Potrillo Canyon Technical Canyoneering

NOTE: Time Change to 8am.

NOTE: Date Change from 7/7 to 7/14.

Prerequisite: Competent rapeller.

Where: The same trailhead used for The Big Enchilada, Tortilla Flats, and Potrillo Cliffs climbing areas on Estante Way in White Rock’s Pajarito Acres neighborhood. From NM state road 4, turn southeast on Monterey South.  Follow this for .7 miles until you come to Potrillo Rd.  Turn right on Potrillo and continue for .8 miles until you come to Estante Way.  Take another right and follow the road back until you come to a pullout on the right side of the road (.3 miles), just past a fire hydrant (this hydrant is on the right side of the road as you approach, don't be fooled by an earlier hydrant on the left).  Park here. Here’s a Google Maps link of the trailhead.

When: 8am departure from the trailhead, so get there in time to be ready to walk at 8am. We should be out by late morning to early afternoon, depending on speed we can move the group through the canyon.

What You'll Need: Helmet, harness, rappel device, safety tether, gloves, spare locking carabiner, sturdy shoes, clothing appropriate for weather, scrambling, and rappeling. Snacks and drinks. This canyon has all bolted anchors, but also opportunities for natural and retrievable anchors. We’ll practice the anchoring techniques that the group wants to use. Please bring at least 30' of 9/16" or 1" tubular webbing (natural colors preferred: black); and at least two 8mm (5/16") steel rapid links.

It will likely be warm and dry. Many parts of the hike are quite exposed so be prepared to protect yourself from the sun and to hydrate.

The primary purpose is to prepare people for the Zion Canyoneering trip in September 2019, but these will also serve to introduce people to Canyoneering here in New Mexico.

See a canyon description here.

Please send me an email if you want to go so that I have a good idea of who is going and how many we'll be.
We will need some experienced Canyoneers to help out.