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Just off Highway 60 southwest of Socorro, Box Canyon is a favorite spot for New Mexico Tech students who want an outdoor getaway and maybe some bouldering fun.

“The Box” was recently featured in Climbing Magazine’s “10 Best Winter Climbing Destinations,” for its unique mix of climbing challenges, picturesque scenery, and solitude. Indeed, the canyon has deep, narrow walls and excellent mixed climbing routes that provide a thrilling challenge for climbers of all levels. It is also known for its beautiful volcanic tuff that creates striking, challenging climbs.

What makes it a standout for Climbing’s winter list is the mild desert climate. While many climbing areas are buried under snow and ice during the colder season, Socorro enjoys many cloudless winter days with temperatures in the 50s and even 60s.