The author stands on a peak nicknamed Sitting Rock in the Charon’s Garden area of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southern Oklahoma, has been a favorite hiking location since I was a young teenager. With calm winds, cool temperatures, and perfect blue skies, I set out with a couple of acquaintances to hike in the Charon’s Garden Wilderness, and the Elk Mountain trail.
My first stop was the Parallel Forest, a remnant of the CCC. I often visit this site first when I go to the Wichitas, since my route takes me past it first.Oaks pick up beautiful autumn light near the Parallel Forest.We also made a brief stop at Prairie Dog Town.Granite Formations, Charon’s Garden WildernessGranite Formations Looking South, Charon’s Garden WildernessThe author discusses the route to Sitting Rock.Crack, Charon’s Garden; I have been photographing this crack since I was a teenagerYou host photographs “The Crack” from above.This view shows the boulders that form “The Crack.”Sitting Rock (left) and Lock Rock. We nicknamed Lock Rock based on the idea that if you put someone on top of it, it would be difficult for them to get down.Granite Boulders Near Sitting RockThe author photographs Lock Rock.Another shot of your host near Lock RockView from Above Lock Rock en Route to Sitting RockThe author celebrates topping Sitting Rock.I have made many iterations of this formation over the years, showing the cluster of granite just below Sitting Rock. We named the stone at the top Mitten Rock or Gravel Rock.The author poses on Mitten Rock.Going up this crack at Sitting Rock is quite easy, but descending it is tricky.I always carry a picture of my wife and me when I hike.The author makes pictures as we hike back toward the base of the Glacier Rocks.Near the Glacier Rocks is Shelf Rock.This is a fisheye view from under Shelf Rock.I stopped to photograph a tuft of grass growing in a crack of a granite dome……with this result.Afternoon Light, Glacier RocksThe author celebrates a successful hike in the Charon’s Garden Wilderness.Our travels took us quite close to this mature male American Bison.Elk Mountain TrailElk Mountain TrailMount Scott Viewed from Elk Mountain TrailFoliage, Elk Mountain TrailFoliage, Elk Mountain TrailFrench Lake and Dam Viewed from Elk Mountain TrailOaks with Foliage, Elk Mountain TrailBlue Canyon Wind Farm visible from Elk Mountain TrailGranite Formations, Elk Mountain TrailThis view from the top of the Elk Mountain trail clearly shows Sitting Rock where we hiked earlier in the day.Shadow Self-Portrait, Elk Mountain TrailGranite Formations in Waning Light, Elk Mountain TrailBroad View from Elk Mountain Trail Looking East as Sunset Approaches
