Mountain Project: Climbing Santa Fe Area > The Grotto (AKA: The Notch)

The Grotto is the premium area to climb in Diablo Canyon. It is a slot canyon trimmed out of the upper portion of the south wall. It is filled with large boulders interlaced with fairly lush (for NM) vegetation. While it runs NE to SW the north facing wall is much higher, keeping The Grotto shady for most of the day. The sun peeks through both ends of the canyon during the early morning and late afternoon respectively. However, during January, February, and March an unseasonably warm day is necessary for comfortable climbing.

Climbs in The Grotto range from 5.8 to 12+. The rock ranges from good to great with everything from long and steep to short and slaby. Lots of flat boulders provide spots to lounge, lunch, or both while keeping an eye on fellow climbers.

(Text written by Rick Bradshaw)

Getting There

Follow the arroyo into the main canyon, and find the path that takes you south into The Grotto.

The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for The Grotto (AKA: The Notch):

Class Act 5.10a/b Sport Right Side of Grotto Entran...

(04) Good 5.10b Sport, 1 pitch, 65 feet Lower Grotto

(07) Waiting to Procrastinate 5.10b Sport Lower Grotto

Evil Paradise 5.10c Sport, 80 feet Evil Paradise Area

(03) Evil 5.10d Sport, 1 pitch, 65 feet Lower Grotto

(05) Bergers Bakeshop 5.10d Sport Lower Grotto

(02) Chopping Block 5.11a Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet Lower Grotto

Winter Capacity 5.11a Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet Winter Capacity Wall

(06) Affirmative Action 5.11a Sport Lower Grotto

Woogie's Wild Ride 5.11b Sport, 90 feet Right Side of Grotto Entran...

Where the Wild Things Aren't 5.11c Sport Grotto End (R. Side)

(04.1) Bush in a Blender 5.12a PG13 Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet Lower Grotto

Trailer Park Girls 5.12b Sport Grotto End (R. Side)

Unnamed Arete (Left of Tweak Fuck) 5.12b Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet Grotto End (R. Side)

Featured Route For The Grotto (AKA: The Notch)

(06) Affirmative Action 5.11a NM : Santa Fe Area : ... : Lower Grotto

Slightly bouldery at the start, once past the second bolt the climbing becomes easier. Pumpy finish through through the top crimpers to the anchors....[more] Browse More Classics in NM

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The Grotto (AKA: The Notch)

Description

Getting There

The Classics