All Locations > New Mexico > Albuquerque Area > Sandia Mountains > Chimney Canyon

The Sentinel Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Sentinel

L › R R › L A › Z

	Almost Overlooked T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b PG13
	Double Exit Left T 5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13
	General, The T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Lost Ledge T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	North Ridge T 5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b

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Elevation:	10,229 ft	3,118 m
GPS:	35.21167, -106.45326 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	9,376 total · 41/month
Shared By:	Anthony Stout on Jan 20, 2006 · Updates
Admins:	Jason Halladay, Mike Hoskins, Anna Brown Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

A picturesque granite summit on the ridge between upper LaCueva and Chimney canyons. Because of the low angle of the rock, climbs tend to be easy to moderate. Lost ledge seems to be the classic here, starting in a beautiful and smooth dihedral.

Getting There

APPROACH

This GPX approach track can be downloaded from Mountain Project to your phone for import into your favorite map tool.

Park in the upper Sandia Crest parking lot. At the far NW end of the parking lot, follow the communication tower fence to the cliff edge where you’ll find a good trail down the west side of the mountain. Hole down for a couple switchbacks until you reach the viewpoint at the top of the limestone band. For there, head right (north) for about 100 feet until you reach a 4th class down climb located between two large trees (35.21133, -106.45079). See photos below. The down climb will look like a ledge ramp that cuts diagonally down and skier’s left on the limestone face. There’s a fifth class moved at the bottom of the ledge ramp and it’s best to pass packs so you can do the move without a pack on. Alternatively, you can sling the big tree, rappel down and retrieve your gear on the way out.

Photos to help identify the location of the down climb

At the base of the down climb, look back at the cliff so you know where to find the ledge/ramp when you return at the end of the day. You might mark the location with some rocks.

To hike down to the Sentinel from the base of the down climb, trend slightly skier’s right to find the climber’s trail that continues down through the trees. You’ll arrive to the top of Sentinel East where you’re looking for a climber’s trail that cuts down to the right (north) before you get the cliff edge (35.2115, -106.45263).

Follow the trail down and look for the saddle between East Sentinel and Sentinel (35.21171, -106.45307) It’s recommended to leave packs at the saddle as all climbs descend to this spot. Rack up here and hike down to the base of the Sentinel on the same side of the formation (north) that you initially hiked down to the saddle.

DESCENT OFF THE FORMATION
All climbs, except The General, use a rappel off the summit block slung with webbing/cord to return back to the saddle at the SE end of the formation. Rappel with a 60m rope. Inspect cord/webbing prior to rappelling, and be prepared to leave new anchor material. Please cut off old material that no longer appears safe. The General has a short down climb and traverse to return to the saddle.