Las Conchas

Description 

Beautiful area set in the meadows in the Jemez mountains, Las Conchas is one of the more popular summer sport climbing areas within 2 hrs of ABQ. Because of the elevation, summer days are often cool enough to be pleasant. Many of the crags in the area are set just near a creek, making the climbing that much more enjoyable.

Getting There 

From Albuquerque, take highway 25 North to Bernalillo and exit at highway 550 (exit # 242, DON'T miss this exit, the next exit does not come for many miles). Follow 550 to San Ysidro and head North on state road 4 for about 36 miles. You will drive past picturesque Jemez Springs, Battleship Rock, the small community of La Cueva, just beyond Las Conchas camping area to the second pull out by a well-traveled trail and meadow on your left. From Los Alamos or Santa Fe (or from the north), it is faster to reach the same area by taking NM-4 into the Jemez near Bandelier NP, passing the Valle Grande meadow (watch for elk) and reaching the same meadow.

The obvious cliff seen through the meadow on the north side of the road is Cattle Call Wall. Most of the other cliffs are downstream, following a trail that begins on the west side of the creek.

Resources 

• 'Jemez Rock' is the most complete guide to the area

• 'Rock Climbing: New Mexico also covers the area

• Samet & Jett's out-of-print Sport Climbing New Mexico guide can be found in pdf format on the LA Mountaineers site. It's older, so some newer climbs are missing.

• topos for Cattle Call Wall and Gateway Rock (the most popular cliffs closest to the parking) are posted on the LA Mountaineers website here

The Classics

Featured Route For Las Conchas

(03) Pumping Huecos 5.10d  NM : Jemez Valley Area : ... : The Sponge

Head up a slab to a high first bolt. Then clip another bolt and pull the first overhang. Get a rest and pull the final overhang to the anchors....[more]   Browse More Classics in NM