Two University of New Mexico professors have collaborated to create a new rock climbing guidebook, aiming to support both local recreation and safety efforts in central New Mexico. Dr. Michael Russo, assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and Benjamin Warner, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, co-authored “Nova Canyon: A Rock Climber’s Guide.” The book documents newly established climbing routes in the Sandia Mountains and serves as a resource for climbers.
The guidebook was developed with input from local climbers and organizations. It features photos, detailed route descriptions, and contributions from members of the climbing community. All proceeds from sales are directed to the Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council (AMRC), a volunteer organization that supports outdoor safety in the region. The publication is expected to sell over 200 copies and generate more than $5,000 for AMRC.
“The goal of the guidebook is to usher in a new community of outdoor recreationalists and climbers into the local Sandia Mountains, and in turn support the critical outdoor recreation infrastructure and organization that keeps them safe; i.e., the Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council,” said Warner. “In doing this, we aim to support the governor’s new mission, which is to increase access to the outdoors for New Mexicans, ensuring healthy outcomes, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity.”
The project builds on work done by both faculty members’ departments at UNM. Warner’s research addresses statewide outdoor access expansion through environmental management studies. The Department of Emergency Medicine at UNM has focused on wilderness medicine and outdoor safety initiatives.
“We hope that this Nova Canyon project inspires more cross-campus collaborative research on outdoor recreation opportunities across the state in the coming months and years. If anyone in the UNM community has questions or related research ideas, we would welcome them to reach out,” said Russo.
Warner and Russo bring over 40 years of combined global climbing experience to their work. They received institutional support from UNM during development of the guidebook and mentored graduate students throughout its creation.
“Working with UNM students and local community members to design and build a project that gives back to that very same community has been one of the real pleasures of this work. It makes the work feel more tangible, and I’m proud that UNM is a leader in the effort to develop and sustain healthy and accessible environments for New Mexicans,” said Warner.
Guidebooks are available at Stone Age Climbing Gyms in Albuquerque as well as Santa Fe Climbing Center. Future sales may also take place at AMRC events with all funds continuing to benefit mountain rescue operations.
