We're thinking of heading to the El Rito trad area over the weekend of May 3-4, 2008. Does anybody know whether the area, or parts thereof, are closed off due to nesting raptors? Any other pertinent info on area conditions would be greatly appreciated.

-J

Posting a reply for other people's benefit. Made it up to the trad area last Sunday (May 4, 2008) and had no issues with raptors while climbing Packrat Dihedral. They were out and about and we heard them screeching in the distance, but they didn't come anywhere near us. Can't comment on what other routes are like though.

How was the road?

Jason, I just talked to a ranger a couple of days ago and he said the work order didn't go through for a closure. He said it was there intention to close it, but he said he can't legally tell you to stay away. They are requesting people voluntarily stay away from the trad area though as there are nesting raptors in the area. Probably a good idea to avoid until after nesting season, if not for the sake of the birds then simply to keep climbers in good standing with the rangers. Not trying to knock your visit, you didn't know and you did ask, but I just thought I would share for other viewer's information.

Brett: See Keen's follow-up post before heading there. To answer your question, the road was in pretty good shape. I had no problem getting there in a (very) loaded-down Subaru (91 GL wagon).

Keen: Thanks for the heads-up. We won't be heading up there anytime soon anyway, but it's good to know the status of things. I looked for information outside of Mountain Project, but did not go so far as to call the Carson National Forest ranger. Do you know where information regarding such closures would be posted? Like I said, I looked, but didn't find anything.

I'm not sure where, or if, it is posted. You would think if they were trying to discourage climbers from going there they would post a request for voluntarily staying away at the trailhead. I guess they can't get too upset if they aren't making more of an effort. I was just repeating what the ranger at the station said. I got the number off of this website, http://naclassics.com/elrito/ - which I can't get to come up right now. I believe it said something like the trad area is generally closed in spring and to call the ranger station to make sure before you visit. I just visited that web site a few days ago but now it appears to be down, maybe just for maintenance.

Ok, thanks. Oh, and as far as I know, the naclassics website is down for good.

Ugh, falcons!

FYI, the entire NA Classics material has moved to the Los Alamos Mountaineers website at http://www.lamountaineers.org. However, as of 5/8/2008, the LA Mountaineers site is down. I suspect it'll be back up within a few days, though.

Any of you cats know anything about the climbing up at the Brazos Cliffs? I'm specifically wondering about Easy Ridge...

Thanks ...

Lee

Any of you cats know anything about the climbing up at the Brazos Cliffs? I'm specifically wondering about Easy Ridge...

Thanks ...

Lee