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The Tunnel

Submitted By: Monomaniac on Feb 6, 2007
Administrators: Aaron Hobson, Anthony Stout, George Perkins
Elevation: 6,500 feet
Latitude: 32.9461  Longitude: -105.8602 
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BETA PHOTO: Overview of the Tunnel with approach routes marked


Description 

The Tunnel provides high-grade sport climbing on generally mediocre limestone, in a beautiful desert setting. This crag has been popular among Alamogordo locals for decades, but has only recently caught the attention of the general populace. Grades range from 5.7 to 5.14a, however, don't expect to enjoy the climbing unless you climb at least 5.11c. The crag really excels in the 5.12+ - 5.13 grades. With more than 15 routes 5.13 and harder, the Tunnel offers the highest concentration of hard climbing in the state.

Like many NM crags, the Tunnel is an acquired taste. Cliffs become covered in dust and grime after summer rains, and the lack of traffic ensures that almost all of the routes provide a "First Ascent" vibe each time you visit. It's common for projecting climbers to clean their objectives from rappel prior to attempting. Others complain of the repetitive nature of the crags slopey crimps, the ubiquitous cliff-base graffiti, or the noise pollution common to such road-side crags. However, if you can disregard these drawbacks, the Tunnel has a lot to offer.

The Tunnel is located entirely on Lincoln National Forest. Occasionally the forest closes due to fire danger, as in the late Spring/Summer of 2006. Additionally, as with any road-side crag, be extremely cautious not to knock rocks and debris onto the highway.

Note on Star-Ratings: For my own purposes, I've decided that 3 stars is the limit for this crag, due to the stank rock. So if I give a route here 3 stars, that's as good as it gets!


Getting There 

The Tunnel is approximately 10 miles NE of Alamogordo on Highway 82. Begin just North of Alamogordo at the junction of highway 54 and 82. Head East on 82 for 7 miles. The road winds up into the mountains towards Cloudcroft, passing several small limestone cliffbands. About 5.5 miles up the road, a dirt road appears on the right (south) side of the road. There is ultra-ghetto free camping down this road. At about 7 miles a signed pullout appears on the left (N) side of the road, about 200 yards before the road enters a tunnel. There is only one tunnel on this road, so its pretty hard to get confused. Please park only in the official pullout on the north side of the highway. The "Sunny Side" crags are located to the North of the highway, and the "Shady Side" crags are on the South side of the highway.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for The Tunnel:
Runaway Truck   5.9     Sport, 1 pitch, 35 feet   Shady Side : Far Side Right
The Dig   5.11a     Sport, 75 feet   Sunny Side : The Dig
Jump Start   5.12a     Sport, 70 feet   Sunny Side : Sunny Side (Right End)
Scott   5.12a     Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet   Shady Side : Shady Side Left
Heat Stroke Straight Up   5.12b     Sport, 70 feet   Sunny Side : Sunny Side (Right End)
Gluttony   5.12d     Sport, 75 feet   Sunny Side : The Dig
Oktoberfest   5.13b     Sport, 60 feet   Shady Side : Shady Side Left
Down in a Hole   5.13b     Sport, 75 feet   Sunny Side : The Dig
Envy   5.13c     Sport, 60 feet   Sunny Side : The Dig
Big Bad Love   5.13c     Sport, 70 feet   Shady Side : Shady Side Left
Browse More Classics in The Tunnel

Featured Route For The Tunnel
Ian McMillan in the upper corner of Gluttony.

Gluttony 5.12d  NM : The Tunnel : ... : The Dig
Make Bouldery moves off of a boulder up into a corner. Cop a rest and cruise over the roof into the right leaning corner. This bit is fairly continuous, but no stopper moves. at the top of the corner a few more moves lead up to the red-point crux coming back left with big moves on open handed holds. Continue more easily to the anchorBolted by Chris G., given to Lance who I belive cleaned the route, then because of how good it was going to be, I b...[more]   Browse More Classics in NM


Photos of The Tunnel Slideshow Add Photo
This Chuckwalla just wouldn't leave the first hold on Heatstroke @ Sunny Side.  I liked the way this warm, smooth, stone felt on my hands too and didn't want to leave.  We dogged on a harder route, instead of snaking Chuck's more doable line.

This Chuckwalla just wouldn't leave the first hold...


Comments on The Tunnel Add Comment
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By 426
Mar 19, 2007

Glad someone is adding this type of stuff...thx

By Joe Collins
Mar 28, 2007

Nearly all FAs at the Tunnel are courtesy of John Hymer. Some of the harder routes are courtesy of Chris Grijalva and Lance Hadfield.

By Devin C.
Oct 15, 2008

I dont know if this is the right place to ask, but here it goes. Does anyone know if the tunnel has been reopened. we climbed out there a few weeks ago, we didn't see any signs posted and were completely unaware that it was closed. we're planning on heading out again this upcomming weekend, but if it's still closed we'll have to go elswhere.

thanks for any info

By Dan Carter
From: Las Cruces,NM
Oct 27, 2008

The parking lot (that has been under construction most of the year) next to the tunnel is now open.