Directions to park: An accessible urban climbing area in Phoenix. From intersection of Tatum Blvd and McDonald road, go east on McDonald and turn right into Echo Canyon parking lot (6AM-sundown). Climbing and bouldering are up the obvious trail to the south. On the north side of Camelback Mountain, in the heart of Phoenix, lies Echo Canyon, home of some of the crappiest bouldering in the world. If you want to develop bouldering confidence, come here and send. After blasting off this friable petrofied Jurassic mud, your testpeice will feel as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar!

However, set amid this garden of almost-stone is one of America's oddest classic climbs, the Praying Monk.

PRAYING MONK (from Rock Climbing Arizona)

This 80-ft. high tower, perched on the east side of the upper terrace, is a Phoenix landmark that looks like a kneeling monk. The best and only route to do on the tower is the East Face with the Southeast Corner start. It's protected with old bolts. Try to avoid falling! The rounded summit offers a superlative view that includes Squaw Peak, the McDowell Mountains, Pinnacle Peak, Four Peaks, and the western escarpment of the Superstition Mountains.

East Face (5.4) The must-do Phoenix classes. Traditionally rated 5.2. Begin at the southeast corner of the spire below a huge boulder leaning against the corner. Climb up left into a shallow cave formed by the boulder and the main face. Traverse out right around the corner to the left side of the east face and follow 5 bolts to the summit anchors - a rappel eyebolt and 2 belay bolts. 120'. Descent: A single-rope, mostly free rappel from the large eyebolt on the south side of the summit. Rack: Quickdraws and a rope.

Southeast Corner (5.6) A direct start to the East Face that makes it a better route. Begin below the southeast corner of the tower. Face climb up right (5.6) to the 1st bolt, pull onto a stance above the 2nd bolt, step right around the corner onto the east face, and climb cobbles to the summit anchors. 7 bolts.

Camp-sites:

• None- local hotels range from $39-500+/night
• Help us add camping areas

Online-guidebooks: Help us add links to online guidebooks

Cheap Healthy Eats:

• Any of the 'bertos, scattered across PHX: Rolobertos, Filibertos, Haddabertos, Yamammabertos... $4.00 for a mega-burro
• Help us add eats

Important Links:

• Check for beta with Ronin
• Help us add Links

Access: Private/Park - Open Hazards - Loose rock, intense heat, scorpions, old bolts, and Scottsdale traffic and prices.