Sandia Mountains
Climbing Sections:
- Bush Shark (7)
- Clandestine Wall (1)
- East Sentinal (2)
- Estrellita (4)
- Gemstone Area (5)
- Hidden Wall (1)
- La Vista (1)
- Muralla Grande (10)
- Pulpit (1)
- Sentinal (4)
- Shield, The (5)
- Techweenie Buttress (3)
- The Anvil (1)
- The Hole in the Wall (7)
- The Needle (1)
- The Ramp (0)
- Thumb, The (2)
- Tombstone (5)
- Torreon (2)
- Watchtower (2)
- Windward Wall (5)
- Yataghan (1)
- Yucca Flower Tower (2)
About Sandia Mountains:
| Arguably the finest backcountry climbing area in New Mexico. Many formations offering one pitch moderates to multi-pitch desperates. Despite the proximity to Albuquerque, routes in the Sandias can be pretty out there. Many approaches are from the top which gives for a commiting day. Expect bushwhacking. The looseness, aggressive vegetation, and top-down approaches give an aura reminiscent of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. If this area were closer to the major climbing hubs, it would certainly be a good bit more notorious. Area classics include Mountain Mama, Aviary Oort, and Warpy Moople. Excellent slabby granite can be found in the Gemstone area in the lower Sandias. Good bouldering abounds in numerous areas. First ascents await. |
| Nearest town or city: | Albuquerque |
| Directions: | Most approaches are from the Sandia Peak Overlook, about an hour drive from downtown Albuquerque. Some of the lower routes are best approached from the La Luz trailhead at the base. |
| Latitude, Longitude: | |
| Access Issues: | Wilderness area, so most trails do not allow mountain bikes. Some buttresses closed for bird nesting in certain months. |
| Camping: | Pay |
| When to Climb: | Summer |
| Quantity of Climbs: | Lifetime |
Routes
Sequence Sequence numbers indicate the left (L) to right (R) order of the routes. |
Rating | Route | Difficulty | Ascents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iron Age | 5.10c | 0 |
Topo Images
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Forum Discussions (3 posts)
| Subject | Author | Replies | Last Post | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Found. Sweater and metolius nuts. Sandia Mountains, NM | suprasoup | 0 | Aug 05 2010, 1:25 AM |
| |
Chimney Canyon Approach In Winter? | james481 | 0 | Oct 30 2007, 6:43 PM |
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other climbs | pgilroy | 2 | Apr 06 2007, 6:23 PM |
