Enchanted Tower questions

Apologies if this has recently been asked, but does anyone know about access issues to Enchanted Tower area? I've never been, and from what I can tell (on the main page) is that the road might be closed. Does this mean there's basically no access to this area? Can you walk there, or is there an alternative way?

We were considering driving down there this weekend but obviously don't want to bother if you can't even get to the climbing.

Thanks!!

Search

the

forum

next

time

I used the search tool in the upper right side of the screen and found these five separate threads all on the first page of results. I searched "Enchanted Tower".

The 1st link is the only one from 2013.....but thanks for the input.

I figured ;-))

It's all good!

I don't know about the standard road being open, but It's my understanding that the back/alternative road is usually always open. It's slow going but it'll get you there. High clearance is nice but not necessary. Type in Davenport lookout in google maps. The drive takes you to the lookout and then down into the valley(s).

I've also heard of being able to park right off the 60 on the same road used for the Davenport approach and hike up and over. Supposedly this is faster than driving the back road, but there is no trail. I also think one would need a pretty good sense of the land to know what specific direction to head.

Is it illegal? My bad. I've been told to go that way by Socorro locals, if that makes any difference at all.

Edit: oh, so just the hike in way would be illegal? Didn't realize you'd have to cross private property. i've never done it. Again, though, i was also given that advice by a socorro local. But ok, I guess don't hike in. A better attitude would be cooler though, David. Just sayin. But you probably don't want anyone going there so I suppose you're right being so defensive.

And is the access sketchy besides the main drive in approach? I'm aware of the poo problem and definitely preach to pack it out, but is that threatening access?

Ok, point taken. I should have realized.

But for clarification, the Devenport road is all legal? If i remember it goes through some cattle guards/open ranches. And that strange academy.

Maybe I'll save it for another weekend......seems a bit...complicated ;-))

But I appreciate the efforts you guys!

David Sahalie wrote:Don't take it personal Kbird, Arizonians like Red get territorial about ET even though it is in another state.

Not even remotely close to being true. I'm just amazed at how many new threads get created for the same old topic. My only intention was to show Kbird and others how easy it sometimes can be to find the answer to your questions.

Brian Prince wrote: A better attitude would be cooler though, David.

He can be quite crotchety. He breaks Guideline #1 regularly. I've seen, "This post violated Rule #1. It has been removed by Mountain Project" next to his name more than any other user on MP.

Kbird wrote:Maybe I'll save it for another weekend......seems a bit...complicated ;-)) But I appreciate the efforts you guys!

What vehicle would you be taking? The longer dirt road is not that bad. Though I wouldn't recommend it, my buddy drove his honda civic in and out of ET on this road last year. Anything with more clearance than a civic should do just fine. Unless for some reason the road has gotten considerably worse in the last 9 months or so.

"This type of thoughtless climbing is appealing to thoughtless climbers, who most oftentimes are new to climbing and learned how to climb in the gym."

Wow, thanks for reminding me why I never post on these forums. That is quite a bold statement! I'm neither a thoughtless climber, nor am I a newbie, etc... So....thanks for the input? Good day!

Why does any talk about this cool little area always get everyone so buttmad? It's absurd.

bruno-cx wrote:I'd argue the El Rito is in second place for a NM destination crag due the soft grades...

Yea, I'm sure it has nothing to do with the good/free camping, fun & well protected climbing on unique rock etc. :/