Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition

Dedicated to protecting the climbing resources and natural environment of the Wichita Mountains since 1996.

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CLIMBING ETHICS

What you can do

A close-up of an orange and black lizard with a patterned body, resting on a textured rock surface with lichen, with a background of green foliage and small yellow flowers.

    • Know and respect fragile plants and soils, wildlife habitat, riparian zones, and wilderness areas.

    • Climb and travel in small groups and disperse your activities to minimize impact.

    • Use established trails to reach climbing areas. Short cuts cause plant damage and erosion.

    • Keep your distance from wildlife. Avoid disturbing sensitive habitats and cliff-nesting birds.

    • Do not chip, chisel, glue, or otherwise deface our rock resources. Leave the rock and surrounding area in its natural condition.

    • Do not place fixed anchors at the Refuge without a permit.

    • Minimize chalk use and brush off heavily chalked holds. Use natural-colored nylon webbing if you must leave fixed slings.

    • Do not leave tape, cigarette butts, food wraps, or other litter. Remove and carry out old nylon slings. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.

    • Whenever possible, use restrooms. Otherwise, bury waste and carry out toilet paper in a plastic bag. Do not leave waste within 200 feet of any water source or at the base of a climb.

    • Be considerate of others. Loud noise detracts from the wilderness setting. Do not tie up routes you are not using.

    • Take part in organized clean-ups, trail rehabilitation, and other volunteer projects.

    • Join the WMCC and the Access Fund.