The Narrows 

Is the left side of the creek open again? I noticed last Fall that the signs saying not to climb on the left side (across from zoo wall) of the creek had vanished. Does anyone know about this?

I think the primary function of that sign was to keep the boy scouts from setting up rap lines when they should head over to Meat Slab or just go further down canyon. Even though sport rapping is off limits, it goes on all the time.

Yes, you can climb on the opposite side of the creek now. In the past it was closed because of a five year study to determine if climbers were making an impact on the area. After a finding of no significant impact the ban was lifted. You can now climb there. There is still no sport rapelling allowed in the narrows though.

So, (extremely) long story short, we could not find the approach trail to the narrows off of the "VERY" descriptive map we got from the visitor center. For you guys like us who can't find the broad side of a barn, here's a picture of what you should look for when driving by. It really is a 15 minute approach, if you can find the trail. First off, at the visitor center, they sell the climbing guide book "Oklahoma Select" (about $18) which will help you. You should see a "no sport rappeling" sign. You'll find another one of these signs along the trail. The path will follow the ridge on the right when facing towards the far end of the narrows.If you find yourself following the river closely for a long time, you went the long way, but it will take you where need be. The path should lead you down along the ridge, and you should have to do some boulder hopping in the river. Most climbs will be on the right side of the canyon, and thats where this path will take you.The zoo wall will have good switchbacks, just have to find them. Hope this keeps you from taking a 2 hour approach like we did. Most climbs will be on your right, when facing down towards the far end of the canyon. Also, the trail starts at the far left corner of the picnic area. Good luck out there. P.S.-didn't see any ticks(used bug spray), or poison ivy.