What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local rock climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area Half or full day of guided climbing All necessary equipment (climbing shoes, harness, helmet, ropes, etc.) What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Food

What do I need to bring?

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) Ropes Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35-45L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Food you can eat on-the-go Hiking shoes or sneakers Sun hat Sunglasses Warm layers Waterproof jacket Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Rock Climbing in New Mexico with a Guide

Top three reasons to rock climb in New Mexico

Great weather conditions year-round
Scenic vistas surrounding you with each leg up
Collection of various rock types hosting single-pitch climbing

Welcome to the Land of Enchantment where the sun always shines on rock climbers! New Mexico’s 300 days of sunshine a year go well with its abundance of climbing opportunities. Boasting a wide variety of terrain up to 14,000ft, take a pick among granite cliffs, bolted basalt, conglomerate, or cobblestones. As if the area’s assortment of natural formations isn’t reason enough to plan your trip to NM, there are also unparalleled scenic panoramas as you’re reaching the top. Surround yourself with the high desert of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, trad climb in the pine forests of the El Rito crag, or sport climb steep faces in Tres Piedras. With many more locations to choose from, find your place in the sun at one of NM’s countless climbs!

Season Year-round	Nearest city Albuquerque is an hour away from Santa Fe and 2 hours from Taos
Duration 1 day	Skill level Beginner to advanced

Choose how you spend your day

Boost your skills or learn the basics with this half-day adventure of private rock climbing in New Mexico. Everything’s easier with a guide who’ll customize the location and type of climbing to your abilities and wishes. Find the perfect place with panoramic views among numerous crags: Tres Piedras, Taos Ski Valley, Comales Ganyons, etc. There’s too many options to choose from, which only means you have to get on it right away!

Finding a route on your own may be difficult when it comes to a land with endless climbing opportunities. This is where your personal guide comes in—they’ll zoom in on the perfect crags for trad or sport climbs and push you to your goals. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete rookie or already well-versed in climbing, rest assured you’ll spend the day getting the max out of rock climbing in New Mexico!

Meet your guide

Mountain Skills Rock Guides

AMGA Certified Guides

The Mountain Skills Rock Guides have provided permitted, certified, and insured guided rock climbing tours of the Red Rock National Conservation Area and northern New Mexico for over 20 years.

Reviews (5)

Carrie G about Mountain Skills Rock Guides on Tripadvisor

We had a great day of climbing with a fantastic guide. He was very knowledgeable, fun to hang with, and very encouraging. He really took the time to assess our needs as climbers both with regards to the hike to the crag and the particular climbs. He chose fantastic routes, and we had a great time. I highly recommend both Jake and Mountain Skills.

John M about Mountain Skills Rock Guides on Tripadvisor

Had a great day on the rocks with Jay as my guide. Very professional, skilled and a lot of fun. He spend time giving me instruction throughout the day on how to be a better climber overall which I really appreciated! It was an incredible day climbing in Taos for the first time. I am looking forward to exploring other venues with MSRG now! Thank you for an amazing day!!!

John S about Mountain Skills Rock Guides on Tripadvisor

We climbed with Jake who wasn’t a usual local guide, but he was great. My daughter and I are experienced, but low experienced, and Jake was able to find an area that was perfectly suited to us. He taught us new techniques that were right at our skill level and was patient and happy to help. If we are in the area again, we will be seeking out their services again. I have only good things to say about our experience.

Alex L about Mountain Skills Rock Guides on Tripadvisor

Had a great time climbing with Jay near Taos, NM. It was my first time climbing outside (quite a divergence from Gym climbing b.t.w.). He showed me the ropes (literally) and we had a good time. I’d recommend him to anyone.

Steve U about Mountain Skills Rock Guides on Tripadvisor

Our climbing trip in the Taos area could not have gone better. My son gym climbs weekly for two years and I have been climbing twice, yet our guide Thomas had no trouble at all making a great experience for both of us despite drastically different experience levels. Plus the drive out to climb showed us other areas we wanted to stop and see when climbing was done.

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, please refer to New Mexico’s Department of Health.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

- An experienced, local rock climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- Half or full day of guided climbing
- All necessary equipment (climbing shoes, harness, helmet, ropes, etc.)

What’s not included:

- Transportation
- Accommodations
- Food

For this rock climbing adventure in New Mexico, If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.

For intermediate to advanced climbers, New Mexico has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

- Helmet
- Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
- Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
- Ropes
- Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

- Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35-45L bag)
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Food you can eat on-the-go
- Hiking shoes or sneakers
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Camera — optional

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

- For this New Mexico rock climbing adventure, the usual client to guide ratio is 5:1.
- The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

Rock climbing in New Mexico can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the climb, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to your rock climbing adventure in New Mexico, most people fly into Albuquerque International Sunport. From there, it’s an hour’s drive to Santa Fe and a 2-hour drive to Taos. You can also fly into municipal airports, such as the Santa Fe Municipal Airport or Taos Regional Airport.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

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