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. The day I stopped by to take my photos, it looked like it was going to rain any second and there was no one in the canyon. But the parking area looked like it had been recently graded and there was a reasonably new "rest room" in place.

Maps: BLM - Oscura Mountains, Socorro