Main Dome Climbing

At 1825 feet, the Main Dome is the largest single feature at Enchanted Rock, home to the largest concentration of routes, and sees the most traffic (both climbers and hikers). It dominates the parking area, and is the first dome you see when approaching along Highway 965 from Llano. There is a small bouldering area on the front side (southeastern side) of the dome, but the majority of the climbs are found in Echo Canyon (between the Main Dome and Little Dome) and on the Backside. Echo Canyon in home to great single pitch areas such as the Orange Peel, Motorboat Rock, and the Triple Cracks areas. The Backside contains the longest climbs in the park, and consists of predominately bolted slab routes. Some of the areas such as Cave-In, Smorgasbord, and the Central Latitudes are pretty obscure and require a little exploration to find. Consequently they offer the most solitude. The Echo Canyon and Backside areas can get crowded, especially on weekends.

When you don't feel like climbing, Main Dome offers a couple of interesting diversions. The first is the summit trail that climbs to the top of the dome from the parking area. This trail is usually clogged with hikers on any given day. The views from the top of the dome are impressive. Once at the top of Main Dome, you can explore the Enchanted Rock Cave (also known as The Fissure) - a cave-like feature formed by a deep crack in the top of the dome. The Fissure is approximately 1500 feet long and has multiple entry and exit points. Often wet, bring a good pair of shoes and a light if you want to explore it. From the top of the dome, look for a depression lined with trees towards the Backside, and then follow the painted arrows down to the entrance.