Climbing Near Payson, Arizona

This cliff has a wide west face and narrow left shoulder. Charlie Pan dihedral ascends the clean rock up a long dihedral to the top. The West face has several potential lines. Trail starts at end of Phoenix Street. Take second right on Cypress Trail (first and second right turns are near after the step over gate). After 700 yards or so the trail bends left/east. Soon after that, look on the right for small cairn (might be gone) marking Rim Trail South (generally uphill) and go right towards the Rim above you. The trail eventually turns east/left and levels for a while. You can see the Tonto Buttress(N 34°12'52.01" W 111°17'14.99") just above after leaving a grove of AZ Cypress. Look for cairns.

This lonely dome complex has a striking dihedral on the west side (seen as you approach). Overhung on the south side for futuristic projects. On the east side of the south face are some other big cracks. From Payson, take Hwy 87 to Phoenix Street and turn east until the street ends at a cul de sac. There is a squat concrete structure; the trail begins here. This connects you to the Cypress Trail which leads to Lower and Upper Boulder Loop Trails. Take the trail heading East for a short time then take second right (you shortly cross a small bridge). Turn left onto a path that once again turns East (the second left turn you can take; both end up the same place though). This trail becomes part of the Trail 200 complex. Stay generally East for about 45 minutes of walking to beneath John Rae Dome's South face.

Just another beautiful dome surrounded by other beautiful domes. Named after the best catch around. From the Boulder Loop and Cypress Trail intersection hike South on the Boulder Loop South Trail. 5-15min later you will begin to cress up to a vantage point of Steward Peak out in the distance and The Hood to the West. Look East and Ashley's Block will be visible. Continue for a moment later and take obvious wash towards the feature. Easy-Peasy 20-45min approach.