Climbing

Seperate

Outdoor Adventures carries a full line of exceptional climbing and camping gear...

Climbing Gear Climbing Gear and Accessories:
ABC (Advanced Base Camp), Black Diamond, Blue Water, and Petzl

Hiking Boots:
La Sportiva Hiking Boots

Climbing Shoes:
La Sportiva and Scarpa

Camping Gear and Accessories:
ABC, Kelty Pack, Liberty Mountain, and The North Face
 

Climbing in Alamogordo area dates back to at least the 1970's, with most of the more difficult routes being done within the last 10 years.  The rock is sedimentary limestone which varies greatly in quality, some worth climbing and some not worth the effort.  You will find an unusually high concentration of difficult routes at the Tunnel.  Don't expect many moderates in the area, as the best rock tends to offer more difficult climbing.
Most of the climbs are concentrated in Fresnal Canyon near the tunnel on Highway 82.   There are a number of quality routes in the foothills east of Alamogordo, however access to those areas have become complicated in recent years with the development of private land. Since the status of some crags (and access to such crags) is in question, visitors should check with local climbers before seeking out climbs east of town.

John and Skeet at the tunnel

 

         

Ethics
Local climbers prefer to keep a low profile.  This includes causing as little impact to the area as possible.  Because the desert is a fragile environment, it is important to stay on the established trails.  The base of the cliffs have very little vegetation, but take care not to disturb what is there.   Please, do not climb where vegetation will suffer.Much of the rock is not suitable for climbing and extensive cleaning has always been, and should continue to be, avoided.

The area left of "George" has historically been a rappel route for local search and rescue.  If there are fixed lines in that area, please respect them.  Just ask, the rappellers will usually make room for you take a burn.

We not only support the a Access Fund but subscribe to their philosophy of camouflaging all fixed gear.  If you must place fixed protection, make it match the rock as you place it.  Don't over bolt, boat hook, chip or enhance holds (use common sense). Respect the local ethics even if you don't agree with them!

Hazards
It is not unusual to run across rattlesnakes anywhere in the Alamogordo area.   Be especially careful while walking on the trails and don't be surprised to find one at the base of the routes.

Flashfloods are not unheard of in the hills.  It can even happen when the weather is nice but it has rained further up the canyon. With the quality of rock, rockfall is a potential hazard. Avoid scrambling along the top of the cliffs.  Setting up top ropes from above is not practical and it poses a risk to those below. Because of the possibility of rock fall, NEVER climb directly above the highway!

Amenities
Water is available at the car wash at the base of the mountain.  Avoid getting water from the city parks as many of them irrigate with non-potable water.

 

Camping
Free camping is available in National Forest land in a number of nearby locations.  For convenience just drive 3/4 of a mile down from the tunnel parking and turn right at the dirt road.   Follow this road to the bottom of the hill and turn right.  You will find good campsites along the river.  If these campsites are full you can also camp in Dry Canyon which is further down the highway.  Turn left at the first road.  Be aware that this is a popular location for shooting and horse back riding.  It is not unusual to get some early morning traffic on this road.

If you are looking for something cooler, drive up the highway to High Rolls and take the Karr Canyon road to the right.  Drive about 3.5 miles to campsites.

 

Points of Interest

If you are looking for something to do on a day of, consider the following:

White Sands National Monument is located 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo on Highway 70/82.

The International Space Hall of Fame is located on the hills northeast of downtown Alamogordo.

The National Solar Observatory is located in the village of Sunspot, 18 miles south of cloudcroft on the Sunspot Highway.

National Forest trails offer great hiking and mountain biking.   The "Rim" trail is popular with mountain bikers. Ask us at Outdoor Adventure for more information.

 

ZIA TRAILS- Southern New Mexico Hiking Club
ABOUT THE CLUB: Do you like hiking? You may be interested in the Southern New Mexico Hiking Club.  They have over 30 members from Alamogordo and the surrounding area.  What do they do? Well, they hike the second Saturday of each month, and at other times, as hike leaders are available.  Sometimes they hike an easy trail through the woods.  Other times, they  are taking on a more rigorous trail heading for a mountain summit.  They even do an overnighter once in a while.   There's something for everyone.  It's healthy and a real life learning experience.  There are no minimum physical fitness requirements to begin hiking, but check with your doctor first.

A newsletter is published each month, ZIA Trails.  It contains articles from members, tips on hiking and camping, and the schedule and description of upcoming hikes.

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