PRINT: Rock Climb The Claw, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

The Claw

5.10c, Trad, 70 ft (21 m),

Avg: 3.3 from 21 votes
FA: Terry Andrews and Tom Cosgriff
Oklahoma > Wichita Mountai… > Charon's Gardens > Crab Eyes > E Face

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

Steep beginning and finish in the offwidth.

Location

Just to the right of Karl Bird Crack.

Protection

Trad with no anchors

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Aubrey in the face crux of The Claw.<br>
Photo credit: Shane Glazier

Aubrey in the face crux of The Claw. Photo credit: Shane Glazier

Aubrey in the OW/hand crack of The Claw.<br>
Photo credit: Shane Glazier

Aubrey in the OW/hand crack of The Claw. Photo credit: Shane Glazier

Sending the claw while Tobin sends Ra as part of a crazy linkup day!

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Tony Mayse

Shown in the Oklahoma Select as a variation for ending The Claw. Step right to a finger crack and face holds (10-)in lieu of going over the boulder to finish the pitch. Bring finger size cams. Dec 8, 2011

Creed Archibald
Salt Lake City, UT

5.10+

For big gear, I used two 4s and one 5 Camalot. I placed the first 4 in the middle of the face climbing crux section. It was a bomber placement. I placed the next 4 and 5 in the OW. Apr 28, 2016

Garrett Swank
Oklahoma City

This is one of my favorite 5.10s anywhere. 5.10 off-width is to be respected anywhere but if that has you second guessing just giving this a go I wouldn’t! The crux is lower on the route and is mostly a slightly overhung mixture of crimping and pulling in several directions. A 4 in a slot down low protects these moves well. For the off-width a second 4 is plenty. That being said having something to place under the boulder for the top out is good, never really figured out what to put there. My favorite 5.10 at crab eyes for sure! Mar 6, 2025