Wichita Mountains

[taildragger]

Hey, I was looking for just some quick info for the Wichita's in SW Oklahoma.

I'm leading a group of students in about 2 weeks, and I'm looking at doing an overnighter with them and thought that the wichitas would be a nice place this time of the year.

What I'm looking for is some information on the back country hiking, maybe something around the elk mountain area. If anyone can give me some tips or pointers, it'd be greatly appreciated.

[Shutterbug]

Hey, I was looking for just some quick info for the Wichita's in SW Oklahoma.

I'm leading a group of students in about 2 weeks, and I'm looking at doing an overnighter with them and thought that the wichitas would be a nice place this time of the year.

What I'm looking for is some information on the back country hiking, maybe something around the elk mountain area. If anyone can give me some tips or pointers, it'd be greatly appreciated.

It has been several years since I hiked that area. During the 1960's, the Wichita Mountains were used as a training area for helicopters flying out of Fort Sill and Shepherd AFB. I took pilot training out of Shepherd, and have landed a helicopter on most of the mountains in the Wichita range.

The most interesting feature of the Wichita Mountains is the abundance of wild life. There are deer, elk, bison, long-horn cattle and lots of other animals there.

Here is a link to the pictures I took on my last hike there -- http://picasaweb.google.com/shutterbug.dave/WichitaWildlifeRefuge#

[Tipi Walter]

I've hiked up to Mt Scott before, spent the night somewhere close to Medicine Creek(?), the little town below Mt Scott. Considered a holy mountain to some Indians, not sure which. I put a little picture under a rock up there on top. Great place. This was back in 1968, probably like Gatlinburg now.

[Okie Dokie]

I've meandered around in the Witchita Mountain Wildlife Refuge many times over the years...beautiful any time of year....

You don't mention the age(s) of the group you're leading, but Fawn Creek Youth Campground is very near Elk Mountain, an area you mention as a possibility...reservations are required for that campground, so the sooner you check on that the better...

You can pretty much hike anywhere in the refuge, and there are numerous established trails, most pretty easy with a few climbs here and there...

Charon's Garden Wilderness Area, a short drive or long hike west from Fawn Creek Youth Campground, is an excellent area to explore...some bouldering possibilities and minor caves where a spring emerges from underground and becomes a stream...

Don't underestimate how cold it will (or can) be in the Witchitas...your group will need some good winter gear for an overnight, as the temperature could easily go down into the high teens ...I'd keep an eye on the forecast, as precipitation there this time of year often means sleet or snow...the wind blows there almost incessantly, some days more than others, so warm gear will be needed even for simple day hiking...properly prepared your group could have a blast, otherwise it could be a very miserable and chilling experience...

In other words, the area won't dissappoint you, but the weather might...

One last thing...most of the groups that I know that go out to the Witchitas almost always include a stop at Meers (Meers Store and Restaurant), a small community near Lawton...for a famous MeersBurger...

Good luck !

[taildragger]

The group I'm leading (well, I may be getting ousted by one of the climbers thats more familiar with the area) are 20-35yrs old, all graduate students of some sort, most with decent experience outdoors.

Thanks for the reminder about the Fawn Creek campground, I forgot about that one, and my friend reminded me that we need to apply for back country permits, so that could make it harder, but the campground would work great to use as a base for some bouldering (and maybe some late/early season nymphing).

Meers is a definite must, haven't eaten there since I last completed 12 miles of hell out there.

Will post a report when I get back.

[The Will]

It truly is a spectacular area. As mentioned, deer, elk, buffalo and longhorn are abundant. I've encountered buffalo throughout the park.

Backcountry permits can be difficult to get. The wilderness area to the west of Elk Mountain is the only area available to backcountry campers/backpackers. Hiker load in this area is restricted. That may an impediment if you are taking a group there. Further, overnight access is limited to only a few days a week.

I'm not familiar with the campsite previously mentioned, unless it is the scout/group camp. To the best of my knowledge there is only one public camground (Camp Doris) and sites are available on a first come basis.

The rangers have become increasing vigilant of cars that are left at trailheads overnight. Many of the access roads to these trailheads are gated and they are officially closed and locked at sundown. Aside from being locked in I have heard stories of locks being placed on vehicle wheels.

Other than the difficulty of getting backcountry access, this area will not disappoint. I have covered much of the park both on and off trail. If your group is into climbing than they will find plenty of routes. As I am not a climber I cannot provide any more info on that aspect.

This place is a jewel. You'll be rewarded by your experience there. Heed the above post regarding the weather.

The restaurant is Meers is a mandatory stop for many who visit there. BIG longhorn burgers and huge servings of cobbler. The town of Medicine Park just east of the park is also undergoing a bit of a renaissance. There's a couple decent restaurants and the river walk will be all decked out for Christmas.