Camelback Mountain access?

Does anyone have any first hand info on access to The Praying Monk? I see that the summit trail is closed but that appears to be on the other side of the mountain. Up here visiting and I have always wanted to climb it.

The access is best from the North Side of the mountain. The hike up and over the summit from the East side is long ... as far as I know, as of two weeks ago - It was still closed for construction

I went by two weeks ago and there were signs all over by the headwall saying that the area was closed. The website said they would open in January, but now they're saying "sometime in early 2014." If you really want to do it there's an SRP pump on Camelback Canyon Drive where you can park and walk over, but if you get caught you don't really have a good excuse.

Still closed as of a few weeks ago like others have mentioned. Originally it was supposed to be open this past fall, but by clearly they aren't even close to being done. Reportedly you can access another trail from the other side of camelback but it's a couple mile hike to the monk. However, if there is a sign at the head wall, all bets are off.

Echo will officially reopen on Wednesday 01-15-14

cheers
lou

Thanks!

the hike from the far side is enjoyable. its not anything terrible at all, enjoy the experience; this time of year especially. im no local expert but my dad lives at the base and I frequent that area when visiting my son several times a year.

the approach, albeit longer than usual, is nothing compared to some of the other approaches youve done (or atleast I believe youve done). it can be enjoyable if you want it to be.

The Echo Canyon will be opening shortly

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