Charon's Garden Wilderness

Charon's Garden Wilderness in the Wichita Mountains protects some of the refuge's roughest and most visually dramatic terrain. Massive granite boulders, narrow valleys, rocky ridges and hidden pools create a landscape better suited to experienced hikers than casual sightseeing. There are few maintained trails in the conventional sense. Routes often involve route-finding, scrambling and travel over uneven rock, and cell service can be unreliable. Summer heat can be dangerous because shade is limited and granite surfaces radiate warmth. The reward is an unusually wild setting for Oklahoma. Views open across the Wichita Mountains, and the maze of boulders gives the area a sense of isolation even when more developed refuge roads are not far away. Wildlife, including bison, can also be encountered in the broader region and should be given wide clearance. Charon's Garden is best for visitors who are prepared for backcountry conditions and want a more demanding experience than Mount Scott or roadside overlooks.