Praying Monk, The

The Praying Monk has probably been climbed by more Phoenix beginners than any other formation in central Arizona, although the advent of gyms and sport climbing has lessened this absolute somewhat over the last ten years. The East Face route, first climbed in 1951 by Phoenix pioneer climber and ex-mayor, Gary Driggs, is the usual route of ascent.

If you wonder how the Monk got it's name, climb it late some sunny afternoon, and look down to the east to see the "praying monks" shadow.