The Shield is the second major climbing area at Echo Crag. The routes on The Shield are more difficult than Square Inch, and generally longer (most top out around 80 feet). The left side of the Shield is marked by a number of small roofs that cross the upper part of the wall, while the right side is smoother, and a bit more laid back. Like Square Inch, the Shield is often wet in the spring or after a range. These routes see less traffic and are a little dirtier.

Just right (south) of the twin cracks on VH-1. Look for the “layered” roofs on the upper part of the left side of the wall. The right side is marked by a small buttress with two large white flakes near the ground behind a tree. Just past the Shield is Grunge Wall. As the name implies, it’s dirty and hard to miss. If you see a couple of moderate routes that cut through the lichen on the wall, you’ve gone too far.