Just finding the route was the hardest part. We racked up and started off on a bushy gully. Two pieces of pro in 30m.

This is the view from my moms back yard. Not bad at all.

Well the last roped pitch had a bit of everything. Bushes, cracks, funky dirty ledges, anything you can think of on a backcountry classic.

Chris and I made it to the summit with all of our limbs. We were only missing my helmet (damn tree).

This is what the tram looks like from the top of the Thumb. If you've ever ridden the Tram you know that's pretty damed high.

This was the last bit of technical down climbing, the rest was boulder hopping and the 2 mile walk back up the mountain to the car.

Oct 9th, 2005. NW ridge follows right skyline to summit. Descent down tallus below sub-summit.

hosebeats low on the nw ridge of the thumb. good exposure early on, with views of the popular La Luz trail through upper La Cueva canyon.

lower nw ridge route, 100805. expect to employ some routefinding skills since available route descriptions are vague. This is one of the neat qualities of the Sandias!

route starts on the west side of the nw ridge and eventually works to the climber's left of the ridge. lots of variations are possible. fun route!

descent of the thumb traverse the ridge southeast towards the minor summit. at saddle, follow 500' feet of tallus down to the La Luz trail.

Sandia crest is visible in the background. The Thumb summit offers spectacular views of the crest, albuquerque & the Rio Grande, the tramway, and La Cueva canyon.

We didn't see this part in the guide, but it was fun anyways.