The dramatic vertical cliffs of Diablo Canyon Recreation Area are a hiking and climbing destination located near the Río Grande. The eastern cliff walls are on BLM-managed land. The cracked basalt of Diablo Canyon offers some of the best multi-pitch traditional and sport climbing in New Mexico. Over one hundred routes range from 5.8 to 5.13 in difficulty. Winter Wall and the Solar Cave are located on the east side of the canyon.  

The western cliff walls and canyon trail are managed by the US Forest Service (USFS). The canyon trail (wash) is approximately 7.5 miles out and back and ends at the Río Grande. The canyon does get very warm and offers little shade so plan accordingly. The trail/wash may become impassable during inclement weather and after heavy rains. If there is flowing water stay off the trail/out of the canyon. 

Diablo Canyon has been featured in movies such as The Missing, 3:10 to Yuma, and Cowboys and Aliens.

Explore Nearby

• El Camino Real — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Hyde Memorial State Park — State Park in New Mexico
• Valles Caldera National Preserve Dark Sky Reserve — Dark Sky Site in New Mexico
• Santa Fe National Forest — National Forest in New Mexico