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La Cueva Canyon, Upper

New Mexico > Albuquerque Area > Sandia Mountains

Description

The La Luz trail, running from the foothills of the Sandias to the Sandia Crest, runs directly through this canyon. There is a high concentration of stellar routes on the rock within Upper LaCueva Canyon. Also, in comparison to many other routes within the Sandias, the approaches can be shorter and easier.

Getting There

Though the routes within this canyon can be accessed from the lower part of the canyon (Juan Tabo Picnic Area in the foothills of Albuquerque), it is much easier to access them from the Sandia Crest. The La Luz trail begins on the South end of the Sandia Crest parking lot.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Heading up the La Luz Trail after a great day climbing on The Thumb.
[Hide Photo] Heading up the La Luz Trail after a great day climbing on The Thumb.
Overview of some of the features on the south side of Upper La Cueva Canyon.  View from the first switchback on the Crest Trail.
[Hide Photo] Overview of some of the features on the south side of Upper La Cueva Canyon. View from the first switchback on the Crest Trail.
Upper La Cueva Canyon Pano from the top of The Thumb
[Hide Photo] Upper La Cueva Canyon Pano from the top of The Thumb
Overview Map of Upper LaCueva and Chimney Canyons.
[Hide Photo] Overview Map of Upper LaCueva and Chimney Canyons.
La Luz trail view, Upper La Cueva Canyon
[Hide Photo] La Luz trail view, Upper La Cueva Canyon
Donald Duck & Fire Hydrant
[Hide Photo] Donald Duck & Fire Hydrant
From La Luz trail: Estrellita + Hole in the Wall. Routes are approximated from Sandia Rock & mostly unclimbed by me. 5pm 6/3/23
[Hide Photo] From La Luz trail: Estrellita + Hole in the Wall. Routes are approximated from Sandia Rock & mostly unclimbed by me. 5pm 6/3/23
Panorama
[Hide Photo] Panorama
From The Pulpit
[Hide Photo] From The Pulpit
Upper La Cueva Canyon looking southwest
[Hide Photo] Upper La Cueva Canyon looking southwest
Panorama of Upper La Cueva Canyon with The Thumb to the right.
[Hide Photo] Panorama of Upper La Cueva Canyon with The Thumb to the right.