The Box Recreation Area
The Box Recreation Area
The Box Recreation Area is a popular area for bouldering and technical rock climbing. This 320-acre site has 5 cliffs with challenges for even the highly skilled technical climbing types. Popular challenges exist on the "Fillet a Papillon" Wall, the Corner Block and the Waterfall Wall.
The BLM is adamant about letting you know that bouldering and technical rock climbing are high risk activities. Do not try to climb beyond your abilities.
There is a trailhead, vault toilet and an information kiosk at the parking area of The Box Recreation Area but no drinking water. The property is located about 6 miles west of Socorro off US 60. Go just past the big rock outcroppings and there'll be a barely marked turn to the left (the sign is small and well back from the road but it does say "The Box"). Follow the road south for almost a mile, it'll wrap around behind the big rock outcropping and then there'll be a turn to the left down into the parking area. There are no fees and the property is open year round.
Maps: BLM - Oscura Mountains, Socorro
Looking south from the highway
Looking north into The Box from the parking area
Map of The Box Recreation Area
Black and white map and upper left photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management
Other photos courtesy of TheArmchairExplorer, CCA-by-SA 3.0 License
Other photos courtesy of TheArmchairExplorer, CCA-by-SA 3.0 License
Related Pages
Apache Kid Wilderness
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Cibola National Forest
El Camino Real
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Cibola National Forest
El Camino Real
Map courtesy of National Geographic Topo!