Hi there!

 

Backpacking and camping within the 5,000-acre Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is not for the faint of heart.

However, there’s no better way to reconnect with nature than this peaceful excursion into the wilderness.

But we need some insight before we make our trip.

Which is why I’m here today.

In today’s article, I am going to give you those details to help prepare you for the ultimate backpacking experience Oklahoma has to offer.

This is without a doubt, one of the most polarizing landscapes to participate in. With unique wildlife roaming freely in the area combined with exhilarating granite summits and canyons, this area of the Wichita Mountains will want you to ditch the traditional campground scene and take on more challenging adventures.

 

Without further ado, Let’s go backpacking!

 

 

For more information on Charon’s Garden, please check out https://www.travelok.com

 

 

Where is Charon’s Garden?

 

 

This slice of Oklahoma heaven is beautifully located within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Southwestern Oklahoma.

The Charon’s Garden trail begins at the Sunset Campground, starting off to the Southwestern portion of the refuge.

Once you get started, the path is fairly easy at the beginning which you immediately get rewarded with one of the scenic lakes in the state- Treasure Lake.

 

 

A Trail of Solitude

 

 

This is the ideal backpacking experience if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

In addition to the enchanting landscapes, this playground will give you miles of hiking trails and opportunities for solitude.

The Refuge is also intentionally managed this way. A back country permit is required year-round for all overnight trips into the Wilderness.

These permits however are not required for day hikes, but they are issued for three-day periods.

Friday-Saturday-Sunday or a Mon- Wed. No permits are issued for Thursdays.

Also, to keep this area from being overpacked, they only allow no more than 10 people over any three-day period.

Again, this is a well-managed park that spells solitude.

 

Elk Mountain

 

 

As far as the best panoramic views of Oklahoma mountains are concerned, nothing beats the views from the top of Elk Mountain.

This is one of the tallest granite peaks in the entire refuge. Its summit reaches approximately 2,270 feet of jaw-breaking beauty.

Being at the top of this bad boy, you get rewarded with the best view of Charon’s Garden Wilderness and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge from the top.

I personally like this hike, as it helps me prepare me for more strenuous hikes that I like to participate in the Pacific Northwest such as the loop trail in Montana and the 3 Sisters trail in Oregon.

But as far as Oklahoma hikes go, this one is a calorie burner.

The trail starts at the Sunset Picnic area off of Highway 49. Then it begins crossing over the Sunset Pool and then you will cross over a rock formed staircase.

The trail then winds in a southeasterly direction for most of the way up to the summit. You get a chance with many outlooks along the trail where you can stop for some outstanding views and outdoor photography.

 

When is the Best Time to Go?

This is the million-dollar question for this kind of backpacking experience. For me, it all depends on what you want to accomplish.

If you’re a backpacker that likes the cooler temperatures and more solitude, then the fall is the best time to book this trip.

But if you prefer the warmer temperatures and more human activity, then the spring will be a great time to go. Just keep in mind, that this is rattlesnake country which means the reptile activity ramps up when the weather starts to reach the 70’s.

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that wraps things up for today. The Charon’s Garden Wilderness is must-see when it comes to backpacking in Oklahoma. But like many backpacking trips, you will want to make sure you are covered with all of the essentials. No other place inside the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will give you the solitude you will experience when it comes to Charon’s Garden. Please share your experiences in the comment section below.

 

 

-CT