PRINT: Rock Climb Owl Crack, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Owl Crack

5.8+, Trad,

Avg: 3.4 from 127 votes
FA: unknown
Texas > Enchanted Rock… > Echo Canyon > Triple Cracks Sanctuary

Access Issue: Rule changes for pets and trail closures 30 minutes after sunset Details

Rule Changes Concerning Pets at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to Take Effect March 1.
Beginning March 1, new rules will take effect at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area designed to balance the need to better protect sensitive natural habitats atop the rock, including the vernal pools, and still allow visitors to continue to enjoy central Texas’ most popular destination with their pets.

Starting Tuesday, pets will only be allowed in specified camping areas, day-use areas and the Loop Trail. Pets will no longer be allowed to accompany hikers on the Summit Trail that ascends to the top of Enchanted Rock.
Most trails, including the Summit Trail, are closed 30 minutes after sunset, allowing park visitors to view the sunset and safely descend to the parking lot. The Loop Trail is the only trail open after sunset to gain access to the primitive camping areas.

For more info:
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/…

830-685-3636

Description

The most right crack (actually two parallel cracks) of the Triple Cracks, Owl Crack climbs past a very small roof aiming left for a finish of finger crack and slab. A terrific climb for its grade.

Location

Follow the green trail up to the Triple Cracks Sanctuary marked by three prominent cracks on the same wall. Owl Crack is the furthest right climb of the three identified by a small triangular roof.

Protection

Owl Crack requires a standard rack including hand sizes down low and nuts up top. Climb up and left to bolts above Grass Crack.

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Getting started on Owl Crack

Owl Crack

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

talkinrocks
Boulder, CO

Best route in the Triple Cracks. If the Boy Scouts would stop flailing all over it for hours, you may get a chance at leading this route. Pulling the roof isnt as hard as it looks from below. Solid jams above and below the "roof". May 24, 2009

Ken Tothero

Definitely my favorite crack climb at Enchanted Rock, if not my favorite climb in the park. Great hand crack/layback, followed by a fun roof move, then enjoyable thin flake to the top. A must do! It was also my first lead at the grade (and is, I think, a considerably easier lead than Middle Crack). You can bail out right after the roof if you've had enough. The upper flake definitely requires a bit more skill in placing gear. The lower crack section and the roof provide loads of bomber protection. Jul 7, 2011

Garth Magee

This one had a drunk solo by 1977 or 78, I am sure. Done by a friend out of his mind. He also took a ground bounce off Fear of Flying about the same time. Aug 6, 2012

Ky Harkey
Austin, TX

Best to set an anchor on the huge rock horn at the top of the face (long cord required) for top-roping Middle, Owl and Becky's crack. Grass crack anchors are too far left for these routes, but make a good rap station after some down-climbing from the horn. Mar 26, 2013

Curly Zach

5.9

great hand size cracks. crux is getting established, tough on the right knee. nice sequence through the roof. once above, I went right and built an anchor about 35 feet up. killer crack for the grade! Feb 17, 2014

NEKlimb

When it says go left to the anchors it means it. Didn't notice it at first but follow some hollow sounding flakes left on easy ground to get to the grass crack anchors. You can protect the traverse pretty well if you take your time. Great climb Jan 27, 2017