Hiking Project Logo

gem icon Pena Blanca [Suggest Edits]

3 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

While climbing areas are generally the province of Mountain Project, the easily accessible area at Pena Blanca deserves mention. Around thirty named bouldering problems, ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult, are found around this colorful, short formation breaking out from the Organ Mountains. Were the area not in the shadow of El Paso's Hueco Tanks, an international mecca for climbing enthusiasts, Pena Blanca would receive far more recognition. As it is, the location on BLM land six miles off the highway make this a more obscure, quiet location.

Visitors to the Sierra Vista Trail can make this a part of their visit, and for the shorter climbs, can probably get by without a crash pad. There are a few small caves to explore as well. For beginning climbers, this is a great place to practice or learn the basics with a minimum of equipment.

For additional information, check out the Mountain Project's page on Pena Blanca at mountainproject.com/v/pena-….

Short Hike: Pena Blanca is roughly six miles from Interstate 10. Take the Mesquite exit, Exit 151, and head east. It'll be dirt road the entire way, turning into a rough, single-lane jeep road just after the haz mat facility. A four wheel drive vehicle isn't required in dry conditions, so long as there's adequate ground clearance ‒ the average sedan can make the drive without any trouble.

After passing the trailhead for the Sierra Vista Trail, look ahead towards the yellow rocks of Pena Blanca. A few access roads will break off from the main one, leading to either side of the formation. Follow the tracks of previous vehicles when parking to avoid damage to the fragile desert ecosystem.

Family Friendly: Kids will love having the opportunity to clamber over some rocks and test their climbing skills!

Gem Type: Rock Formation

Shared by:
Brendan Ross
loading

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 29, 2022
Stewart Carnes
Mar 23, 2020
Jean-Claude Linossi
Beautiful hike today with lots of Mexican poppies surrounding the area.
Feb 18, 2017
Jean-Claude Linossi
Like that area. Have been to the Pena Blanca area several times. Have climbed some of the cliffs, nice views from the top.
May 22, 2016
Ryan Conway

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite Dripping Spring

Van Patten's Dripping Springs Resort Ruins

(6) White S…, NM
gem Favorite La Cueva Rock Area

La Cueva

(5) White S…, NM

Nearby Trails

4.2 mi 6.7 km Pine Tree Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
White Sands, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
White Sands, NM
Unknown
Update
28 
2.1 mi 3.3 km Organ Needle Trail
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Las Cruces, NM
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Las Cruces, NM
Unknown
Update
13 
1.6 mi 2.6 km Dripping Springs Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
White Sands, NM
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
White Sands, NM
All Clear
Update
Dry
85 days ago
18 
5.4 mi 8.6 km Baylor Pass Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
White Sands, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
White Sands, NM
Unknown
Update
10 
1.3 mi 2.1 km Soledad Canyon Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
University Park, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
University Park, NM
Unknown
Update
1.0 mi 1.6 km Filmore Canyon Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
White Sands, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
White Sands, NM
Unknown
Update
11 
3.9 mi 6.3 km La Maria Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Las Cruces, NM
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Las Cruces, NM
Unknown
Update
0.7 mi 1.1 km Baylor Peak Trail
Difficult Difficult
White Sands, NM
Difficult Difficult
White Sands, NM
Unknown
Update
0.9 mi 1.5 km Crawford Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
White Sands, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
White Sands, NM
Unknown
Update
3.9 mi 6.2 km Tortugas Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
University Park, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
University Park, NM
Unknown
Update
Shared by Brendan Ross on Mar 23, 2016. All Page Views: 2,583. Last Month: 26.
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.