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Chimneys in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge?

Original Post
Creed Archibald · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 1,016

My gf and I are training for Epinephrine this Spring. She has done the first 700 ft. We are working on speed at belay stations, etc. Does anyone know of any chimneys about the same width as epi in the WWR? Or in Arkansas for that matter? I can't find anything in Oklahoma Select. It doesn't have to be something that will protect on lead, necessarily. I would be happy setting up a TR and just working on speed/efficiency in the chimney.

Thanks.

roger fritz · · Rockford, IL · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 60

The rock at WWR is totally different than Red Rocks. Climbing will be diff. There won't be belay anchors in WWR like in Epinephrine. Having said that, you can find chimneys in WWR up on Elk Mountain. They will be short. You will want to have an adventurer spirit to find these chimneys between the house sized boulders on the south side of the mountain. If you can locate "chain cave" you will find many differing width chimneys between these huge boulders both above the cave and below it. Spend a weekend out there exploring and you will locate them.

Approach from the Sunset parking, over the top of the mountain on the trail. When you get to the top, scramble off trail south side and start exploring.

Elk Mountain, South side in and along the gullies. Up by Pear and Apple are some chimneys also.

I love that place!!!

Creed Archibald · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 1,016

Thanks for the suggestions. I've climbed both places so I know it's a really rough approximation of epi, but we'll take what we can get. We have a 3 day weekend next week and we'll spend the whole time in WWR. We will definitely explore the places you suggested. Is chain cave in treasure cove?

roger fritz · · Rockford, IL · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 60

C,
I do believe the chain cave is straight below Treasure Cove. I am not gonna lie, I have been to the cave 4-times and probably would choose the wrong gully again if I were to try to find them. The exploring is so much of the adventure and a total blast. I hope you folks have a fun adventure along with finding some chimneys to practice your skills.
There was a very active forum that seems to all but died in the last few years called the "Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition". You maybe could try to contact one of them local folks to steer you in the right direction.
Have fun with your adventures man!

roger

roger fritz · · Rockford, IL · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 60

Rocktown gym in okc is a possible source of info too

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Midwest
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