Best Rock-Climbing Places in Oklahoma, City

Oklahoma City (OKC) is the largest city in the state of Oklahoma, but it can be challenging to find the best places for nontraditional sports, such as rock climbing. Rock climbing is an excellent way to use all your muscles and challenge yourself to do things you never thought your body was capable of. You may not realize it, but there are several great places in OKC where you can go rock climbing, both indoors and outdoors. Here are a few of the best.

BLOCWORKS CLIMBING COMMUNITY

Austrian Climbing Championship 2019 by Sabrina Wendl is licensed with Unsplash License

Climbers of all ability levels are welcome at Blocworks Climbing Community. From beginners to experts, there are climbing courses for everyone. The staff will help you hone your climbing ability no matter what your skill level is, which makes it a great place for both first-time climbers and those who’ve been at it for years. It’s a bouldering gym, so all you need to get started are climbing shoes and chalk. Courses are color-coded, which means it’s easy to find a path that fits your needs.

Kids aged 13 and younger can enjoy 90 minutes of free climb time, but you might want to plan in advance, as time slots aren’t guaranteed if you just show up. After your first visit, you should consider becoming a member. Membership will open up special climbing times, the ability to bring a first-time guest with you each day, and discounts on events and gear.

THRESHOLD CLIMBING + FITNESS

At Threshold Climbing + Fitness, they believe everyone has what it takes to learn how to climb, no matter their age, size, or fitness level. This 20,000-square-foot climbing gym has both bouldering and ropes courses that’ll challenge you to push yourself and do amazing things that you never thought possible. Rock climbing will help you develop both mentally and physically, and at Threshold you can improve your skills or learn new ones. In addition to their rock climbing walls, they also have a dedicated fitness room, yoga space, Moon Board, and ValoClimb, which is an augmented reality climbing projector. 

With teachers on hand, you can learn how to climb safely and reach new heights. Consider becoming a member to reap all the benefits that come with being a part of the Threshold family.

SUMMIT OKC SILOS

If you’re looking for a unique climbing experience, then head to Summit OKC Silos. In 1999, the gym was created from an existing grain silo. Now, it’s a 90-foot climbing gym that boasts tons of climbing spots for those of all skill levels. They offer top-rope and lead courses as well as bouldering and auto-belay areas. When the weather’s nice, you can even challenge yourself on the courses on the exterior of the grain silo. The building’s exterior also has a cool mural entitled “This Land” that gives the place character.

At Summit OKC Silos you’ll find yoga and fitness areas where you can tone your muscles and get in better shape. It also offers youth programs so that kids can start learning the climbing skills that will help them form healthy habits and get the exercise they need to build strength.

WICHITA MOUNTAINS

While indoor climbing places are great, especially when the weather’s not, you can’t beat getting out in nature and feeling real rocks under your feet when the temperatures allow for it. If you’d like to experience some exciting outdoor climbing near OKC, then check out some of the incredible spots found in the nearby Wichita Mountains. In fact, within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton, you’ll find several unbeatable spots to test your climbing abilities. These are some of the most popular, but don’t worry, they’re still considered hidden gems, for now:

MOUNT SCOTT

Mount Scott consists of both an upper and lower section, which both provide unique challenges. Some of the popular climbs here include the Atomic Knee Drop, which features a hand crack that splits the upper wall, the Foolish, which is great for those with intermediate climbing skills, and High Anxiety, which is a fairly high climb that might be best suited for those with a little more experience. Other options to seek out are Yee Haw, Mr. Clean, and Foolish Behavior.

CHARON’S GARDENS

Another great place for climbing in the Wichita Mountains is Charon’s Gardens. Here, you’ll find the Echo Dome, which can provide some shade in the scorching summer heat. The Worm Hole has good bolted protections and makes for an easy start. At the Elk Slabs, you can try your hand at Great Expectations, which could prove challenging, as it has some pretty interesting headwall and belay action. Then, of course, there’s the Lost Dome Region, where you’ll have to make your way through the trees to get to the wall that awaits.

NARROWS

The Narrows also has a lot of good climbing options that you’re going to want to try out. Dr. Coolhead, for example, is an interesting climb that gives you options. Some take it straight up, while others prefer to head for the ledge off to one side. If you truly want to prove yourself, then you can try out Aerial Anticipation, which some call the best sport route in all of Oklahoma. It has a pretty tough roof section, and you may have to belay yourself across a stream when the water’s high.

Well, that’s our list of the best rock climbing places in OKC. If you know of any other places to get out and climb in or around the city, we’d love to hear about them. Contact us so we can go check them out. If you need the right vehicle to ensure you can take all your climbing gear to the places you want to go, let the team at Seminole Chevrolet Buick GMC help you out. We have an exciting lineup of new cars, truck, and SUVs, so you’re sure to find something that’ll suit your needs.

Tags: Local, Outdoor Activities, Rock Climbing
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