BETA PHOTO: Mid Winter cragging. Jay Foley starting on the tra...
Bat Cave, Afterburner and beyond
Steep face to overhanging cave climbing on tall Rio Grande Corridor basalt. Classic high-desert setting overlooking the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Rio Pueblo southwest of Taos. East-facing with great early morning sun. Cool in the late afternoon during the summer months. This is the half-mile-long cliff band left of the Bat Cave. Approach on climbers' trail about 15 min from the car. The walls from north to south include: Bat Cave, Time Bandits, Gold Rush, Afterburner, Monster, New Era and Wayne Manor. Look for ratings at base of each climb sharpie'd on small stones.
Expect secluded climbing with beautiful views to the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
Long sport routes (up to 100 feet) on mostly good basalt. Bring gear for established cracks. Some routes are mixed and most are bolts only. About 40 routes so far with a number of them in the 5.12 range.
World class whitewater, fly fishing and mountain biking surround the area. The stunning camping sites available along the class II float of the Orilla Verde State Park a few miles below this wall make this a multisport destination.
Helmets recommended. Not easily top-roped.
Getting There
From south: Turn west at Pilar on NM 570 toward Carson. After several riverside miles, cross the Taos Junction Bridge over the Rio Grande onto NM 567 and climb out of the gorge on a gravel 2-wheel-drive road. Park at the La Vista Verde trailhead halfway up to the rim.
From north: Take NM 64 West across Rio Grande Gorge Bridge to West Rim Road South. Turn left onto pavement at junction with road to Carson (NM567) and then descend east into Rio Grande Gorge on gravel road (toward Pilar). Continue down to small parking area at La Vista Verde (North side of road).
To find climbers' trail, cross over wash on road heading uphill. Immediately after wash look for cairns on the other side of the road and pick up trail through boulders on the northwest side of the wash. This climbs steeply up to the Bat Cave, Afterburner and other walls.
Best trad line in area, has only seen a few ascents. Couldn't find out who did it and what style. We took the liberty to name it. Start in chossy band below nice open book w'2" crack going up to mini roof, turn on left then trend right over stegosaurus flakes, solid and cool. Then ascend straight in finger crack with pods and good small edges for feet. Bolted variation climbs on right face (5.11c). Finish same crack to new chain anchor....[more]Browse More Classics in NM
By George Perkins Administrator From: Los Alamos, NM Mar 21, 2009
Vista Verde is great, probably my favorite of the Taos Gorge crags. There isn't much below 5.10+, but the area really shines as far as 5.11 and 5.12s. Thanks for posting the routes and for all the new climbs up there!
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