Echo Canyon

Approaching the Echo Canyon climbing areas.

Description 

Echo Canyon could technically be considered part of the Main Dome climbing experience. It's included here as a separate area because of the abundance of individual areas, number of climbs, and an atmosphere that is different from other areas in the park. The vast majority of the climbing is found on the east (Main Dome) side of the canyon, with just two areas and a handful of climbs on the west (Little Dome) side. The east consists of Throne Rock, the Orange Peel Area, Motorboat Rock, the Triple Cracks Sanctuary, and Rapeller�s Rock. The west side is home to the Sopwhip Boulders and The Frog. Finding your route can be a little confusing at first, but the area is pretty easy to navigate once you get your bearings. There are a few bolted routes in the area, but most require trad gear. Also, most routes are equipped with top anchors. On any given weekend, Motorboat Rock is home to instructional groups and guided parties because of the short, moderate routes with easy access to top rope anchors. The other areas can also become crowded but you can usually find something to jump on. classic routes in the area include Jack Knife (5.5) combined with Cave Crack (5.6), Owl Crack (5.8+), Middle Crack (5.8), Orange Peel (5.10a), and Clockwerk Orange (5.11a).

Getting There 

Echo Canyon is easy to find and has one of the shortest approaches of any area in the park. Follow the park road to a turn around with a gazebo at the end (and restrooms of to the right). From the gazebo, walk down the stairs to the creek, and follow the obvious trail that leads toward the dome. Approximately a third of the way up the dome, the trail splits at a wooden sign: the summit trail branches right while the Echo Canyon Trail goes left. Follow the Echo Canyon trail over the saddle between the two domes and down a rocky draw. There are several large boulders and a small interpretive board with a map of the park at the base of the draw. Two climbers' trails lead to east side of the canyon: the purple trail is used to access Throne Rock, Orange Peel, and Motorboat while the green trail leads to Rapeller�s Rock and Triple Cracks. On the opposite side of the boulders, a red trail takes you to The Frog.

The Classics

Featured Route For Echo Canyon

Cave Crack 5.6  TX : Enchanted Rock State Natura... : ... : Orange Peel Area

Despite the modest grade, Cave Crack is one of the best routes in the park. Fun climbing, great protection, and a unique location make this climb a must do. The start of Cave Crack is located above Jack Knife (see Throne Rock). While it's possible to scramble through the boulders to reach to base, climbing Jack Knife is a lot easier (and more enjoyable). From the top of Jack Knife, scramble down the back side of the summit block and scamper t...[more]   Browse More Classics in TX