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climbing in oklahoma?

Original Post
Peter Hauwert · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 0

Hi everyone,

I'm travelling to Oklahoma city for a conference at the end of February, and I've read that it has got amazing outdoors. For me that almost means that there should be good climbing too! I'm from the Netherlands, from a small place near Amsterdam, so forgive me if I'm not up to par with which locations are a must-see. Could you localsgive me an idea what are the best places to climb, or preferably boulder?

It's my first time in the US anyhow, and as it is technically a business trip any rock will be good. I'll have 1-2 days available, and as I do not want to spend too much travelling, several hours driving from Norman, OK, would be preferred.

Something abiut myself, I've been climbing on and off for about 8 years, last couple of years mostly indoor bouldering, and my level is 5.8-5.10, depending on type of route. Luckily I'm training again after a lapse, and my home training wall ( boulderzolder.blogspot.com, pics soon) is nearing completion, so i'm eager for real rock again.

So, with this background and timeframe, what are the places you would recommend? I'm looking forward to the trip anyhow, but if I can combine it with some rock that would make the it even more awesome!

Cheers, Peter

Eric Klammer · · Eagle, CO · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 2,070

Wichita Wildlife Refuge! I was just there a few weeks ago and the place is amazing. Splitter cracks, clean slabs, and fun face climbs all over the place on solid granite. It shouldn't be that far from OKC and you can check out most of the climbs right here on MP. The "Oklahoma Select" guidebook is also available in the the WWR visitors center. Enjoy!

Edit: Saw you were interested in bouldering. Didn't do any while there, but we saw many big and a couple HUGE boulders around the refuge!

shotgunnelson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2009 · Points: 5

Arkansas has much better bouldering than oklahoma. Bit of drive from okc to horshoe canyon but worth it. You can also find partners and pads there pretty easy. Fantastic southern sandstone.

Brent Butcher · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 275

Wichita mountains is about 1 hr and 30 mins from OKC. The granite is great and the grades are stiff. Lower Scott has a couple great routes with a 5 min approach might be your best bet. If you have time stop by Rocktown climbing gym they can give you more of a rundown and you could possibly meet someone to climb with. Enjoy

Peter Hauwert · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 0

Thanks for the tips, everyone! I think the Wichita's are the best candidate, closeby for a 1-2dat trip and seemingly good.
Any routes or problems worth trying specifically?

Brent Butcher · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 275

Mr. Clean, high anxiety, repeat after me, layaway plan are all great classic routes

Ryan Sheldon · · Oklahoma City, OK · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 875

If you're looking for some bouldering in the Wichitas I would recommend checking out the newly(and still being established) Wapiti Bouldering area and the Desperate Reality Cliff bouldering area.

Draytonator · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 0

Broken Bow Lake has some pretty decent sized cliffs in SE oaklahoma, near Broken Bow (spent some time in Idabel and checked out the spot once. rock quality is crap closer to the lake, but there is a pretty decent sized cliff out there with better looking rock......lemme know if anyone has ever ventured out there as well!

Matt King · · Durango, CO · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 327

Oklahoma has some of the best granite climbing in the United States. Go to wichitamountains.org... And go to "OKC Climb" on Face Book... I recommend going to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Its a jewel and you will realize it once you get there.

Enjoy,

Matt

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Midwest
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