Cerro Pedernal climb

Cerro Pedernal is a landmark visible throughout northern New Mexico, standing as a sentinel at the northern end of the Jemez Mountains. The summit is a classic destination and views from its 9,862' narrow top are spectacular. Reaching the summit takes about a two-hour drive from Los Alamos and a hike of about 8 miles round-trip with 2,000 feet of vertical ascent, per the map below. The hike may be shorter if we are able to drive the first part of the route.

A vertical 15-foot rock face a few minutes from the summit requires a short stretch of class 4 climbing. There will be a rope available to provide assistance up the rock face. This section is optional, folks who prefer to avoid it can wait at the base, having lunch and enjoying the views.

This is a strenuous hike over a rough trail. Participants must be prepared and in shape. Participants should meet in Los Alamos at 8:00 a.m. to carpool. Bring lots of water and a lunch and be prepared for any sort of weather. Participants must commit to an all-day outing. 

Please contact Trenton Hiatt at trentonhiatt2@gmail.com if you would like to go or have any questions, and to learn the meerting place.