New Mexico · Rock climbing · Socorro

The Branch Office

Accessible New Mexico crag with varied climbing for developing and intermediate climbers.

6 routes
5.8 – 5.10c
Sport

Best time to visit The Branch Office

Best months: March–May and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    52° / 23°

    3 wet

  2. Feb

    59° / 28°

    3 wet

  3. Mar

    67° / 34°

    3 wet

  4. Apr

    75° / 41°

    2 wet

  5. May

    83° / 49°

    3 wet

  6. Jun

    91° / 57°

    4 wet

  7. Jul

    91° / 63°

    8 wet

  8. Aug

    89° / 61°

    9 wet

  9. Sep

    84° / 53°

    6 wet

  10. Oct

    73° / 41°

    4 wet

  11. Nov

    61° / 31°

    4 wet

  12. Dec

    50° / 24°

    4 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Socorro, NM, 7.3 mi away at 4,593 ft. The station sits about 900 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

The Branch Office is a climbing area on Bureau of Land Management land within the Socorro Field Office in New Mexico, about 7 miles from the town of Socorro. It sits among a cluster of other climbing areas, including East Side, Ultimate Boulder and The Gimmes, all within about a tenth of a mile. The climbing here is all sport, with six routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.10c. The easiest is CU-Anytime at 5.8, and the hardest is Insufficient Funds at 5.10c. All were first ascended by Karl Kiser and Mark Thomas in the fall of 2006. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Socorro show April highs around 75°F and October highs around 73°F, while July and August average highs near 91°F with more wet days. Water Canyon Campground, about 8 miles away, is the closest place to camp. Box Canyon Rd and North Box Trail are both within a mile of the climbing area.

Routes (6)