The Stonewall Rock Climbing

The Stonewall is a long outcrop of the Dakota Sandstone that runs about 50 miles along the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains through southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Like other Dakota climbing areas, the quality of the rock can change from bulletproof to kitty litter within a short distance but enjoyable, crowd-free climbing can be found on the more solid sections. The best crags at the Stonewall unfortunately lie on private land but some good 40-60 foot routes and fun bouldering can be found on public ground above North and Monument Lakes, a short distance north of the hamlet of Stonewall. The North and Monument Lake crags are definitely not destination quality, but worth a visit if you are passing trough the relative void of established routes between Penitente/Shelf Road and the Taos/Los Alamos region. Camping can be had at the quiet Purgatorie Campground, 4 miles up the dirt road from the North Lake parking, or at Monument Lake for more crowded but convenient sites. A bar at the Monument Lake Lodge is open in the summer.