Mountain Project Logo

Moving to Las Cruces

Original Post
Lee Wilson · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 5

Hey everyone, just wanted to take a minute and reach out to the local climbing community in the Las Cruces area.

I've been living in no man's land (FL) and have been out of the game for a couple of years, but I'm moving to Las Cruces in a few weeks and am looking forward to getting back on the rock.

I'm sure it's the "off season", but would love to touch base with anyone that can help me get my bearings, both on the rock and around town.

After being out in the "real world" for over 10 years, I'm going back to school and start at NMSU this summer. I always said the biggest mistake I've made was graduating college...now I'm putting it to the test!!!

Anyway, I look forward to making my way over there and meeting up with any/everyone!

Lee

Hank Caylor · · Livin' in the Junk! · Joined Dec 2003 · Points: 643

Prepare to be very pleasantly surprised. The Organ Mountains have a lifetime of adventure. And bopping across the Border for mega cheap pills and booze is a big plus, IMO.

Nate Myers · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 90

Lee,

There is a highly varied and interesting amount of climbing in the Cruces area, as well as the happiness that is year-round climbing. I'm new to Las Cruces myself, but I'd be happy to show you the spots I know about. Best of luck with the move.

Dan Carter · · Las Cruces, NM · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 410

Las Cruces is a pretty good town for climbing. Below are some areas nearby:
Organ Mountains
Dona Ana Mountains
Pena Blanca
Rough and Readies
Percha Creek
Hueco Tanks
The Tunnel near Cloudcroft
Enchanted Tower near Datil

These are all from next to town to about 2 1/2 hours away. Enough in the area to climb all year. The NMSU climbibg wall is good for meeting folks too.

Lee Wilson · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 5

Thanks for the info guys.

Hank, I don't think it's going to be a surprise, but it should definitely be pleasant! I about couldn't contain myself looking at both sides of the Organs as I was driving into town on hwy 70! Man, there's some nice looking formations up in there!

Nate, thanks for the offer. I'll drop you a line when I get into town and settled in a little. I'll probably be showing up the week after next. My schedule is pretty loose right now.

Dan, thanks for the list. Looking at it and what's posted here on MP, it looks like a nice variety of things within a couple hours. Seems like a good mix of sport and trad too. I always considered myself a trad climber, but have done a fair bit of bolt clipping...mostly for fun and convenience. I never got into working routes, red pointing, and all of that, but I do have a bunch of shiny draws that I bought just before I left CO a few years ago, might be time to break them out!

What's the closest stuff, house to rock. Organs seem to have the shortest drive, but then an hour + approach. Are the areas/routes listed here a pretty good representation of what's around? Any other good resources for the are?

Thanks

Lee

Dan Carter · · Las Cruces, NM · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 410

The closet, house to rock, would probably be Pena Blanca (mostly bouldering) but the Rough and Readies and Dona Ana Mtns are near town as well. The Tunnel and Hueco Tanks are both only about a hour drive. This site has some info: vcrux.com/default.aspx

Aaron Hobson · · Clinton, TN · Joined Feb 2004 · Points: 3,665

Lee,
Another close one for House-to-rock is La Cueva (next to dripping springs). It's one of the closest crags to town and also the closest you get to drive-up climbing.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Arizona & New Mexico
Post a Reply to "Moving to Las Cruces"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.