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The Keep

5.9, Trad, Alpine, 100 ft (30 m), Grade II,  Avg: 3 from 2 votes
FA: July, 2012
New Mexico > Albuquerque Area > Sandia Mountain… > Pinnacle Valley > Keep
Warning Access Issue: SANDIA CREST CLOSURE ALERT - Beginning APRIL 30, 2026, 140 acres at the top of the Sandia Mountains is under a closure order. DetailsDrop down

Description

The climb is the large pinnacle on the lower part of the Keep Ridge. Climb the North face on the west side up a slightly overhanging hand crack. The crux is leaving the hand crack to a finger crack/mantel.

Location

On The Lower part of the Keep Ridge is the location of the climb. Access by Rapping down the Watchtower. the is a fixed 11mm rope around the summit with a link to rap off.

Protection

Standard Rack

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The keep from above with the route clealy visible.
[Hide Photo] The keep from above with the route clealy visible.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Bill Lawry
Albuquerque, NM
  5.9
[Hide Comment] With a little scrambling/bush-whacking, this climb could be a fun start to the day if you are already planning to climb on Watchtower. If so, rap via Watchman's Secret on Watchtower as this will land you close to The Keep route.

The first bit of climbing is so-so but the crack and getting up on top of the thing makes up for it.

It is a 30 meter rap from the 11 mm fixed rope & link at the top of the pinnacle (July 2012) down to the NE - can do climb and rap with one 60 meter rope. Aug 5, 2012