Bouldering Trip to New Mexico
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I want to plan a bouldering trip to New Mexico (most likely the Albuquerque area, based on what I have found). When is the best time to go? Where can I sleep for free (i.e. camp)? |
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Get this, if you don't have it already...: |
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It will probably be pretty warm down there, though its near impossible to predict springtime conditions in the Southwest (as I'm sure you know). If it is warm, I'd recommend checking out either Roy, or Nosos / Posos. All are located in the typically cooler Northern part of the state, home to incredible bouldering and plenty of shade. Nosos / Posos are actually alpine areas, making them very good when other places are a bit too hot to climb. All of these areas are well documented in the New Mexico Bouldering guide. |
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Nathan Self wrote:Get this, if you don't have it already...: newmexicobouldering.com/ind…Thank you! I get paid Friday...(: |
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JP Whitehead wrote:It will probably be pretty warm down there, though its near impossible to predict springtime conditions....I am from Salt Lake City Utah, and have never been to New Mexico, so thank you for your pro-tips! |
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Thanks Nathan for the shout out! I do recommend buying the book also, but I would say that ;) Late April/early May in Roy will be borderline hot (although as JP says, springtime in NM is fickle and impossible to predict. I wouldn't recommend Roy if the highs are in the 80s). You'll be able to climb, you just have to chase shade and watch out for rattlers. Much better options are the Ortegas- Nosos and Posos being the two easiest places to access. Posos is at 9000' and will probably have highs in the 60s at that time, i.e. perfect. The camping at Posos is pretty awesome too. I think you will really dig those areas. |
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Owen! I need to thank you cyber-personally for the effort you've put into the book and these areas. For being such a "new" area, in Roy I found well maintained climbers trails, cairns, and boulders. The level of work put into that place is evident. Also, the GPS coordinates in the book are accurate, and beyond useful in a service-less area like Roy. |
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I echo Owen's sentiments with regards to Roy--rattlesnakes will be an issue that late in the spring. I would say try dropping for one day on either end of the trip to see the stone. The best/shadiest/coolest spots will be the East Fork, Moss Grande, Squid Jerky, Scorched Hell, and Scorched Earth. The megaroof in upper Mesteno can stay cool as well before the sun hits the canyon later in the day. |
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Thanks a lot JP! Appreciated, the work on the book was a massive undertaking and I'm glad that others are benefiting from it. |
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Owen Summerscales wrote: Thanks Nathan for the shout out! I do recommend buying the book also, but I would say that ;) Late April/early May in Roy will be borderline hot (although as JP says, springtime in NM is fickle and impossible to predict. I wouldn't recommend Roy if the highs are in the 80s). You'll be able to climb, you just have to chase shade and watch out for rattlers. Much better options are the Ortegas- Nosos and Posos being the two easiest places to access. Posos is at 9000' and will probably have highs in the 60s at that time, i.e. perfect. The camping at Posos is pretty awesome too. I think you will really dig those areas. Albuquerque area will definitely be warm by then, though the limestone bouldering is quite a bit cooler than the sandia foothills stuff. And also, it's not really worth the trip—just good quality local bouldering. Can you camp at the parking for Posos? Or is it in a different spot? I have the. Ok but it doesn't say much about camping for that area. We will be in Roy for the winter then heading here once it gets too hot. We are towing a trailer. And where are good spots to fill up water? |
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Scaligiuri Caligiuri wrote: The parking area for Posos is an excellent camp site. If you go slightly past the main parking and take a right 20 yds down, there is a more secluded flat spot. The road up there is a bit rocky and will require a little clearance and maneuverability on the trailer. If you dont have that, you could park the trailer in the meadow immediately before you reach the outcrop, 1 min drive/5 min walk away. For water, that's a little more tricky. I would try the gas station in Ojo Caliente. |