The Rand-McNally atlases have Sierra Blanca at 12,003 ft. They have a lot of other elevations off a bit too. I have no idea where they get their info from. The topo maps do not support this figure though, and I think the consensus is for the current 11,9xx figure.
According to Mike Butterfield's Guide to the Mountains of New Mexico by Peter Greene, in the early 70s the altitude was officially 12,003 ft. However, when the USGS took new measurements (in the 90's or 2000s?) the altitude was lowered 30 feet to 11,973. Hence there are probably some maps with the old elevation, and some with the new.
LouisFasano32 - May 18, 2022 10:24 pm - Hasn't voted
Update: Read before climbing
I attempted Sierra Blanca on May 6th and was turned around by an individual on an ATV. There are a few issues with climbing Sierra Blanca.
1. It is on Tribal lands and it still is technically off limits. in the mans words, "You need to call to get a permit but the tribe doesn't give permits".
2. As of May 6th 2022, there is a fire ban in effect. The man said he would have let us continue if it had not been for the fire ban.
Once you cross the wooden fence from the ski resort to the other side, you are technically on the tribal lands. It sounds like things are more lax when there isn't a fire ban but know you might get turned around if you make the attempt.
dsnell - Aug 23, 2003 10:51 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGreat page, Scott. Keep it up!
Steven Cross - Nov 1, 2003 12:14 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentI somehow missed this one. Nice page!. This one looks increadible!
Rockopotamus - Feb 12, 2004 2:16 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGreat web site...this mountain was basically in my back yard. But It's been almost two decades since I've been back.
bahia0019 - Dec 19, 2008 12:21 am - Hasn't voted
Here I comeHeading there tomorrow. Be on summit if there isn't too much snow Saturday late morning.
It'll be my first real peak, so I'm looking forward to it!
Thanks for all the great info.
bahia0019 - Dec 19, 2008 12:28 am - Hasn't voted
Here I comeHeading there tomorrow. Be on summit if there isn't too much snow Saturday late morning.
It'll be my first real peak, so I'm looking forward to it!
Thanks for all the great info.
Alex Wood - Aug 21, 2009 12:33 pm - Voted 10/10
12K?I have seen alot of sources showing Sierra Blanca at 12,005ft, is that true or is there a discrepency with the true elevation?
surgent - Aug 21, 2009 3:01 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: 12K?The Rand-McNally atlases have Sierra Blanca at 12,003 ft. They have a lot of other elevations off a bit too. I have no idea where they get their info from. The topo maps do not support this figure though, and I think the consensus is for the current 11,9xx figure.
hans.schenk - Jun 4, 2012 10:26 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: 12K?According to Mike Butterfield's Guide to the Mountains of New Mexico by Peter Greene, in the early 70s the altitude was officially 12,003 ft. However, when the USGS took new measurements (in the 90's or 2000s?) the altitude was lowered 30 feet to 11,973. Hence there are probably some maps with the old elevation, and some with the new.
LouisFasano32 - May 18, 2022 10:24 pm - Hasn't voted
Update: Read before climbingI attempted Sierra Blanca on May 6th and was turned around by an individual on an ATV. There are a few issues with climbing Sierra Blanca.
1. It is on Tribal lands and it still is technically off limits. in the mans words, "You need to call to get a permit but the tribe doesn't give permits".
2. As of May 6th 2022, there is a fire ban in effect. The man said he would have let us continue if it had not been for the fire ban.
Once you cross the wooden fence from the ski resort to the other side, you are technically on the tribal lands. It sounds like things are more lax when there isn't a fire ban but know you might get turned around if you make the attempt.