The Grotto (AKA: The Notch)  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  36,765. Good page?    Administrators:  Aaron Hobson, Jason Halladay, Anthony Stout, LeeAB, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Anthony Stout on Mar 6, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

BETA PHOTO: Overview of The Grotto (adapted from Rick Bradshaw...

Description 

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 new trail (fall 2012) to The Runway. From The Runway, hike easy terrain west to the Grotto. The new trail starts in the arroyo straight across from the trail to the Winter Wall.

Alternatively, you can take the old, long-used but steeper, nastier, approach to the Grotto. For this, stay in the main arroyo past Winter Wall and past the Solar Cave and look for a decent trail in the dirt embankment on the left. Take this trail and wind your way up through talus and screen to the top.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Grotto (AKA: The Notch)

Prescribed Burn 5.11a/b  NM : Santa Fe Area : ... : Grotto End (L. Side)

Located at the far (south) end of the Grotto's left side are two enjoyable routes with nice position. Prescribed Burn is the left route of the two. Access the base of the route via a short fourth class scramble up the small ridge below the route or hike around the ridge and back up. From the belay platform, edge out left and up to clip the first bolt in a green, lichen-covered face. Side pull your way up to the big, comfy ledge. From the big ledge, climb cracks up and left past the second bolt ...[more]   Browse More Classics in NM

Photos of The Grotto (AKA: The Notch) Slideshow

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Evening light on the upper end of the Grotto, righ...	Scene from within the Grotto.	Beguin in the Grotto.