My buddy and I have logged a few solid multi-pitch climbs in the Organ Mountains, but are looking to expand our horizons. We love climbing there, and on all but one of our outings have seemingly had the entire range all to ourselves. Just us and the snakes anyway. Thing is, the lack of travel means an aspiring climber has to bushwhack all of the way in and out of most routes, and this has landed us, on a few occasions, to unplanned and chilly bivouacks. We're considering trying the Sandias, hoping approaches are more established, the rock quality good, and the hiking less pokey than their southern neighbors, but retain the sense of solitude experienced in the Organs. Anybody have experience in both areas?
Yes, the organs have some bushwhacky approaches (been there, done that)... but then the Sandias can be very confusing, as most routes/formations are normally approached from above (summit parking area) and there are numerous gullies to get lost in... with plenty of bush too. Sorry it's been a while since I climbed there so I cannot offer reliable & specific info. Just make sure you study the approaches well and pay close attention on your way down. A few routes are close to the main trail and easier to find. Rock & route quality vary widely, from a few real classics to total choss piles. Good luck. Hopefully one the current locals will chime in with specifics.
Start in Upper La Cueva Canyon, and Echo Canyon. Relatively easy approaches. The Thumb, Yucca Flower Tower, and Bush Shark Towers area are all easy to find.
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