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Elk Slabs Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Elk Slabs

L › R R › L A › Z

	Aid Corner T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a A2
	Arching Crack T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b X
	Big Leap T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a R
	Buns Up T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Buttress Route T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a X
	Dominator T A2
	Eliminator T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Face route T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b X
	Great Expectations T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
	Great Expectations Extension T 5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	JR X TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a X
	Nike Route T,S 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Right Dihedral T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
	Right Face (AKA Easy Face) T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a X
	Sundeck, The T 5.3 3+ 10 III 9 VD 3a
	Take off TR 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c X
	Tree Route T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
	Water Streak T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b X
	Webb, The T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b PG13

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Elevation:	1,905 ft	581 m
GPS:	34.7172, -98.7237 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	38,578 total · 176/month
Shared By:	Steve Marr on Nov 6, 2006 · Updates
Admins:	Ryan Sheldon, Drew Nevius, Kevin Diaz Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: This area is designated as Charon Details

Currently the the US Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing the Comprehensive Conservation Plan and reviewing activities for compatibility. Contact the Access Fund or the Wichita Mountains Climber's Coalition for more information on how you can get involved in keeping the tradition of climbing safe in the Wildlife Refuge. Use extra care to avoid doing anything to change the natural resources in any way.

Access Issue: Access is always an issue here. Details

Please do not litter and observe all regulations. We had to fight to regain access at one time, and we don't want to lose the privilege again. Local ethics and refuge regulations are that no bolting is permitted unless expressly authorized by the park. Leave the hammer and nails at home, no fixed gear please. Everything will go clean.

Description

The Elk Slabs are located on the rocky western flank of Elk Mountain not far from Treasure Cove and the Pear & Apple formation. The approach through the Charons Gardens Wilderness Area is a bit longer than other Wichita destinations, but the hike is pleasant and the crowds are minimal. It's a great destination if you are looking to escape the weekend zoo in the Narrows or on Mount Scott. The wall faces west / southwest and receives great afternoon sun on cooler days. There are a number of excellent moderate trad lines, as well as a handful of more difficult lines (including one aid route). Protection is generally good on the more popular lines, but is sparse or non-existent on others.

Getting There

Park at the Treasure Lake parking lot on the south side of the Charons Gardens Wilderness Area. The slabs are visible in the distance to the north east. Its best to locate them prior to leaving the parking lot in order to get your bearings. Look for the Phillip Mitchell memorial on the east side of the parking area and pick up the trail behind it. Follow the trail along the west side of Treasure Lake and past the Post Oak Falls where the trail splits. Follow the right branch which angles up towards the base of the slabs. The trail will appear to dead end at a large boulder in a wooded area. Scramble under the boulder, and follow a faint trail to the base (be prepared for a little bush whacking if you miss the trail). The slabs will be visible during the majority of the approach.

19 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Elk Slabs

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a 109 ● Great Expectations Trad
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a 31 ● Tree Route Trad 2 pitches
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b 38 ● Right Dihedral Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b X 29 ● Water Streak Trad 2 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b X 4 ● Arching Crack Trad 3 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 24 ● Nike Route Trad, Sport
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 9 ● Buns Up Trad
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b 11 ● Eliminator Trad