La Cueva Canyon, Upper

BETA PHOTO: Overview Map of Upper LaCueva and Chimney Canyons.

Description 

The La Luz trail, running from the foothills of the Sandias to the Sandia Crest, runs directly through this canyon. There is a high concentration of stellar routes on the rock within Upper LaCueva Canyon. Also, in comparison to many other routes within the Sandias, the approaches can be shorter and easier.

Getting There 

Though the routes within this canyon can be accessed from the lower part of the canyon (Juan Tabo Picnic Area in the foothills of Albuquerque), it is much easier to access them from the Sandia Crest. The La Luz trail begins on the South end of the Sandia Crest parking lot.

The Classics

Featured Route For La Cueva Canyon, Upper

Wizard of Air 5.12a  NM : Sandia Mountains : ... : Torreon

Pitch 1 (5.11-) follows bolts and gear to a ledge and bolted belay that is located somewhat near the beginning of Wizard of Odd (Most folks start Wizard of Odd by scrambling around the south end of the Torreon and up a gully onto a ledge that is about 80 to 90 ft off the ground).Pitch 2 (5.10-) follows obvious seams up into a short left-facing dihedral, exiting right beneath a small roof to a small ledge with a bolted belay. The upper section of...[more]   Browse More Classics in NM

Photos of La Cueva Canyon, Upper Slideshow

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BETA PHOTO: Overview of some of the features on the south side...

Panorama of Upper La Cueva Canyon with The Thumb t...