March 5, 2005

A small group of intrepid climbers happily joined Dave Yeamans for a beautiful and exciting climb of Cabezon Peak near Cuba, New Mexico.  The name "Cabezon" is derived from the Spanish noun "cabeza," meaning "head," and "Cabezon" translates as "big head."  The peak is believed to have religious significance for the Pueblo and Navajo Indians, and remnants of their visits still exist.  The Navajos have various myths associated with Cabezon, one of which explains that the peak and local lava flows came from a giant who was slain upon Mount Taylor.  The giant’s head became Cabezon Peak and his blood congealed to form the Malpais, or the "bad land" volcanic flow to the south.

My photo of Cabezon Peak was published
 in the January 2006 issue of "Nature Materials"

The photo gallery below illustrates our March 5, 2005 climb.  We were joined by several paragliders, which we watched as we climbed.  Cabezon Peak's dramatic volcanic formation is one of the most well known landmarks in northwest New Mexico.  With an elevation of 7,785 feet, the Peak is part of the Mount Taylor volcanic field and is the largest of 50 volcanic necks rising from the Rio Puerco Valley.  Dramatic basaltic cliffs on Cabezon provide a close view of an ancient volcano.  Several of my photos were purchased for promotional use by the paraglide company that was flying during our climb.

The Climb:

Cabezon, rising nearly 2,000 feet above the valley floor, is a popular area for rock climbing and scrambling.  The ascent of the 4th class chimney near the southeast portion is marked by cairns.  A 70 foot 9mm rope is useful for hip belaying inexperienced climbers.   A successful climb to the summit will reward you with an expansive view of the Rio Puerco Valley.  Helmets and sturdy boots are recommended when climbing the peak due to loose rocks.

Getting There:

Entry into the area is best gained by turning westward from US 550 onto CR 279 approximately 20 miles northwest of San Ysidro.   A green highway sign (labeled "San Luis – Cabezon – Torreon") marks the turnoff.  Continue 12 miles (southwest past the village of San Luis) to the Cabezon turn-off, onto BLM Road 1114.  At the intersection of CR 279 and BLM 1114 you will pass by the privately-owned “ghost town” of Cabezon.  Follow BLM 1114 south for 2.9 miles to the dirt route that leads east to the trailhead.

Four well drive vehicles are recommended on the unmaintainted dirt road.  Also, CR 279 and BLM 1114 are passable during dry conditions, but they can become slippery and rutted during wet seasons.