This history of this popular trail traversing the Sandia Mountains in a north-south direction was a mystery until revealed in the September 2025 FOSM membership meeting. John Holmes and Mike Coltrin disclosed how John’s dad David Holmes blazed approximately 18 miles of trails running between the southern and northern edges of the mountains. (We also learned that Holmes was responsible for 84 medallion trees, including several near Faulty Trail, associating germination dates with historical events. You can watch a video of their presentation here or download their slides here.)
David Holmes considered the entire route Faulty Trail as evidenced by blazes and signs he installed along the route; however, other unofficial names were given to parts of the route over the years. A section near Doc Long Picnic Area came to be known as Old Faulty Trail. Mike Coltrin coined the term North Mystery Trail for the section that runs from the hairpin curve just north of Doc Long PA to Sandia Man Cave.
Over the years, improvements have been made to the official Faulty Trail (195), which runs from the South Crest Trail (130) on the south to the Bill Spring (196) / Challenge Trail (233) intersection, to remove it from the wilderness area so mountain bikers could use it and to make it more sustainable.
The Forest Service began improving other sections of Holmes’s original route in 2025 bringing them into compliance with current standards. The goal eventually is to bring the entire route into compliance.
Old Faulty Trail Improvements
November 21, 2025 – Thirteen FOSM volunteers along with with Sandia Ranger District Trails Foreman Jen Medina-Gray finished work on Old Faulty Trail improvements. Volunteer Luis Caudros published a comprehensive summary of the project accomplished over 10 working days that spanned the longest government shutdown in history.
Laura’s reports summarizing the project can be found here. In them you’ll find not only details about the project but also some wonderful photographs of Sandia wildlife.
North Faulty Trail Improvements
September 5, 2025 – FOSM crew leader Laura Leon announced completion of a project to improve the south end of what has now been officially designated as North Faulty Trail (No. 197). The project started way back in February. Laura reported, “… 19 different FOSM volunteers spent time working on these reroutes, with about 10 volunteers per week which comes out to about 1300 hours of grinding work.” The effort, spread over 21 Thursday work sessions, was done with and under the leadership of Sandia Ranger District (SRD) personnel Canyon Young, Jen Medina-Gray, and Chris Secor. A huge Thank You and Congratulations to everyone who contributed!
Laura’s 21 reports summarizing the project can be found here.
Eric Russell using handsaw for final clearing of stumps from new trail
The old trail disappearing into oak and grass
September 8, 2025 – Sandia Ranger District Trails & Wilderness Program Manager Canyon Young sent a very gracious and detailed message to the FOSM crew recognizing and thanking them for their efforts on the project. In addition to providing background information regarding the project, Canyon also shared insight into future improvements for this and other trails on the mountain.