Went to climb Cabezon Peak this past week. It’s a volcanic formation in the Mount Taylor volcanic field, northwest of Albuquerque NM. Most of the peak is ringed by cliffs (some technical routes, but poor rock quality), but there is a 3rd class route of the southeast side. I apologize if I’m scaring any people reading this, but according to a Sierra Club manual written in the 1930’s, 3rd class is defined as: “steep scrambling with exposure, ropes are needed for inexperienced people. An unroped fall on 3rd class terrain would likely be fatal.” I would agree that a few sections of the route warrant that rating and recommend wearing a helmet for the loose rock. People with rock climbing experience should feel totally comfortable. Cabezon peak is an easy day trip from Santa Fe.

On the approach.

Talus slope, then head into steep gully.

Exposed scrambling after gully.

Passing juniper tree and then a steep section before summit.

Cactus on the summit.

Heading back down the steep gully.

Joshua Tree National Park in California is approximately an 11 hour drive from Santa Fe and is one of the best winter rock climbing destinations in the United States. The first photo is from Amboy, CA where a company produces chloride products. I don’t know exactly what’s going on here with the canals, but I’m assuming it’s a step in the production process.

Lynne, Alana, and Victor headed towards a bouldering spot near the Real Hidden Valley.

Victor bouldering.

Andy on Sail Away (5.8-).

Jay getting a rest on Clean and Jerk (5.10c).

Unfortunately a couple of our friends had an accident while rappelling in the Wonderland of Rocks, but were evacuated quickly by helicopter. One suffered cuts/bruises while the other sustained a fractured arm and hip (but is doing well and expected to make a full recovery).

…but not in Santa Fe. We had to drive 6 hours to find it, but Colorado delivered. Rode the lifts at Vail for two days and got 4″ and then 10+”. Spent the final day at Vail Pass and stuck to flat ground because of avalanche danger. Picture taken with Canon S60 point and shoot.

It’s pretty cool that in the dead of winter you can drive a bit and experience summer temperatures (or at least what summer temps mean to a New Hampshire resident). Tucson is the place to be for winter rock climbing. The first two pictures are from the Rivendale crag on Mount Lemmon and the second two are from Cochise Stronghold (amazing place). All pictures taken with Canon S60 point and shoot.

Afloat in a sea of chickenheads on What’s My Line (5.6R A0)

Drove down to the Socorro and Datil area of central New Mexico this past week. Climbed at Box Canyon near Socorro and the Enchanted Tower area near Datil. Box Canyon has some decent sport climbing, good bouldering and camping. Enchanted Tower is located in Thompson Canyon and has a bunch of great sport climbing. One evening, also visited the Very Large Array, which is run by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. This place is well worth a visit, especially at sunset.

Alana attempting to communicate with whatever’s out there: