Shield

Juan Tabo Canyon is subject to annual access closures from March 1 to August 15. MORE INFO >>> The USFS-imposed closure applies to UNM Spire, the Prow, the Ramp, and the Shield (but not the Knife Edge). The Needle, and its south and east approaches, are unaffected. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment The Shield is seasonally closed. MORE INFO >>> The Shield is only open from mid-August through February for peregrine falcons even though they are no longer protected, so you'll have to plan accordingly. The Knife Edge is open year-round. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Rescue off of Procrastination, early 80's. Victim ...

Description 

The Shield is truly a "rite of passage" at several levels of climbing in the Sandias. This is the biggest wall in the area and harbors some of the most difficult and long routes in the state. It is only open from August 16-Feb 28 or 29 every year for Peregrine Falcon nesting habitat, even though they are no longer protected, so you'll have to plan accordingly. The closure does not include the Knife Edge.

The first climbing accident was logged on the Knife Edge of the Shield and most recently, a plane crashed just below the North Peak leaving shrapnel all throughout the oaks in 2007.

To see another party on this formation might seem unlikely. However, because there is only a limited time that climbers can legally access these routes, the likelihood of getting scooped is higher than you might think.
The rock is variable and much of the climbing can be run-out, especially on crux pitches. This is one of the most beautiful places in the Sandias when the aspens change.

Getting There 

From the base: Park at Piedra Lisa Trail Head and plan for at least a 1.5 hour approach via the Fletcher "trail". To find the Fletcher Trail, start up the Piedra Lisa Trail. It will initially rise and then fall back into a creek bed. At this point veer slightly north (to the right and at a 1-20' slightly higher contour. The trail is very faint. You will pretty much think you are on a game trail. Follow this faint trail along a north-trending creek bed and toward the Rincon Ridge/Placitas until the trail begins to steepen. Look carefully for the Fletcher Trail as it gains elevation and eventually brings you the base of UNM Spire, and subsequently, the Shield if accessing anything from Procrastination or climbs farther to the right. For accessing the Standard "S" route and climbs farther left, it may be easier to gain the Rincon Spur trail (essentially the Knife Edge) and traverse in.

Access from the top: Park at the last switchback on the Crest Road. Hike the North Crest Trail to North Peak. This is easy to find if you keep peeking out over the limestone band. Descend the limestone band on a fairly beaten climbers' path. From about 1/2 the distance from the North Peak drop-off to the top of the Shield, start to bear back towards the southeast. Look for a few aspen trees in a gully where a static fixed line is tied off to a pine tree. Rap the line or rap your own rope(s). Drop down skiers' left for 10m and then cut back through a notch and contour across to find some hand lines several hundred meters from the rap station. This will gain you access to the Ramp and routes Smorgasboard to Procrasti.

Most climbs on the Shield are a very serious undertaking.You are very much alone here, like the Black Canyon of the Gunnision. The rock quality is quite variable, there's no water, and the rewards are high for summiting!

The Classics

Featured Route For Shield

Knife Edge Easy 5th  NM : Sandia Mountains : ... : Shield

The Approach is the crux for sure. The rock is good enough if your cautious. The route is an excellent solo, just make sure your damn solid at the 5.3 grade! bringing a rope on this route would be a lot more work than its worth. Its 85% 4th class then a bit of 5.3 at the top that is really fun....[more]   Browse More Classics in NM

Photos of Shield Slideshow

Add Photo

Tight spot for a Blackhawk on a rescue mission. Fa...	BETA PHOTO: The Shield in the evening light of summer.	June 2007 plane crash on the south side of North Peak." /> Wreckage from the June 2007 plane crash...
Taken while walking the base of the shield	Southwest buttress.	The Shield
BETA PHOTO: The Shield, Sandia Mountains, NM. Composite image...	BETA PHOTO: Part of the western end of the Shield, below the W...