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La Cueva Canyon, Upper
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La Cueva Canyon, Upper

Submitted By: Anthony Stout on Jan 22, 2006
Administrators: Aaron Hobson, Anthony Stout, George Perkins
Latitude: 35.2063  Longitude: -106.4520 
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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

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for La Cueva Canyon, Upper:
Northwest Ridge   5.5     Trad, Alpine, 8 pitches, 1000 feet, Grade III   The Thumb
Northeast Corner   5.6     Trad, Alpine, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Donald Duck
The Cave Route   5.7     Trad, Alpine, 4 pitches, 360 feet, Grade II   The Pulpit
Miss Piggy   5.8     Trad, Alpine, 2 pitches, 220 feet   Hole in the Wall
Estrellita   5.8     Trad, Alpine, 1 pitch, 110 feet   Estrellita
Beat Around the Bush   5.8     Trad, Alpine, 1 pitch, 100 feet   Estrellita
Pub Draught Guinness   5.8+     Trad, Alpine, 1 pitch, 100 feet   Science Friction & Windward...
The Happy Gnome   5.8+     Trad, Alpine, 6 pitches, 700 feet, Grade III   Yataghan
Aviary Ort Overhangs   5.9     Trad, Alpine, 3 pitches, Grade II   The Thumb
Clean Sweep   5.10a     Sport, Alpine, 1 pitch, 100 feet   Estrellita
Mountain Momma   5.10c     Trad, Alpine, 6 pitches, Grade III   Torreon
Voodoo Child   5.11d     Trad, Alpine, 6 pitches, 500 feet, Grade III   Torreon
Browse More Classics in La Cueva Canyon, Upper

Featured Route For La Cueva Canyon, Upper
Standing on the duck's bill. "The Fire Hydrant" is the tower down and right of Donald.

Northeast Corner 5.6  NM : Sandia Mountains : ... : Donald Duck
This excellent line is one of the best easy pitches in the Sandias, and with a killer summit to boot!Begin on the NE side of the tower, below a beautiful red dihedral. Jam the stellar corner (mostly hands) for 60 feet with perfect pro. When the corner peters out, traverse right a few feet to easier ground and corkscrew up to the summit.There is no fixed gear on the summit, but its easy to scramble down the S side of the pillar....[more]   Browse More Classics in NM


Photos of La Cueva Canyon, Upper Slideshow Add Photo
Overview of some of the features on the south side of Upper La Cueva Canyon. View from the first switchback on the Crest Trail.

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

Panorama of Upper La Cueva Canyon with The Thumb to the right.

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


Comments on La Cueva Canyon, Upper Add Comment
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By Bill Lawry
From: New Mexico
Mar 20, 2008

Periodically updated trail report for this area: Sandia Ranger District La Luz Trail Report