Las Conchas via East Fork Trail

75 minutes north of Albuquerque, Las Conchas is a trailhead that sits right off the highway with two accessible, although small, parking lots.  Right out of the gate the wide and well worn trail drops down to follow the river north through a wide mountain valley lined with large stands of trees, beautiful cliff faces, and tall grass meadows.  Hike in along the trail over wooden boardwalks and well used single track for an easy amble with plenty of places to picnic, hang out, or fish in the river, with an out distance over 2.5 miles of trail there is plenty of room for everyone even when it gets a little populated on the weekends. 

The real gems scattered all over this valley are the climbing walls.  With a huge array of maintained Sport Climbing sends ranging from an easy 5.6 to some stellar 5.12a/b/s routes, there is something for the whole crew. Many of the walls close proximity to the road allow for a greater load to be easily carried to the bottom of the pitch where you can set up for the day with a well stocked camp.  Seek out the popular climbs on the Cattle Call Wall, The Sponge, Gateway, and Easy Bake Oven, all offering multiple sends with well maintained anchors, bolts, and biners at the top.  With a few of the sends close to the highway we noticed frequent paparazzi snapping off a few pictures of climbers perched way up off the ground. 

Getting up to Las Conchas during the week provides a solitary wide open space with only a few hikers and climbers seeking out this beautiful valley, but on the weekend it can become a haven for all of the areas climbers, fishermen, and outdoor families. 

Nearby Jemez Springs provides a great launch pad and homebase for breakfast on your way out or a beer and a burger on your way back to town.  Check out Los Ojos pub for a killer bight and local brews.  

Our whole team of variously skilled climber enjoyed this spot immensely.  The views, ease of access, and awesome routes will have us all returning again and again. 

Of note: there were many family dogs about, there are no public restrooms or outhouses, parking is free, and camping is allowed.