Diablo Canyon Recreation Area

The dramatic vertical cliffs of Diablo Canyon Recreation Area make the area a hiking and climbing destination near the Rio Grande. The eastern cliff walls are on BLM-managed land and the western cliff walls are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Diablo Canyon has been featured in movies such as The Missing, 3:10 to Yuma, and Cowboys and Aliens.

The cracked basalt of Diablo Canyon offers some of the best multi-pitch tradition and sport climbing in New Mexico. Over one hundred routes range from 5.8 to 5.13 in difficulty. Winter Wall and the Solar Cave are located on the east side of the canyon.

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Fees

  • None

Season/Hours

  • Open year-round

Special Rules 

  • Closed to motorized vehicles 
  • Closed to shooting 

Facilities

  • Facilities include a defined trailhead and parking area.  There is no water or restrooms.
  • Day use and camping are free of fees at Diablo Canyon.  Primitive camping includes four walk-in tent sites and four car camping sites.  These sites include defined parking areas and a fire ring. 
  • A large open area is available for group camping and picnicking.  
  • The area does not have water, toilets or trash receptacles.   Leave no Trace and Pack it in, pack it out.

Phone

575-758-8851

Geographic Coordinates

35.80500639, -106.1373972

Directions

Access Veterans Memorial Highway (599) from either I-25 south of Santa Fe (exit 282) or off of Saint Frances Drive, NW. Exit onto Camino La Tierra road heading west toward the Rio Grande. After about 4 miles, take a right onto Old Buckman Road and start down a dirt road. After about 7.5 miles, you will reach the turnoff on your left used for parking for the Diablo Canyon Recreation Area.