FKT: Travis Burleson - Crest Trail #130 (Sandia Mtns, NM) - 2025-05-24

started the day at 4:30 am at the arrowhead trail head on the south side. I began climbing in the dark and gained the crest right before daybreak. I was carrying 4 litters of water and all nutrition, so I started feeling the weight. I continued to move well across the ridge on undulating terrain with some steeper climbs mixed inbetween some flowy single track. after passing the trail cutoff for south Sandia peak, there was some thick overgrowth and some deadfall in the less traveled sections. the overgrowth was catching my sunshirt and gave it a few more holes. after I passed the pino trail, the forest began and the overgrowth almost was no longer a problem. I arrived at the tram terminal around 7:45, which was a problem because the bathrooms and terminal were still locked up. it wasn't that big of a deal though because I still had plenty of my water because of the cool morning and cool temps at 10,000 ft. I pushed onto the towers and began the 11 mile decent to the northern tunnel springs trailhead. The downhill took its toll and I began to have low spots from the increasing heat, kicking rocks while bushwhacking through some dense overgrowth, and screaming quads. After getting lower the trail opened up into pinyon juniper woodland that was much easier to navigate. as I approached the northern terminus, it was starting to get very warm. at tunnel springs I refilled all my water, mixed some tailwind, ate a gel, and drenched myself with the cool water. it brought me back to life and I quickly started back up 11 mile climb back to the highpoint. I was fueling well and felt good so I pushed the uphill in good time. I arrived at the top and b lined to the tram station to get more water. Navigating through the tourists, I made quick work refilling my bottles. I took me about 7 minutes. I got on the move and was excited to get some nice descent. I was clicking off some fast miles but it didnt last. the trail began to get rolling again with short, mild downgrades mixed with climbing, so it was hard to get into a good rythem. at this point my legs were heavy and it felt like death by a thousand cuts. as I passed the cutoff for south Sandia peak, the long descent back to arrowhead trailhead began. It was steep and technical, but as I moved down I was able to pick up speed. I moved well in the last 5 miles and was relieved to get to the trailhead where my fiance was waiting with the car. final time was 11:56:56. I sat down for a minute and soaked in the adventure I just completed. it felt really great! the FKT was the cherry on top.