Albuquerque Area Climbing

All these areas exist right east of the city of Albuquerque.

• Sandia Mountains (West Side): The Sandia Mountains sits on the east side of Albuquerque and it's roughly an hour drive to the top from Albuquerque. Sandia Peak has an elevation of 10,678′ and the mountain offers committing alpine adventure with long approaches and tall walls.
• Sandia Foothills: Provides lower-elevation climbing and bouldering nestled in a high-desert of piñon-juniper forest full of boulders and cactus.
• Palomas Peak: Technical limestone sport climbing at the north end of the Sandia Mountains above the town of Placitas. About a 40 minute drive from Albuquerque with a 35 minute hiking approach.
• TV Station Bouldering: High quality, alpine, limestone bouldering at the top of the Sandias, just north of the Sandia Crest.
• Sandia Foothills Bouldering: Granite bouldering in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. This is the closest outdoor climbing you can find from the city of Albuquerque. Popular spots are U-Mound, Fat City, Indian School, Manitoba/Montgomery Trailhead and Three Gun (Tres Pistolas).
• Carnuel Crag: This small cluster of large granite boulders offers decent climbing close to Albuquerque, with a relatively easy approach. It’s a great alternative to the gym. The wall faces east, making it especially pleasant on summer evenings and sunny winter mornings.
• Ranger Station: A short, south-facing limestone cliff located immediately south of the Sandia Ranger Station building in Tijeras. The wall is has easy access, mellow routes, and is an ideal spot for new climbers or anyone looking for a relaxed day on the rock—kids included.
• Little Beaver Town: A small granite wall that faces north and is hidden from view from a neighborhood behind trees in an arroyo.
• Big Block: A limestone small sport and bouldering crag just outside of Albuquerque.
• Tunnel Springs: An area near Placitas which featuring short, sustained climbs on moderate quality, sharp limestone.