Charon’s Garden Wilderness, nestled within Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, offers hikers a captivating blend of rugged granite landscapes, hidden canyons, and serene creekside scenes. Below is a fact-based guide to the trails and routes in this remarkable area:
1. Charon’s Garden Trail
- Length: Approximately 2.4 miles one‑way (4.8 miles round‑trip)
- Difficulty: Intermediate to expert-level; hikers must scramble over large granite boulders
- Terrain & Highlights:
- Starts at the Sunset Picnic/Trailhead near Sunset Campground.
- Begins on a well-defined forested path, leading into the dramatic “Valley of Boulders”, where hikers may scramble among house-sized granite formations, guided by faint blue blazes.
- After scrambling, the trail opens to rolling meadows, creek crossings, and plateaus
- Features a short spur to Post Oak Falls, a scenic waterfall and shallow pool in a quiet side canyon
- Terminates near Treasure and Post Oak Lakes at the Southern trailhead
- Starts at the Sunset Picnic/Trailhead near Sunset Campground.
2. Charon’s Garden Wilderness Loop
- Length: About 8.6 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,300 ft
- Difficulty: Class 2 with optional Class 3 scrambling on peaks
- Route Highlights:
- Starts via the Backcountry Camping Trail from Sunset Picnic Area, then enters the wilderness zone.
- Summit Mount Mitchell (2,110 ft), Charon’s Garden Mountain (1,910 ft), and Granite Mountain (2,177 ft), requiring scrambling.
- Ventures through Styx Canyon, discovering a small waterfall and the oasis-like Post Oak Falls.
- Returns via Charon’s Garden Wilderness Trail to loop back to the trailhead.
Trail Features at a Glance
| Trail | Distance | Gain | Highlights |
| Charon’s Garden Trail | 4.8 mi RT | ~480 ft | Boulder scramble, creek crossings, Post Oak Falls |
| Wilderness Loop | 8.6 mi loop | 2,300 ft | Three peaks, waterfalls, class 3 scrambling |
Trail Notes & Tips
- Trail Markings: Charon’s Garden Trail is lightly marked, especially in the boulder field. A draft alternative bypass exists to avoid heavy scrambling. Backcountry routes are unmarked, good navigation skills, a map, and a compass are essential
- Wildlife & Conditions: Expect encounters with bison, elk, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, and variable terrain. Some creek sections are wet, in spring, wildflowers add color to the granite scenery.
- Seasonality: Open sunrise–sunset year-round. Leashed pets permitted.
Why Hike Charon’s Garden?
- It’s famed as Oklahoma’s premier rocky wilderness, offering a rich mix of ecosystems, grasslands, plateaus, canyons, and domed granite monoliths.
- The Valley of Boulders provides a distinctive scrambling experience, one of the region’s most exhilarating natural playgrounds.
- Diverse routes mean both casual hikers and adventure seekers can find a suitable path, from moderate day outings to extended backcountry loops.
Essential Gear Checklist
- Good grip footwear for scrambling granite.
- Navigation tools: map, compass, GPS, especially for wilderness loop.
- Ample water & snacks, exposure is significant.
- A camping permit if planning overnight stays.
- Leash for pets, and be wildlife-aware (snake and bison caution).
Charon’s Garden is more than a trail, it’s an immersive wilderness adventure where rugged granite meets canyon serenity. Whether you’re scrambling through the boulder fields, chasing waterfalls, or summit-hopping the wilderness loop, this unique landscape promises a memorable escape into Oklahoma’s wild heart.