Echo OD

Echo OD (Overlook Direct) is a fun, short, adventurous, alpine-y sport climb with really good shade. The technical climbing itself is mostly solid, but the approach & top-out involves some loose but manageable scrambling which I think adds to the full mountain experience. Pitches 2 & 3 are quite good & the views are excellent.

P1: 5.8+, 20m. Bust a move off the ground, then continue up the groove (or just left of it) to an anchor.

P2: 5.9, 25m. Climb up nice grey rock left of the corner to an anchor on a ledge.

P3: 5.10a, 15m. Climb & stem up the corner to an anchor on a ledge.

Head up left to a 4th class ramp & around the corner to mellow terrain. Some may want to belay this section - a body belay can be had after going up the ramp to the other side of the ridge. Continue scrambling up & left to a headwall above. Look above for a left-leaning, wide slot to break thru. A minute later & you’ll end up directly at the Echo Overlook & South Loop Trail.

Hike down the South Loop Trail to descend.

Hike the South Loop Trail for ~15 minutes, hiking past the Palantine Wall turnoff, to a point [ 36.24960, -115.64042 ] where the valley opens up at a wide curve in the trail. Leave the trail here, gently rising up an open rib while staying left of the trees. You’re aiming to curve around into the deep alcove of rock on the right, avoiding the trees as long as possible.

As you get to the bottom of the cliff (consider helmets on), head right for a break through the cliff band, then zigzag your way up towards the big corner & grey slab. There’s a good spot right at the base to gear up, & the first bolt will be visible. ~45 mins to base.

Shorty rope & 8 draws