Rough and Ready Hills

Scott Jones, one of the areas main route developer...

Description 

The closest sport climbing area to Las Cruces is found on these inconspicuous volcanic hills about 1/2 hr west of Las Cruces. About 20 sport routes can be found here ranging from 5.7 to 5.12. The wall faces east which makes it suitable for warm weather climbing as it gets shade for most the afternoon. Add to this the fact that it is sheltered from the predominately western winds and you have the makings of one of Las Cruces' more popular local crags.

This crag has a reputation for choss and bees, both of which can be avoided. The rock is a volcanic tuff and while brittle, provides many pockets and sharp edges. Bees have colonized a few sections of the cliff and seem to be most active in the spring and early summer. They will be attracted to water if left out (say for a dog), but will otherwise leave you alone if you don't get too close to their hives.

Getting There 

From Las Cruces, take I-10 west. Exit at the Las Cruces airport, but immediately get onto the frontage road on the north side of the highway and follow it west until the entrance to Corallitos Ranch is found (County rd 09). Follow this paved rd for about 11.5 miles, passing the Corralitos ranch. You will pass by an old observatory at a gap in the hills. Just beyond this the road has a series of dips and two large gravel piles can be seen off to the right. Leave the paved road and get onto a dirt track heading to the gravel piles. The dirt track passes the gravel and dead-ends at a small parking area which is on the west side of some low hills. Park here and follow a faint trail east towards a gap in the hills. Once you reach the "saddle" the cliffs will be visible to your right (south). This is the north end of the Rough and Readies. Allow 10-20 minutes for the approach hike.

Guidebook information 

The 2006 edition of Rock Climbing New Mexico, by Dennis Jackson included a short description of this crag. Beta can also sometimes be found at the NMSU climbing wall.

The Classics