Las Conchas

Las Conchas is a roadside band of volcanic rhyolite cliffs strung along the East Fork of the Jemez River. Nine separate crags spread over about a mile of canyon, with routes from 5.8 to 5.13c on rock that stays noticeably cooler than desert crags, a draw once summer sets in elsewhere.

What to Do

Climbing is the reason most people stop here. There are bolted lines 30 to 60 feet tall, with enough variety across the different crags to fill a full day without repeating a route. You don’t need a rope to enjoy the canyon, though. The East Fork Trail follows the river through the area and makes for an easy, scenic walk past the cliffs, with wildflowers in summer and good aspen color in fall.

How Much Time to Spend

Climbers can spend a half day to a full day working multiple crags. If you’re just walking the riverside trail and watching climbers, an hour or two is enough to get a feel for the place.

Getting There

Las Conchas sits directly on NM-4, about 36 miles north of San Ysidro and just east of La Cueva, on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. Small pullouts line the highway near each crag, and parking fills up fast on weekends, so arrive early. The East Fork Trailhead at the Las Conchas day-use area marks the easiest starting point for hikers.

Even if you don’t climb, Las Conchas offers a pleasant outdoor experience worth stopping for on your way through Jemez!