Elk Mountain Trail (Wichita Mountains) Hiking Guide
Elk Mountain is the short, steep summit hike most visitors pick on their first trip to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwest Oklahoma. The trail leaves the Sunset Picnic Area and climbs granite outcrops on the edge of the Charon's Garden Wilderness to a broad, boulder-strewn top. The refuge charges no entry fee, and the summit gives some of the best views in the refuge.
Distance and Climb
Hiking Project maps the trail at 1.2 miles one way, which works out to 2.4 miles round trip with about 600 feet of climbing, and grades that touch 25 percent; its high point sits near 2,218 feet. Other mapping sources land close by: The Outbound lists 2.82 miles and 538 feet out and back. The refuge lists it at 1.1 miles and rates it Difficult. It describes a rocky path with seemingly endless stone stairs and tells hikers to bring plenty of water, a map and some preparation.
From the Sunset Trailhead
Park at the Sunset Picnic Area, which has a comfort station. Two trails leave the same trailhead, so check the signs before you set off; Charon's Garden heads south into the wilderness while Elk Mountain climbs east. Hiking Project's contributor notes game trails and side paths branching off on the way up, so keep to the worn tread. Near the top the trail follows a ridge to a viewpoint over French Lake, and the summit area invites some scrambling and rock-hopping before you retrace your steps.
Wildlife and Refuge Rules
Bison and Texas longhorn roam free on the refuge, and the Fish and Wildlife Service asks visitors not to approach them. Rattlesnakes live here too. Dogs are welcome on a leash shorter than 10 feet. Groups in the Charon's Garden Wilderness are capped at 15 people. Hiking is a daylight activity only: trailhead lots close from sunset to sunrise, and all caves and crevices on the refuge are closed to entry to keep white-nose syndrome away from bats.
Getting There and What It Costs
There is no charge to enter the refuge. From I-44, take exit 45 and follow Highway 49 west about 7 miles to the refuge gate and 14 miles to the visitor center, then continue west to Sunset. Leaflet boxes inside the gates hold free maps. The refuge has no drinking water anywhere, and cell coverage is patchy, so carry what you need and let someone know your route if you go alone.
When to Go
Spring, fall and mild winter days suit this exposed granite best. Summer temperatures here can pass 100 degrees, and the refuge has used emergency orders in past heat waves to end all hiking at 10 a.m. Winter brings controlled elk hunts: on hunt days the refuge has closed Elk Mountain, Sunset and Charon's Garden, with closures that shift from hunt to hunt between December and early February. Weekends get very busy, and the refuge suggests visiting Monday through Thursday.
Hiking tips for Elk Mountain Trail (Wichita Mountains)
- Pack all your water; the refuge has none to drink.
- Start early on weekends, when the Sunset lot fills.
- Look for the Elk Mountain sign at the shared trailhead before you start.
- Check the refuge's hunt closures before a December-to-February visit.
- Give bison and longhorn a wide berth, especially with a dog.
Nearby trails to explore
- Charon's Garden Trail (Wichita Mountains)
- Crab Eyes Trail (Wichita Mountains)
- Little Baldy Trail (Wichita Mountains)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Elk Mountain is a good first summit to share with a group. Post the hike in TrailMates, agree on a start time and carpool in the event's group chat, and meet at the Sunset Picnic Area. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.