Thursday, March 15, 2012

Have you climbed the Praying Monk?

From the West side, does this thumb-like protrusion look like a red sandstone conglomerate from the Tertiary Age (30 million years ago) or does it look like a Praying Monk, kneeling down at the head of Camelback Mountain?  I cannot look at this rock without seeing a monk.  The rock is made of the same material as the Papago Mountains, and sits on Precambrian granite (1.7 billion years old), which makes up most of Camelback Mountain. Could the monk be praying to the Great Unconformity?  Where did the missing billion years go?  If you choose to climb this rock, it is rated 5.7, so you need climbing gear.  Permanent bolts are available to clip into.  Say your prayers.

1 comment:

  1. No but I have walked in many other mountains near Scottsdale :)

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