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
This short canyon gives beautiful views of red sandstone cliffs and a couple of fun rappels.
Approach
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
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
after the big rap, it's an easy walk down to the loop trail.
Red tape
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
Doug Scott's New Mexico Slot Canyons : Walatowa Slot Canyon