Good class 2 climbs in New Mexico?

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ethanc41
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Good class 2 climbs in New Mexico?

Post by ethanc41 »

Hello. Does anyone know any nice class 2 climbs in New Mexico? We would be climbing in December, near Santa Fe.
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desertdog
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Re: Good class 2 climbs in New Mexico?

Post by desertdog »

I've done many of the peaks in northern NM. During winter TH access and long approaches can be an issue for a lot of our class 2 mountains.

Santa Fe Baldy is one that comes to mind as a good winter climb. It's class 1 but a big day in the winter.

Lake Peak is another option close to SF and is not as long of a day as Baldy.

Cabezon is a class 2 west of ABQ and is accessible. It's an hour and a half from SF. It's more desert topography, but a fun climb.

Wheeler, NM's high point, has high avy danger on the standard route, so I would take that one off the list.

Feel free to email me is you have questions about specific mountains.
The summit is a source of power. The long view gives one knowledge and time to prepare. The summit, by virtue of the dizzying exposure, leaves one vulnerable. A bit of confidence and a dash of humility is all we get for our work. Yet to share these moments with friends is to be human. C. Anker
ethanc41
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Re: Good class 2 climbs in New Mexico?

Post by ethanc41 »

desertdog wrote:I've done many of the peaks in northern NM. During winter TH access and long approaches can be an issue for a lot of our class 2 mountains.

Santa Fe Baldy is one that comes to mind as a good winter climb. It's class 1 but a big day in the winter.

Lake Peak is another option close to SF and is not as long of a day as Baldy.

Cabezon is a class 2 west of ABQ and is accessible. It's an hour and a half from SF. It's more desert topography, but a fun climb.

Wheeler, NM's high point, has high avy danger on the standard route, so I would take that one off the list.

Feel free to email me is you have questions about specific mountains.
Thanks! I had a lot of trouble finding any online, this was a big help :-D
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Kiefer
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Re: Good class 2 climbs in New Mexico?

Post by Kiefer »

ethanc41 wrote: Thanks! I had a lot of trouble finding any online, this was a big help :-D
How hard did you ACTUALLY look? :-k

Wheeler Peak Wilderness
Philmont Scout Ranch (Private)
Alex Wood has a good representation of Northern New Mexico peaks.

THIS is a good book. Mostly hikes & walks. Nothing technical.
An average website but it does have great ideas that you can run with & do your own research on. ExploreNM

I've been in the Cimarron and Red River areas twice and they're great places to hike & explore. Sangres are awesome.
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WheelerDealer
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Re: Good class 2 climbs in New Mexico?

Post by WheelerDealer »

Just one more on the list if you're interested, Cerro Grande near Los Alamos plays off like a short day hike in the summer, but in deeper snow, it would be a neat experience. If you were doing more than one climb, that would certainly be a good tune up for bigger trips
ethanc41
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Re: Good class 2 climbs in New Mexico?

Post by ethanc41 »

desertdog wrote:I've done many of the peaks in northern NM. During winter TH access and long approaches can be an issue for a lot of our class 2 mountains.

Santa Fe Baldy is one that comes to mind as a good winter climb. It's class 1 but a big day in the winter.

Lake Peak is another option close to SF and is not as long of a day as Baldy.

Cabezon is a class 2 west of ABQ and is accessible. It's an hour and a half from SF. It's more desert topography, but a fun climb.

Wheeler, NM's high point, has high avy danger on the standard route, so I would take that one off the list.

Feel free to email me is you have questions about specific mountains.
By the way would you recommend crampons?
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desertdog
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Re: Good class 2 climbs in New Mexico?

Post by desertdog »

Lake and SF Baldy you will need snowshoes. There is a short section SF Baldy where micro spikes would help.
The summit is a source of power. The long view gives one knowledge and time to prepare. The summit, by virtue of the dizzying exposure, leaves one vulnerable. A bit of confidence and a dash of humility is all we get for our work. Yet to share these moments with friends is to be human. C. Anker
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