New Mexico · Rock climbing · Datil

North (Left) Face

North (Left) Face in New Mexico has 10 sport climbing routes.

10 routes
5.11b – 5.12b/c
Sport

Is North (Left) Face open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists an alert for Magdalena Ranger District.

  • Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order #03-03-03-26-01

    Agency alert covering Magdalena Ranger District · Order 03-03-03-26-01 · USFS · Magdalena Ranger District

As of · Source: USFS · Magdalena Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit North (Left) Face

Best months: April–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

    43° / 20°

    5 wet

  2. Feb

    47° / 23°

    5 wet

  3. Mar

    56° / 27°

    5 wet

  4. Apr

    64° / 33°

    3 wet

  5. May

    73° / 41°

    4 wet

  6. Jun

    83° / 50°

    5 wet

  7. Jul

    83° / 53°

    11 wet

  8. Aug

    80° / 52°

    12 wet

  9. Sep

    75° / 46°

    7 wet

  10. Oct

    64° / 37°

    5 wet

  11. Nov

    52° / 27°

    4 wet

  12. Dec

    43° / 20°

    5 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Pietown 19ne, NM, 18.1 mi away at 7,961 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

North (Left) Face is a climbing area in the Magdalena Ranger District of Cibola National Forest in New Mexico, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among a cluster of climbing areas, with The Enchanted Tower, the South/Southeast (Right) Face and Rapunzel Wall all about 0.1 mile away. The area is a sport climbing destination. Ten routes are listed, all rated between 5.11b and 5.12b/c on the YDS scale. Among them are Grendel at 5.11b, White Witch at 5.12a/b and Straight On Til Morning at 5.12b/c. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Pietown run to highs around 73°F in May and 75°F in September, while July and August bring the most wet days, about 11 and 12 a month. The station sits at a similar elevation to the area, so those figures are a fair guide. Datil Well Recreation Area Campground is about 6 miles away for anyone planning an overnight stay.

Routes (10)