Climbing Near Burleson, Texas

This is the prominent point that looms over Elm Hollow. There is a good selection of sport routes for all levels of climbing as well as an easy scramble to the top for TR. Most of the routes do not have anchors and require a top out and the use of a tree anchor. A long cordlette or a 8m rope sling, and four lockers will get you to anything you want to climb. I advise setting the top anchor first, then climbing the route. Hopefully more anchors will be added in the future. For the time being not only is the approach long, but climbing here requires a full skill set of anchor building, route finding, and tenacity. I'd approach it as an adventure to find a lost temple. Bring plenty of water, solid hiking shoes, food, headlamp, first-aid, snake bite kit, trekking poles, and a positive attitude.You're first time your going to get lost, and you're going to wish you brought a machete. However, when you do get there and you know the way to and from it's a really stellar place to get a solid day of climbing and get away from the city. The views of the Brazos and the solitude will keep you coming back. A great place to train.For gear its handy to have around 8-12 draws, a way to make tree anchors, stick-clip, broom/brush until the routes see more traffic, a machete, 30m rope is plenty, .75-5" cams for anchors and some of the trad/mix routes routes.  2's and 3's might be the most helpful for anchors, and Prater crack takes large cams. Follow the Elm Hollow approach. When you get to the north side of the hollow, align yourself to the middle of the Elm Hollow Wall and head straight east. You'll pass a large prominent boulder on your right and head up and slightly right to another boulder with a hand crack. Go to the back of this boulder and you'll find a fixed rope. Ascend the fixed rope up the steep slope and it will take you to the base of the wall. Head right on the trail to get into the Off the Hook Cave and take a breather. Directly out the cave is a crack, this is Off the Hook, to the cave left is Ol' Butter Water, and to the right is Mark/Hyde .10b and the Prater Shuffle crack.

Elm Hollow is a fairly narrow canyon that runs mostly N to S. Decent quality Limestone can be found along the eastern edge of the canyon. There are 12 bolted climbs up to 5.13 and several bouldering areas with routes up to V9. It's about a 40 minute walk for the geriatric climber. Follow the high trail or follow the river bank trail when the water level is around 525ft ( waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis…). This is a very pretty area that both deserves to be cared for and respected. This is Federal land and no hunting is allowed.

As you enter into ham creek park off of fm916 there are a few boulders on the left side of the road. Limestone rock, with a few ok problems, there is never anyone there. Not worth a long drive... Although the cliffs above the brazos, (south) next to ham creek park are an adventure and full of possibilities! See google earth and look at the dark lines...Currently there are 3 main boulders. The swamp boulder, the Titan, and the tidal wave boulder which is above the large Titan boulder. From cleburne Texas take 174 to Rio Vista, turn right on fm917 and then right at ham creek park. Pull into park pay $3 per person or $60 for a 1 year pass and walk back out to the entrance to the boulders.