This line is not specifically described in any previous guide, but is apparently one of those "easier routes [that] are to the left of the... Big Enchilada" mentioned by Beverly (2006:202-203).   A blocky start leads to a right-facing dihedral with a crack that pinches out.  Surmount another block, and follow the next right-facing dihedral to the top.

Dihedrals

Route 7

Cheese Enchilada

Route 6

Chimney

Black and Tan

Route 5

The Big Enchilada

Huevos Verdes

The Big Enchilada (Left Crack)

Big Jalapena

Climb the hand crack in a left-facing corner to a big ledge.  From here, face climb up following a seam to a small roof just below the top of the cliff. 

  An alternate easier start is to begin on blocks to the left, as for #6. 

  It is very possible to climb a 5.8 variation of the route by staying farther right of the seam above the ledge, and then traversing left under the roof.

This line, just left of the Big Enchilada, is an easier option to avoid the intimidating roof, and also makes a good 5.7/5.8 route. 

  Start as for Big Enchilada's left roof crack (1 5.7+ or 5.8 move near the beginning) but escape up left 15' before reaching the roof, following a ramp up and left to a good ledge.  From here, you can traverse back right above the roof (useful if a TR is set there), or go straight up following cracks over blocky overhangs, or go left even farther (easiest).   

  I've heard that some folks are calling this line 'Cheese Enchilada.', although it's not written up in any of the guides, but it seems a fitting name.

Climb the crack right of Route 5. Start up blocky terrain to a good stance below the bulging finger crack. Get in some good finger size pro and gaston, or perhaps lieback, up through bulge with little to no feet. This is the crux. Above, climb through some good hand jams to a big, positive flake. Either finish straight up along the flake's left edge or climb fun moves to the right underclinging the flake to cruiser terrain. Bring a couple double-length slings for the two-bolt anchor at the top.

Hard to miss this one - it's a chimney route (one of the only ones in White Rock). Fun if you like that kind of thing, not so fun if not!

The guidebooks and route topos for this area stop describing routes at Route 7 but there is more entertaining climbing beyond that route. Climbed for many years, this line is a fun moderate that protects well.  

  Look up for a right-angling crack that splits a light tan/orange face on the left and a black face on the right. That's the goal. Start up in a boxed corner with dual cracks--the right crack protects the best. Stem and pull your way up and out of this box to a good ledge. Continue up fun face climbing with a nice crack for protection as you follow the right-angling crack to a small alcove. The difficulties are done. Cruise to the top, heading back a little left.

Scramble up easy rock going left or right around a big block to get established below the wide hands/fist crack. Jam the crack awkwardly or feel around inside for some edges and sigh some relief when you grab the big flake sticking out and it doesn't wobble. Stand up on said flake and  enjoy some good hand crack climbing up the rest of the way.    Either step left near the top to use the anchors on Big Jalapena or continue on easier terrain to the top and setup your own anchor.

The namesake line at the crag is the Big Enchilada, the obvious crack splitting the most prominent roof high on the east side.  It looks pretty big from below, but it isn't quite as big or as tough as Len's Roof at the Overlook. 

  The approach to the roof can be done in a couple of different ways.  The easiest is to climb the right-facing corner that leads up to the Big Enchilada roof's left side.  Better and more fun is to go straight up directly, following a thin seam beneath the roof (after your choice of easier starts- the thin hands crack on the prow is nice). 

  The roof itself protects really well with hand size and smaller cams.  Turning the lip of the roof is the crux of the climb. 

  Step right to the anchor for Huevos Verdes, or continue up wide & easy cracks to the top of the cliff. 

  This climb is #2 Unnamed in Jemez Rock, but is definitely the Big Enchilada.  The other crack near this one, the crack passing the roof on the left-hand side, and others even farther left, are wimpier variations that have been unofficially given condescending names such as "Chicken Enchilada" and "Cheese Enchilada", cause this big one's the only one that offers up more than most people can stomach.

Lefthand sport route, much harder than it looks. Cracks are offroute.

Up the lefthand crack and out the roof. Center roof crack finish is 5.11a.

Follow a crack system with really fun moves to a good stance just below the steep face. Make a move up to clip the first bolt on the face and then figure out how to pull on the thin but positive holds to get up over the bulge. Clip two more bolts en route to the two bolt anchor.

This is the east-facing cliff of The Big Enchilada.  It faces the Rio, and with an azimuth of about 120 degrees, it sees sun until about midday.  It is often less windy here than on the south side of The Big Enchilada.   About a dozen routes are found here, including the only two bolted routes at The Big Enchilada.  An obvious 8-foot roof about 50 feet up is The Big Enchilada Roof, the source of the name for the entire crag.

Description

Location

Protection

Routes in East Side, Big Enchilada