race. Jamey helped Mike staff the table.
We had about a dozen genuinely interested folks over three of the four scheduled hours. Some of the folks were young (not retired) with flexible work schedules… very encouraging. Time will tell if we see a bump in membership and participation. The attached photo is of Mike, all setup, and ready for action!
September 30, 2026 – FOSM president Mike Madden wrote: The Sandia Peak Ski Area is celebrating the reopening of the King of the Mountain and Golden Eagle Trails. These trails have been closed by downfall and overgrowth for years. As you know from reading Luis Cuadros’ reports in CTR emails, that FOSM’s leadership and hard work by its members removed about 30 downed trees and significant brush this summer. These trails, which are open to the public, enhance the overall trail connections across the mountain. See the attached flyer for event specifics.
Clearing Public Trails on Sandia Ski Area Lease
Although located on Forest Service land leased to the privately owned Sandia Ski Area, several trails popular with hikers and mountain bikers are open to the public without fee. The new operators of the ski area approached FOSM and other volunteer organizations for help in clearing fallen trees and other impediments from these trails. The efforts of Luis Cuadros and many other volunteers from FOSM and other organizations from mid-July to mid-September made the Trailfest celebration possible.
You can access copies of project reports here. Most were written by Luis, so you can use your browser’s search function using Cuadros or a trail name (e.g., King of the Mountain, KOM, Golden Eagle).
A copy of Luis’s comprehensive report of the September 12 project can be accessed by clicking on the adjacent image.
Successful National Public Lands Day Event at the Sandia Ranger District
September 27, 2026 – FOSM VP Kerry Jones reports:
Our National Public Lands Day event at the SRD on Saturday had around 150 attendees. Peter Rhyins and I set up a table in the lobby and enjoyed chatting with a steady stream of visitors. The event got a nice write-up in the East Mountain News!
The event provided an opportunity for the public to meet Forest Service staff, chat with the District Ranger and staff, get updates on the Forest and recreation, and meet partner organizations at family-friendly interactive stations and explore ways to get involved.
Residents Enjoy 2026 East Mountain Celebration
September 28, 2026 – FOSM VP Kerry Jones also reported: Then yesterday, Byron, Sim, and I had a great time teaming up with Rebecca Ward for the East Mountain Celebration. It was a bit quieter than last year, but overall a lovely day.
The annual event, sponsored by Bernalillo County District 5, returned to Los Vecinos Community Center on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 1-4 p.m.
Participants enjoyed live music, local vendors, car show, and activities for all ages as they celebrated the spirit of the East Mountains. Residents were encouraged to bring their family, invite friends, and make lasting memories at this cherished community event!
Complimentary event parking and shuttle service to and from Los Vecinos Community Center was provided at Roosevelt Middle School and Montoya Elementary School.
Forest Service Announces Plans for Prescribed Fires
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – September 24, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is planning prescribed fires for this fall into winter as conditions allow. Certified prescribed fire specialists use prescribed fires to help remove excess vegetation, reduce wildfire risk, improve habitat, enhance watershed health and restore fire-adapted ecosystems.
Numerous projects are anticipated; however notification of the exact days of ignitions will depend on wind, weather, fuel moisture conditions and required approvals. The Forest Service will evaluate conditions in the days and hours before ignition. If conditions are not favorable, planned prescribed fire activities may be postponed or canceled.
Prescribed fires planned through fall into winter are described in detail in the accompaning map and news release.
Forest Service Lifts Fire Restrictions
(Albuquerque, NM, September 17, 2026) –Due to increased moisture and favorable weather across central New Mexico, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will lift Stage 1 fire restrictions on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts effective Friday, September 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. MDT. This rescinds Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order #03-03-00-26-20. Stage 1 restrictions have been in effect across both districts since May 8.
The decision is based on fuel moisture levels and the amount of precipitation both received and forecasted across the two districts. Fire restrictions are implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger and elevated fire weather.
Sandia Ranger District Provides Updates on Projects
July 21, 2026 – During the bimonthly meeting of the Sandia Collaborative (of which FOSM is a member), Ken Born and Alfred Garcia of SRD provided positive updates regarding progress on the North Sandia Fuels Reduction Project and Sandia Crest Hazard Tree and Fuel Reduction Project. Click either image below to view the presentation.
July 30, 2026 – In private conversations, Sandia District Ranger Ken Borne provided the following clarifications:
- The equipment of the contractor doing the thinning work is needed elsewhere for fire suppression. Therefore, the work, which is about 80% done, is on pause until the equipment and personnel can return.
- The road barrier above 10K was manned by the contractor. SRD does not have the personnel to continue staffing this; therefore, the decision to remove the barrier even though there is no public parking above 10K while the closure order remains in effect.
- The (separate) contract for demolition of the Crest House was signed recently. Work should begin in late August and finish this fall.
Forest Service Seeks Volunteers to Provide Visitor Orientation at two Locations
Sandia Ranger District is seeking to revive its vistor orientation program halted by the closure of the Crest House and the pandemic. FOSM members are encouraged to volunteer to serve either at the Interpretive Hut at the Doc Long Picnic Area or at the lower Tram terminal. Hours are flexible, and training will be provided.
Details are availble here.
