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Elevation: 6,409 ft
GPS: 35.79149, -106.68699
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Shared By: Anthony Stout on Aug 6, 2006
Admins: Jason Halladay, Mike Hoskins, Anna Brown
Warning Access Issue: Closed to the Public for Sensitive Archaeological Resources DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

DO NOT CLIMB HERE. The Jemez Cave is closed to all public access. 

The Santa Fe National Forest issued a closure order for Jemez (aka Crystal) Cave on August 21st, 2012. The closure order continues to be renewed after each expiration. The most recent renewal was May 1, 2019 and has been extended until April 30, 2023. The closure applies to all users and is in effect until rescinded or for one year and includes the cave and surrounding area within 50 feet as well as the access trails.  Violations are punishable by fines of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.

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This information appears here for historical reference only. Climbing, or any other type of access to the cave, is prohibited. 

This crazy place is made up of a mineral called travertine, a mineral deposit from hot springs. It has a feel of limestone with multiple pockets.

The routes here are difficult, all overhanging as they travel through the cave. Not only are they difficult to climb, we found them quite difficult to find! Typically you are lowered off single chains from the roof of the cave, and left wondering what route you did! There were many that were described in the guidebook "Jemez Rock", and we could not even figure out which was which. So, be warned, fun and difficult climbing with confusing route finding!

Closure Order Suggest change

From the May 1, 2019 closure order extended through April 2023:

PROHIBITIONS:

Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and Title 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the area as

described in this Order (the " restricted area") and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this

Order as Exhibit A, within the Jemez Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest, Sandoval County within the State

of New Mexico.

1. Going into or being upon the Jemez Cave, the area surrounding the cave, and/or the user-created trails

leading to the cave. 36 CFR 261.53(c), 36 CFR 261.53(d), 36 CFR 261.53(e) and 36 CFR 261.53(f).

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50 ( e ), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the

performance of an official duty.

3. Persons employed by the Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative conducting routine maintenance activities

on existing utility power lines and poles.

RESTRICTED AREA:

The restricted area is described as Jemez Cave and the area surrounding the cave, extending 50 feet upslope from

the roof of cave, extending 50 feet on either side of the mouth of the cave, extending down slope to New Mexico

Highway 4 Right-of-Way, and including all access trails leading to the cave. The restricted area does not include

the unimproved parking area immediately adjacent to the highway Right-of-Way.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Order is to provide short term natural and cultural resource protection for the Jemez Cave and

to protect public safety and welfare until current damages to natural and cultural resources can be assessed and a

long-term management strategy developed.

IMPLEMENTATION:

1. This Order will be in effect when signed and shall remain in effect until April 30, 2021, or until rescinded,

whichever occurs first.

2. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000

for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

[Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.]

3. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting; the same acts covered by this Order.

Getting There

Suggest change
Access to the cave is restricted.

10 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Jemez Cave (a.k.a. Crystal Cave) - CLOSED Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Jemez Cave (a.k.a. Crystal Cave) - CLOSED

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 9
New 1
Sport
5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b
 7
Minutia
Sport
5.13a/b 8a 29 IX+ 29 E7 6c
 9
Dope
Sport
5.13b 8a 29 IX+ 30 E7 6c
 5
Leper
Sport
5.13 8a 29 X- 30 E7 6c
 5
Faith
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
New 1
 9
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
Minutia
 7
5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b Sport
Dope
 9
5.13a/b 8a 29 IX+ 29 E7 6c Sport
Leper
 5
5.13b 8a 29 IX+ 30 E7 6c Sport
Faith
 5
5.13 8a 29 X- 30 E7 6c Sport
More Classic Climbs in Jemez Cave (a.k.a. Crystal Cave) - CLOSED »

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