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Oklahoma's rock climbing mecca
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Elk Slab, Wichita Mtns. (photo by John Pleasant)
When planning for the next great climbing trip, most people think of popular destinations like Colorado, Utah, and California... not Oklahoma. What few people realize is that Oklahoma has its own climbing mecca. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, Oklahoma is home to some of the best climbing in the midwest. With hundreds of one and two pitch climbs on ancient granite in a beautiful wilderness setting, the Refuge provides the perfect backdrop for vertical adventures. While climbers frequent the Refuge every year, it still remains more of a well-kept secret than a climbing hot spot.
The Refuge is one-of-a-kind in that it allows climbing along with wildlife preservation. As if rock climbing weren’t enough of an adventure, spotting a buffalo as you hike in only adds to the thrill (Don't get too close though. Refuge officials warn that looks can be deceiving when it comes to buffalo. They may appear awkward and lumbering, but they're prone to charging and will do so more swiftly than you could manage an escape! Some adventures are best left to books and movies.) In addition to buffalo, the Refuge provides habitat for large grazing animals such as Texas longhorns, Rocky Mountain elk, and white-tailed deer. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and a large variety of plant species also inhabit the Refuge.
For information on Refuge climbing routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13 in difficulty, look for the guidebook, "Oklahoma Select" by Tony Mayse. It's sold at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge visitor center gift shop and can also be ordered from www.sharpendbooks.com.
Find your way to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge by following these directions: From I-44 take Highway 49 (exit 45). Go west 10 miles to the Refuge gate. Or, if coming from Highway 62, take Highway 115 (Cache exit) north to the Refuge Gate.
(Oklahoma has two great gyms to condition you for your next outdoor climbing adventure: New Heights Rock Gym in Tulsa and Rocktown Climbing Gym in Oklahoma City.)
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