Public Surveys on the Cibola and Gila National Forests
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – September 25, 2025 – Beginning October 1, the public may encounter contract employees conducting public surveys on the Gila National Forest and Cibola National Forest & Grasslands in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along forest service roads. Surveys will be conducted through September 30, 2026.
The National Visitor Use Monitoring survey is a Forest Service program designed to estimate how many people actually recreate on national forests and grasslands, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit. These surveys are conducted on a national forest every five years.
Contract employees will be out in all types of weather conditions, wearing bright orange vests and be near a sign that reads “Traffic Survey Ahead”.
Surveys are voluntary and all responses are confidential; names are not included, and interviews last about 10 minutes.
Questions asked include where you recreated on the forest; how many people traveled with you; how long you were on the forest; what other recreation sites you visited while on the forest, and how satisfied you are with the facilities and services provided. About a third of survey participants will be asked to complete a confidential survey on recreation spending during their trip to measure the economic impact to local communities.
Information about the National Visitor Use Monitoring program can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/nvum.
Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site Activities
FOSM helps the Forest Service promote public understanding and appreciation of Tijeras Pueblo as an archaeological site, as the home of an Ancestral Puebloan community, and as a place of importance to the modern Pueblo community. This website is a tool used to support Sandia Ranger District’s reorganization of the Tijeras Pueblo volunteer program. Recent and upcoming activities are highlighted below.
Nature Journaling Workshop Held on September 12
The practice of Nature Journaling is an easy to grasp and fun activity that opens the door to wonder and curiosity, while creating a deeply intense connection to nature. You don’t have to be a naturalist or even an artist to ‘nature journal’ because this practice is all about your own personal experience with nature. The details you notice, the questions you want to ask, or the shapes and sounds you find in a plant, animal, or cloud are all collected within your journal.
This free workshop was open to FOSM volunteers and family of all skill levels/ages. All participants needed to bring was a blank sketchbook and a pen or pencil, and water bottle while wearing comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and a hat. Participants practiced basic sketching techniques, developed observation skills, and performed field-recording. They then independently explored the Tijeras Pueblo area and recorded inspiring nature discoveries in their journals using drawings, diagrams, words, and/or numbers.
Click here for photos from the workshop.
Final Tijeras Pueblo Level 1 Docent Training to be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9am-3pm
October 4, 2026 – Sandra Arazi-Coambs, Sandia/Mountainair Zone Archaeologist, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, writes:
Please join us for the final 2026 Level 1 docent training at Tijeras Pueblo. This one is scheduled for a Saturday (November 14th; 9am – 3pm) to accommodate folks that can’t easily join us on weekdays. Please email me (sandra.coambs@usda.gov) if you are interested in attending!
Looking forward to seeing you guys there!
Webpages dedicated to support of Tijeras Pueblo can be accessed here.
Member Messages
Pueblo of Sandia Land Transfer Proposal
Perhaps you watched one of the TV newscasts on the evening of July 23, read the detailed story in the July 26 issue of the Albuquerque Journal, or read Governor Paisano’s recent oped in the October 4 edition of the Albuquerque Journal.
Please remember that as a matter of policy FOSM does not take positions on political issues as an organization: “Friends of the Sandia Mountains is not a political activist organization. We are a service-oriented group of volunteers dedicated to working in a close relationship with our US Forest Service partners.”
However, members are encouraged to express their individual views on this matter.
Welcome, New Members!
Jon Coles – October 7
Chris Chatenka – October 6
Jordan Armstrong – September 29
Michelle Hegmon – September 15
Paul Marien – September 12
Julie Torchi – September 12
Luke Anaya – September 3
Christopher French – August 31
Timothy Nipper – August 15
Deirdre Kann* – August 8
Jan Chytilo – August 8
Lynn Bender – July 28
Courtnee Bennett – July 24
Teresa McGrew – July 21
Ann Ruhnka – July 20
Kathryn McSorley – July 20
Paul Eichel – July 20
Erin Gaddis – July 12
Andre Huffmire – July 10
Jen Reilly – July 2
Patricia Steele – July 1
Bradley Bryan* – June 29
Kay Burns – June 28
Ericka Roman – June 25
Carol Chorniak – June 24
Ryan Jackson – June 20
Ralph Wrons – June 14
Rebecca Harris – June 5
Chris Caro – May 13
Paul Neville – April 19
Teri Neville – April 19
Mark Werkmeister – April 2
*Life sponsor
Volunteer Opportunities
Tijeras Pueblo – SRD is seeking volunteers to help with Tijeras Pueblo site and museum. Click here for details.
Visitor Orientation – FOSM members are encouraged to volunteer to provide visitor orientation either at the Interpretive Hut at the Doc Long Picnic Area or at the lower Tram terminal. Hours are flexible, and training will be provided. Details are availble here.
Paint Crew Leader – Please use the form here if you would be interested in assuming this leadership position.
Volunteer Hours Reporting
Expect a monthly call for hours going forward during Forest Service fiscal year 2026 (October-September).
*The weekly crew leaders (Bob, Sam, Laura) have already provided their crew’s hours by individual into our FY2026 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.
In Memoriam
Thanks, especially to Sally and Bob Lowder, for helping identify former members of Friends of the Sandia Mountains (or New Mexico Friends of the Forest) whom we’ve remembered with photos and links to their obituaries on our new webpage. Please send your suggested additions and favorite memories for sharing on the page to webmaster@friendsofthesandias.org.
Last updated 19 minutes ago