Walatowa Slot Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:2, max ↨80ft
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle:None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | spring to fall, can be snowy in winter
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35.6526, -106.7155
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Introduction[edit]
This short canyon gives beautiful views of red sandstone cliffs and a couple of fun rappels.
Approach[edit]
Follow the walatowa loop trail to the right until you reach a small drainage on the right (see http://dougscottart.com/hobbies/SlotCanyons/Walatowa.htm for map). Scramble up this then head northeast till you approach the slot. Stay a couple benches up and work your way up to the gap between the upper and lower technical sections. Scramble up a steep drainage to the right and continue skirting the slot till you can drop in at the top.
Descent[edit]
The upper portion has one 35' rap off of a deadman. After this is a 10' drop with a deadman at the top which should not be used. It is falling apart and you can get down without a rope. after the canyon opens up, drop down into another slot section with some easy downclimbs until you reach the 80' rap off of a sturdy tree. There was a pool at the base but it was easily avoided when we were there in December.
Exit[edit]
after the big rap, it's an easy walk down to the loop trail.
Red tape[edit]
Regulated by Jemez Nation. $5 hiking permit required, available at the Pueblo of Jemez Welcome Center (7413 Hwy 4, Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico 87024) directly across State Highway #4 from the Red Rocks/Walatowa Canyon Trailhead.
Beta sites[edit]
Doug Scott's New Mexico Slot Canyons : Walatowa Slot Canyon
