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DescriptionJust beyond the foothills, this area is somewhat unlike the steep walls of the upper Sandia Mountains. Starting in Albuquerque, a beautiful hike next to a stream takes you to some quality low angle slab and crack climbing. Getting ThereGet on Tramway and head north for a while. Find the Juan Tabo Picnic Area exit (Forest Road 333) and turn right after the second cattle guard (FR 333B). Follow this road to the La Cueva picnic area. Take the LaCueva trail (#83) east for about 1/4 mile to a point where the trail forks. The south (right) fork leads into the canyon. GPS coordinates are to the parking area. The ClassicsMountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for La Cueva Canyon, Lower:
Flake n' Bake 5.5 Trad, Alpine, 2 pitches, 200 feet Flake n' Bake
Surf Naked 5.6 Trad, Alpine, 1 pitch, 105 feet Gemstone East
Opal 5.7 PG13 Trad, Alpine, 3 pitches, 260 feet Gemstone East
Gemstone 5.8 Trad, Alpine, 2 pitches, 180 feet, Grade II Gemstone West
Emerald City 5.9+ Trad, Alpine, 2 pitches, 280 feet Gemstone East
Featured Route For La Cueva Canyon, Lower
Emerald City 5.9+ NM : Sandia Mountains : ... : Gemstone East
This brilliant route is the jewel of the Gemstone area, and certainly one of the best of the grade in the Sandias. Every move on this route is engaging; there are no trivial sections, and no sub-par stone. The route offers excellent protection, but you have to work for nearly every placement.P1, 5.8++, 160 feet. Begin in the 'center' of the Gemstone East area, on a large, sloping ledge, just left of the start of Opal. With a 60m rop...[more] Browse More Classics in NM
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