Rock Climb at Sugarite Canyon

Raton, New Mexico

Description

Virtually unknown!!!! Only about 100 people have climbed these routes-- Sugarite is a mostly trad climbing area with both big and small cams. Great climbs that are challenging for intermediate to advanced trad climbers.

Most ratings range from 5.7 to 5.11 with fewer 5.12. Only one climb in the whole area is bolted-- and that is a 5.10a. To get to this area it is about a 10 minute scramble through woods and boulders on a path that leads straight to the south facing wall.

Driving through Raton, New Mexico exit at the Sugarite National Park exit, about 4 miles down 526 you will arrive a visitor center with a trail map and office. Pay the fee of $5 dollars to climb and $10 if you want to camp at either Camp Alice or Camp Soda Pocket, no need to pay $5 if camping. After paying continue up the same road (526) for about 2 miles to reach Soda Pocket road, which is a dirt road (SEE MAP).From here you either have two options of driving on the dirt road (is locked ask park ranger to unlock for climbers) or park car right in front of gate and hike up.The cliff face is easily visible, but from beginning of Soda Pocket road it is a 1.5 mile hike/drive. Stop once you see a sign saying no mule or horses beyond this point. At this sign there is a light path straight to the cliffs. There is a portapotty right at the trail head.

Again, IT IS BASICALLY ALL TRAD. Bring smaller cams for most climbs.

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Features

Rock Climbing

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildlife

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