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Elevation: 6,200 ft
GPS: 36.5338, -105.7077
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 19,220 total · 91/month
Shared By: Mike Howard on Dec 13, 2006 · Updates
Admins: Mike Howard, Jason Halladay, Mike Hoskins, Anna Brown

Description Suggest change

South-facing basalt wall right off dirt road. Has around twenty routes and is a small sport/trad area. This wall is one of the toastiest winter walls in the area, but can be unbearable in the summer.
The oldest established climbing area in the gorge, as such the fixed gear can be sketchy. Watch out for bad bolts, loose rock, and worn out chains. 

Getting There Suggest change

From Taos, go north on highway 522 to Arroyo Hondo about 10 miles. Turn left at Arroyo Hondo. Follow dirt road about 2 miles, bearing right at fork. Almost down at the Rio Grande River, a small basalt roadside wall appears on right just after bridge over the Rio Hondo. There are about 20 routes. There are hot springs about 1/4 mile downstream on the western bank of the Rio Grande. To enjoy the Black Rock Spring, turn Left after the bridge and drive up this road to park at the first turn. Follow a faint trail downstream. Bring a trashbag and do your part to keep it clean, favor.

15 Total Climbs

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Location: John's Wall Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at John's Wall

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 36
The Houston S
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 12
Bulges
Trad
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 14
The Nose
Sport
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 17
Alberta
Sport
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
 6
Nice Guy Syndrome
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
The Houston S
 36
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport
Bulges
 12
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad
The Nose
 14
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
Alberta
 17
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
Nice Guy Syndrome
 6
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a Sport
More Classic Climbs in John's Wall »

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