Sitting Bull Falls
Submitted by: Craig Childre
Description
Few crowds and prevelant shade. This area can be super cold in the Winter. Watch for the killer bee hive between the Brit Route and Fire Water. 5$ per car day use fee.
Getting There
From Carlsbad, 8 miles out of town to the west on 285, take 137 South for about 25-30 miles. Follow the sign to the Sitting Bull Falls area and park. Follow the paved path about 150 yards and take a major right on an unpaved path up to the top of the falls for about 300 yards, up even with the falls, look for small trails to the right over to the climbing area.
ADMIN EDIT:The turn off of 137 for Sitting Bull is not as far as the signs indicate, the turn off is just before MM31 and after MM32 if coming from HWY 285.
Park Conditions
Lincoln National Forrest Conditions
Photos
Fall colors in nearby (relatively) Dog Canyon, Guadalupe National Park
View from the picnic area of the Big Horn Wall
Map of Closures
Order of Closure
Approach to Sitting Bull Falls
Comments
Anthony Stout Mar 31, 2010
Could someone please comment on the closures specified in the new photos added above. I have not yet climbed at Sitting Bull so am not familiar with the area. The date of the order says 2002 so this could not be new. I am assuming this does not mean that the standard areas people are currently climbing at are "closed". Either that or it is not enforced since I hear about folks climbing at Sitting bull all the time.
DisturbingThePeace Mar 31, 2010
The current cliffs that are developed for climbing are not within the closure area. The closed area and bolting ban only affects the surrounding undeveloped cliffs. I've been there twice this season and the rangers were friendly and enthusiastic towards climbers.
Anthony Stout Apr 1, 2010
Thanks Dude! I figured that, I just wanted to make sure since I had heard nothing about any closures of main climbing areas.
Craig Childre May 23, 2011
Closed! Fire damage this spring has the park closed completely. Not sure if they will permit climbing here once the park re-opens.
Matt Mueller Jul 6, 2011
Sorry to report that the "Last Chance" fire burned over the Sitting Bull Falls area. So the FS has closed the area until apx 6/12 for regrowth to prevent erosion from hikers and to rebuild burned down structures. My apologies as I'm a firefighter in the Pecos district though I was out of district stopping TX fires durring the incident.
skitch Nov 16, 2011
Is there any other climbing in the area? You can E-mail me at scotteagan@hotmail.com if you need to keep it on the down-low.
Chris Archer Sep 24, 2012
We are thinking about a trip to Sitting Bull and Last Chance. Are both areas open after the fire? Also wondering what the best season is, if you need a high clearance vehicle to access the cliffs, and where the closest place to stay is. Any beta would be most appreciated.
Jonathan Siegrist Dec 4, 2012
This is an AWESOME little crag. Go there
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