Charon's Garden Wilderness Area

Charon's Garden is a 5,723-acre granite wilderness within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, featuring prominent peaks such as Elk Mountain, Mount Lincoln, and Granite Mountain. The area remains undeveloped with raw rocky terrain and natural stone formations that define its appearance.

The area was established as part of the Wichita Forest Reserve in 1901 and designated a Game Preserve by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. These protective measures formed the foundation for the wilderness area that exists today.

The Comanche and Kiowa peoples relied on this rocky terrain as a refuge during territorial struggles with other groups. The land still carries their influence in local names and in how visitors experience the place today.

Backcountry camping here requires advance permits limited to small groups per visit. Plan your trip ahead since access slots are organized into specific time blocks.

The granite formations here date back 500 to 550 million years and offer natural climbing routes of varying difficulty. Rock climbers travel to this area specifically for its diverse stone routes.

Location: Comanche County

Part of: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Website: https://recreation.gov/permits/4675313

GPS coordinates: 34.72140,-98.73170

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05