North Faulty 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!

Bill Perkins, Jim Houle, and Claudia Bergsohn beginning the project in February

Eric Russell using handsaw for final clearing of stumps from new trail

The old trail disappearing into oak and grass
Map showing three rerouted sections of trail. Click to enlarge.
Victory at last; (clockwise from left) Eric Russell, Jim Houle, Claudia Bergsohn, John McNett, Dan Burwinkle, Jen Medina-Gray (SRD), Mackenzie Gibbs, and Luis Cuadros (seated). Photo credit: Laura Leon
Click to read Canyon Young’s message of thanks and congratuations.

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.

Laura’s 21 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.