Winter Wall Rock Climbing
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: | 5,921 ft | 1,805 m |
GPS: |
35.80564, -106.14022 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
|
Page Views: | 76,057 total · 326/month | |
Shared By: | Anthony Stout on Feb 13, 2006 | |
Admins: | Shirtless Mike, Jason Halladay, Mike Hoskins, Anna Brown |
Per the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Taos Field Office's ( blm.gov/office/taos-field-o…) 2012 Taos Resource Management Plan (RMP) ( bit.ly/2Kab3HO), "Installation of new rock climbing routes or hardware will require pre-approval by the BLM." The RMP is the document that guides all the BLM management in a given field office. Climbers are asked to respect this guidance and not install new bolts or fixed hardware on Taos Field Office BLM land without pre-approval from the BLM. NM CRAG ( nmcrag.org/) is currently working with the BLM Taos Field Office to establish specific guidance for new route development in the district and they hope to have a formal process in the near future.
Diablo areas within the BLM Taos Field Office management area are: The Shack, Winter Wall, Solar Cave, Lake Street and Styx.
Diablo areas within the BLM Taos Field Office management area are: The Shack, Winter Wall, Solar Cave, Lake Street and Styx.
Description
Long, sunny, moderate sport routes are the primary attraction for the Winter Wall. This wall contains some of the longest sport routes in New Mexico and makes for a great winter destination.
However, be careful on many of the routes on this wall. Despite some absolute gems, many of the routes look and can be a little chossy. Climbers, and especially belayers, should always wear a helmet at this wall. That said, there are some classic lines here and it's a very popular sport climbing destination in northern NM.
The routes Post Moderate (5.9) and Grape Ape (5.10c) are two, not-to-be missed classics of the wall.
However, be careful on many of the routes on this wall. Despite some absolute gems, many of the routes look and can be a little chossy. Climbers, and especially belayers, should always wear a helmet at this wall. That said, there are some classic lines here and it's a very popular sport climbing destination in northern NM.
The routes Post Moderate (5.9) and Grape Ape (5.10c) are two, not-to-be missed classics of the wall.
Getting There
See the Diablo Canyon overview photo. The Winter Wall is impossible to miss as it is the tall, south-facing wall directly in front as you as you enter the parking area!
Descent
The Winter Wall is unique for its rope-stretching sport routes. Many routes are over 100' long and therefore require 70 or 80 meter ropes, two 60m ropes or mid-way rap anchors on a single rope for descent.
Often times, newer climbers aren't well-versed in different methodologies for efficient and safe climbing/lowering using two ropes. George's comment below includes some great suggestions for descending Winter Wall routes.
As with all descent options, double or triple check your knot and rope configuration before lowering or rappelling!
Often times, newer climbers aren't well-versed in different methodologies for efficient and safe climbing/lowering using two ropes. George's comment below includes some great suggestions for descending Winter Wall routes.
As with all descent options, double or triple check your knot and rope configuration before lowering or rappelling!
Classic Climbing Routes at Winter Wall
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
Weather Averages
High
|
Low
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
Prime Climbing Season
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
All Photos Within Winter Wall
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About Winter Wall
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (6)
10 Comments