This area is visible to the NW from Cochiti Mesa. It offers a small number of high quality routes with the shortest approach at Cochiti. All routes are approached by rappelling, and only one route has an anchor, so its a good idea to bring an extra rope for rigging tree anchors.
All of these routes lose a star because of the hassle of rapping in and rigging temporary anchors. Adolescent Fantasy and Stridex would be 4 stars if not for the inconvenience.
Getting There
Continue up the road about 1/2 mile from the Mesa parking. The Overlook is obvious on the left, offering beautiful views to the SE. There is a Forest Service gate (apparently always open) spanning the road just immediately after the Overlook. Park on the left.
Hike W along the cliff top for about 50 feet. Routes are difficult to find the first time, so lay down on the cliff top and stick your head over the rim until you see some bolts. The two "easy" routes face west, and the two "hard" routes face south. The furthest W route (Adolescent Fantasy) has a chain anchor that is visible from above without leaning over the edge.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Vista Point Overlook:
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