Big Horn Wall

View of the Big Horn wall

Description 

The Big Horn Wall is the main attraction at Sitting Bull Falls, featuring some of New Mexico's most difficult routes. This area is occasionally heralded as the best sport climbing crag in the state, despite the limited selection of lines. But what this crag lacks in quantity, it compensates for in quality. Every line on the wall would be a 4 star route at any other crag in New Mexico.

Generally speaking, routes here are steep jughauls, with long moves between large holds and "active" rests that add up to a building pump that tends to culminate in a mad-dash for the anchor and a desparate clip. Unfortunately the easier lines are getting polished, but as more of the locals are diverted to Last Chance Canyon, this problem likely will not get much worse.

The crag faces north and receives virtually no sun. Heat-tolerant folks will be able to climb here on all but the warmest days, while those in search of 'redpoint conditions' should plan to visit in winter.

Bees are occasionally found on this wall as well, although there are no known hives on this wall.

Getting There 

This wall is visible from the Sitting Bull Falls State Park parking lot, however, the wall is further away than it appears, and the approach is a bit convoluted in order to protect the delicate environment located just beyond the artificial grass lawn, 1000 square foot brick restroom facility, and concrete and pavement parking lot.

From the pay station, follow the concrete path SE toward the falls for about 30 yds, where a well-defined dirt path signed for the top of the waterfall branches off to the right. Ascend laboriously up the steep winding trail until it flattens out. After the trail levels out, the trail bends to the west, where a faint climber's trail diverges to the right. After 20 yds the Rosebud Wall and Big Horn Wall will be visible. There are two possible downclimbs to reach the cliff, one is 4th class, the other 2nd.

To reach the Big Horn Wall, climb down to the Rosebud Wall, and traverse the base westwardly to the BH Wall.

The Classics

Featured Route For Big Horn Wall

Tribal War 5.12c  NM : Sitting Bull Falls : Big Horn Wall

High crux with an awesome rest just below using a toe hook back in one of the giant huecos....[more]   Browse More Classics in NM