*** Rappel & Catwalk Approach from East End

This approach is the fastest way to get to climbs on the main wall of the Shield (those starting from the "Ramp"). It's also a possible descent route when scrambling up the Knife Edge.

Finding The Descent
Drive to the top of the mountain and park at the "hair pin turn" (35.216748,-106.4511195). Follow the North Crest Trail for 1 mile north to a side trail that delivers you to North Sandia Peak (35.23091, -106.45265). From the peak, hike west down the ridge towards the Knife Edge for .2 miles before arriving at a large flat spot (35.23541, -106.45966). Turn left and begin traversing SSE for .3 miles towards the rappel station. You'll traverse mostly horizontally with a slight downward trend using faint game trails and intuition. The beta photo above shows the approach. The trail becomes easier to follow closer to the rappel gully. The fixed rappel line is tied to a large tree 30ft down and then 20ft right (35.2319472, -106.4572641). The rappel can be done on the fixed lines or with your own 60m rope. After the rappel, angle left around a pillar, then cut back right and traverse along the base of the Shield. If in doubt, stay high. You traverse 2 fixed hand-lines before reaching the "Ramp" where the main Shield climbs begin. If arriving to the top by scrambling the Knife Edge, keep following the ridge up until you arrive at the large flat spot mentioned above and follow directions from there.

About The Fix Line Traverse
While the traverse is designated as "4th class", it’s exposed and may seem harder than 4th class if not clipping the fixed ropes.

Using Fixed Lines
Use good judgment when relying on fixed lines. Consider using your own rope and protection on the way down, while inspecting the fixed lines for possible use in an emergency to retreat back out and up. Always carry the gear and skills needed to navigate without relying on fixed lines. Feel free to replace fixed ropes as necessary and update this page with date of replacement. Report issues with the fixed lines with a comment on this page.

Fixed Line Condition Summary
As of May 2025, all rappel and traverse ropes are doubled up and in good condition.

GPS Coordinates (start of rappel at top)
35.2319472 -106.4572641

Downloadable GPX for Approach Trail (or view trail on map):
https://www.mountainproject.com/approach-trail/122780725

The "protection" consists of fixed lines for rappelling, prusiks and personal tethers with lockers. You can also use the quicklinks on the rappel anchor to rig your own rope. Additionally, you can lead your way through the hand-line traverse using your own gear and rope.

Current details on the installed fixed ropes (length allows for knots & tie-offs):

• Rappel one: 40’ - 2 redundant ropes to intermediate tree (replaced May 2025)
• Rappel two: 45’ - 2 redundant ropes (replaced May 2025)
• East side hand-line: 50’, 2 redundant ropes (purple rope replaced Oct 2017; red rope replaced August 2018)
• West side hand-line: 30’, 2 redundant ropes (blue rope replaced May 2025; white rope replaced May 2023)

Notes:

1. The rappel-line rope lasts roughly one (1) year depending on wind conditions and on how much slack is left when tying the rope off at the bottom
2. The hand-line rope lasts longer than a year.
3. Replace the fixed lines with static rope (if available).
4. Example of rappel tie-off.