NMVFO plans 20+ volunteer work projects each year. Click here for a printable overview of the current project season, and check back often for additional information posted as it becomes available. To receive updates and detailed information about upcoming projects and events, be sure to sign up for the NMVFO newsletter on the Home page. Public land agencies that are interested in proposing a project should contact our Projects Team (projects@nmvfo.org) for more information and our easy-to-complete project proposal form.
If you’re new to NMVFO, be sure to visit our FAQ page to learn more about what to expect on a project. Project leaders are always happy to answer your questions about specific projects. Have a non-project related question? Send us a message from our Contact page. Pets are not allowed on any NMVFO projects. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or other legal guardian
South Crest Trail Backpack (Sandia RD)
Contact Leader(s): Sue Harrelson, 928-379-1114, s.harrelson@nmvfo.org; Nick Tenorio, n.tenorio@nmvfo.org with any questions.
Description: The Crest Trail is a popular route for long hikes, with amazing views. The more remote sections have been overgrown with brush, and need to be cleared, before they are lost. In order to access this particular remote section, we will do an overnight backpack trip. We’ll hike up the Cienega Trail – 2 miles and 1,900’ elevation climb, and camp a bit south of the junction, on the Crest. This is a rare opportunity to see both sunset and sunrise from the Crest, a 9,400’ vantage point! Water, and possibly tools, will be packed in by Back Country Horsemen.
Please bring: Volunteers will need to bring their own camping gear and food. They will also need long pants, long-sleeve shirts, safety glasses (sunglasses), and gloves. Hard hats will be provided, and will need to be carried up.
Trail runners: There is also an opportunity for trail runners to participate. They could run up to the Crest in the morning, work, then run back down. If you are interested in doing this, let the trip leader know, and details will be worked out.
Location: Backpackers will meet at Cienaga Picnic Area at 8AM to start hiking up.
Difficulty: 
with 1,900′ elevation climb, and high elevation.
Group size – 15 campers and more trail runners, so 25 overall.
Closing date for sign-ups is May 13. More details will be sent to participants.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project. On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.