Mountain Project: Climbing Gallup/Grants Areas

Submitted By: George Perkins on Nov 9, 2008
Administrators: Aaron Hobson, Anthony Stout, George Perkins
Latitude: 35.3938 Longitude: -108.2078
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Description

A number of climbing areas can be found in western New Mexico, in the region near Gallup and Grants.

Of these, the sandstone sport climbing of Mentmore is perhaps best known. Mentmore is a popular stopover for those passing through this section of the state, and is popular among the few devoted local climbers who live in this region.

More adventurous climbing can be found in this area too. Church Rock near Gallup is a scenic sandstone spire. The sandstone cliffs near El Malpais appear to offer incredible potential, and only a number of climbs are documented.

Supplies The railroad and uranium mining towns of Gallup and Grants offer all services, except for perhaps a place to buy climbing gear?

Other Attractions The El Malpais volcanic field offers a wealth of exploration opportunities, including caving in lava tubes and backcountry hiking. Excellent mountain biking can be had in this section of New Mexico, in particular in the Zuni Mountains and near Gallup. The tiny El Morro National Monument hosts impressive rock art panels and ruins worthy of a side trip. Mt. Taylor is the huge mountain looming over the region. In summer, one can drive to within 2 miles of the summit- the view from the top is panoramic. In the winter, this mountain hosts the unique Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon (biking, running, X-Country skiing, snowshoeing).

If you're a local or climb in this area of NM frequently and want to improve this description, I'd be happy to reassign the page to you, as I don't climb here much.

Getting There

Gallup is 2 hours west of Albuquerque on I-40; or East from Arizona it's about 2.5-3 hrs from Flag to Gallup.

The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Gallup/Grants Areas:

Regular Route 5.9 Trad, 2 pitches, 170 feet Church Rock

(01) Flakes Don't Fail Me Now 5.10b Sport New Side : (03) Wall of Dreams

(04) Cameron's Coming 5.10c Sport New Side : (02) The Corridor

Featured Route For Gallup/Grants Areas

(02) Sink or Swim 5.11c/d NM : Gallup/Grants Areas : ... : (03) Wall of Dreams

Start on the route left of (01) Flakes Don't Fail Me Now, and right of the arete with the route, (04) On the Edge. Climb the lower angled white colored rock (though not easy!), to the more vertical rock above. Here is where you will "Sink, or Swim". The route is named after the crux move near the top of the route....[more] Browse More Classics in NM

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