Pinnacle Valley

A portion of Pinnacle Valley, taken from the summi...

Description 

Roughly, Pinnacle Valley lies west of the Sandia Crest between The Needle to the north and Chimney Canyon to the south. Established climbing areas within Pinnacle Valley include from north to south: The Anvil, Wildflower Wall, The Watchtower, The Tombstone, and The Knifeblade. Many of the climbing areas are on west facing rock and so tend to be shady until mid-day.

Getting There 

In most cases, the shortest approach begins by heading north from the Crest parking lot and communication towers along the North Crest Trail. Another beginning is at a dirt pullover on the east side of the highway just below the tower complex, then head up hill to the North Crest Trail.

In about 1/4 of a mile north of the communication tower complex, the main trail arrives at the ridge top at a kind of junction of trails. At this point there will be a gray sign for the North Crest Trail. In the direction one just came from, the sign indicates 1/2 mile to Highway 532. To the north, it indicates 1.5 miles to Del Agua Overlook. At this point there is also a vague trail heading south and up hill that is blocked by four short posts near a loose sign stating "Electrical Site Ahead." Other minor trails head off to the west from here.

Continue north on the North Crest Trail for another ~50 yards to a fairly open view down the west side of the ridge top. This looks down into Pinnacle Valley and is very near the descent to Tombstone. For other climbing routes in Pinnacle Valley, the point at which one leaves the ridge and descends west depends on the destination.

The Classics