The Faulty Trail proper only runs about 5 miles before entering the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, but it also provides access to other great trails in the area, including the Oso Corredor Trail, Sulphur Canyon, and the Armijo Trail. Faulty itself follows the contours of the east bench of the Sandia Mountain Range around the 7,800 foot level with many sharp climbs out of the various drainages it crosses. Some of the trail is buff, but most is quite rocky. Even with the Wilderness area exclusions, this is an excellent network with good variety and few people to share it with. The Sandia Mountains map from Dharma Maps can be very helpful in navigating this area and all major intersections are well marked with wooden posts.
From Albuquerque, head East on I-40 and take the exit for highway 14 North. Go through the town of Cedar Crest. About six miles from the Interstate, look for Highway 536 to the left towards Sandia Ski Area. There area a few ways to access Faulty via other trails in the area (the southern end has been cut off by private property). The easiest way is to go about 4 miles up 532 and pull into the Doc Long Day Use Area. Ride up the Bill Spring Trail to the intersection with the northern end of the Faulty Trail.
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