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Elevation: 4,919 ft
GPS: 32.45, -106.79
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 118,211 total · 537/month
Shared By: Aaron Hobson on Feb 26, 2006
Admins: Jason Halladay, Mike Hoskins, Anna Brown

Description Suggest change

The Dona Ana mountains offer ample climbing for any climber passing through Las Cruces. Although not as eye-catching as their magnificent neighbors, the Organs, they have been a favorite climbing area among locals for many years. From bouldering to long traditional routes, the climbing here is varied and spread out over a large area owned by the BLM and NMSU. The rock tends to be granitic, and similar to that found in the Organs. While the Dona Ana Mts lack the grandeur of the Organs, they have relatively short approaches and even some "drive-up" climbing, which gives them an advantage over most of the climbing in the Organs.

The main attraction is the Checkerboard wall, a beautiful 500ft cliff offering several moderate-easy lines. Other popular spots are the Bear Boulders and Pizza Boulders, which offer drive-up climbing in a secluded desert surrounding. NMSU recently acquired much of the land in the Dona Ana range and has closed some areas to climbing, including the Columns and the North boulder Field. Please respect these closures and we may have a chance to negotiate access.

The Dona Ana Mts are bounded by the Jornada Experimental Range on the north/east, and Las Cruces on the south/west. It is harsh desert environment and should be treated as such (bring plenty of water and minimize your impact). Camping is permitted on BLM land, and there is a great network of biking trails.

Getting There Suggest change

The main access point is Jornada rd. To reach this rd take Hwy 70 east from las Cruces. Exit at Mesa Grande Rd and follow signs for the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. This will take you to Bantaam Memorial Drive heading west for a few blocks. Turn right onto Jornada rd at a Shortys gas station. Jornada rd becomes a wide gravel rd within a few miles and will drive you by the east side of the mountain range. Several dirt rds lead to the various climbing areas.

Resources

Suggest change
Rosul-Dunning Guide. This PDF guide has a good topo for the Checkerboard wall, as well as a map to the different climbing areas in the Dona Anas. Contact me (Aaron Hobson) if you would like a copy.

There is a guide to the some boulder problems that can be found at the NMSU climbing wall.

113 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Dona Ana Mountains

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V1 5
 5
Thanks for the Pocket Julie Newmar
Boulder
V2 5+
 4
Sven's Crack
Boulder
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 84
Cross-trainer
Trad, Sport 4 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 16
Pawn's Promotion
Trad 4 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 5
Red Squares
Trad 3 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 26
Knight's Move
Trad 4 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 9
Lone Piton
Trad 3 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 5
Punch In The Nose
Trad 4 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13
 22
King Me
Trad 5 pitches
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 12
Checkmate
Trad, Sport
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 13
Queen's Gambit
Trad 5 pitches
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 7
Ring Leader
Trad 3 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Thanks for the Pocket Julie… Pizza Boulders
 5
V1 5 Boulder
Sven's Crack Pizza Boulders
 4
V2 5+ Boulder
Cross-trainer Checkerboard Wall
 84
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, Sport 4 pitches
Pawn's Promotion Checkerboard Wall
 16
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad 4 pitches
Red Squares Checkerboard Wall
 5
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad 3 pitches
Knight's Move Checkerboard Wall
 26
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 4 pitches
Lone Piton Checkerboard Wall
 9
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches
Punch In The Nose Checkerboard Wall
 5
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 4 pitches
King Me Checkerboard Wall
 22
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13 Trad 5 pitches
Checkmate Checkerboard Wall
 12
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad, Sport
Queen's Gambit Checkerboard Wall
 13
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad 5 pitches
Ring Leader Checkerboard Wall
 7
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad 3 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Dona Ana Mountains »

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