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  1. #1
    Senior Member oldgringo's Avatar
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    Wichita Mountains NWR, OK

    Last weekend, Tarp and I met at the refuge for a bit of recon and hanging. I'm not going to post pictures, but will include a link that discusses the area in depth, and includes some excellent pictures.

    Backpacking overnight in the back country is by reservation only...we, of course, failed to plan ahead, and so ended up in the only developed campground with about 5 million people on spring break. It was not as bad as it sounds, and was actually pretty comfortable, with plenty of trees for hanging. There are two group camps with shelters that would be excellent for group hangs.

    By contrast, the back country is short on suitable trees, but has plenty of trails and off-trail opportunities, including rock climbing. There are numerous lakes in the area, both on and off the refuge, so fishers and kayakers have plenty of options. It's worth a visit.

    http://www.summitpost.org/wichita-mountains/171222
    Dave

    "Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."~~~May Sarton

  2. #2
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    I love this place. We bring our scout troop there to hike the livelong day. You are right about finding trees to hang from. You can only do it at the Doris campground. I usually take my scouts for a night hike out of this campground to a rock outcropping about a half mile away. Then we spend a Saturday climbing in Charones Garden. One time I varied this and we took the 6 mile trail to the east of the garden. It was a good hike, but the boys were disappointed about not climbing up a rock cliff that day. And we kept having to move to the side of the trail as the army guys and girls kept passing as they jogged the trail. One of Oklahoma's best outdoor areas.

    And the burgers at the little place just outside of the reserve are a treat as well.
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  3. #3
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    Wichita Mountains is my favorite place on the planet. Was stationed at Fort Sill from September 1972 to January 1975 and spent nearly every weekend out there----and then a bunch after leaving Active Duty and moving to Dallas. Only moving to Houston has kept me from visiting more often. Back then, you could camp in any of what is now Day Use only sites.

    Best day hikes:

    40 Foot Hole on the Kite Trail near Lost Lake

    Post Oak Falls, Little Post Oak Falls, and the Rock Rooms in Charon's Gardens.

    There are places in Charon's Gardens where there are enough trees to hang, you just have to know how to get to them, and make sure the buffalo or long horns haven't gotten there first.

    Didja get a chance to go to Meers for a burger?
    Last edited by sargevining; 03-26-2012 at 10:04.

  4. #4
    Senior Member ^shane^'s Avatar
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    MEERS BURGERS!!! Must have. I'm interested in a get together up there. Home territory.
    "One of the best things you can do in this world is take a nap in the woods." ~ Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

    "While it may be a lot of work, the view is best from the summit." ~ an anonymous staff member of Philmont Scout Ranch

    Enjoy the day
    Shane

  5. #5
    New Member tarp's Avatar
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    Talking Had a great time

    Yes, we had a great time thanks to Gringo getting us the second to last spot before Doris camp was completely full with Spring Breakers, Which btw was the only draw back for me. The hiking\Backpacking area was awesome and as challenging as you'd like it to be, as there are a multitude of options. I definitely want to head back up there in the fall and this time instead of putting one rock in Gringo's pack I'll use two

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by ^shane^ View Post
    MEERS BURGERS!!! Must have. I'm interested in a get together up there. Home territory.
    Plus 1 on that.

    Prolly better to aim for sometime in the fall.

  7. #7
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    My wife and I were down there on Friday to do some day hiking, didn't have time to stay overnight unfortunately. We hiked the Dog Run Hollow trail, great sampling of the every habitat the park has to offer. I like to go to the top of Elk Mountain and play around up there; can spend all day and then some.

  8. #8
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    The wilderness camping area is just west of Sunset Pond and Elk Mountain. A three day permit would allow for all sorts of hiking just in Charon's Gardens.

  9. #9
    Senior Member gospidey's Avatar
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    I've been in that area and would definitely be interested in going back.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Shnick's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ^shane^ View Post
    MEERS BURGERS!!! Must have. I'm interested in a get together up there. Home territory.
    Someone say Meers Burgers?

    I'll NEVER AGAIN attempt to eat another 1 lb. burger...

    It was good though...
    Shnick
    ...Levitate me
    - Pixies

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