Mt. Mitchell Massif is a collection of unnamed peaks located in the more remote sections of the Charons Garden Wilderness. The high point on the massif is the only major 2000 ft. + summit out of the 6 that are in the Charons Garden Wilderness that is unnamed. There are 5 major points on the Massif itself, along with 2 more nearby peaks (see Pt. 1928 and Pt. 1860 section on this page). I named this massif after Dr. Phil Mitchell who died in this wilderness in 1992 doing what he loved.

Mt. Mitchell Massif from the summit of Sunset Peak

The Charons Garden Wilderess is located within the federally designated Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the oldest managed wildlife preserve in the United States. Originally set aside in 1901 as the Wichita Forest Reserve by President William McKinley, the WMWR was renamed in 1905 by Theodore Roosevelt as the Wichita Game Preserve. On June 4, 1936, Congress officially designated this unique area the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Some Wildlife History: A rare win for the environment Source

The rugged rocky outcrops, oak forests, and mixed grass prairies of the Wichita's create excellent habitat for herds of buffalo, elk and longhorn cattle. The preservation of this unique system of grasslands and prairie herds is the mission of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

The largest mass of land animals to ever exist was almost extinct by the late 1800's. To prevent the extinction of the buffalo, the Federal Government and concerned conservationists acquired stock and began to rebuild herds. Fifteen animals were returned to the Wichita's in 1907. Careful management has resulted in a successful herd which is maintained to about 525 animals. Surplus animals are rounded up each fall and sold at a live auction.

After the Civil War, 10 million unbranded Texas longhorn cattle were available to feed a young and growing nation. By the turn of the century, the western heritage represented by these cattle was being lost due to replacement by better meat producing breeds, In 1927, 30 head of longhorn were brought to the refuge to form a federal herd. The refuge now maintains about 300 longhorns.

Prior to 1900, hunting eliminated the native Merriam Elk from the Wichita's and seriously threatened the native deer. Introduction of Rocky Mountain Elk and management of the remaining deer assured the presence of both species today. Management now includes a fall harvest to keep the herds within the carrying capacity of the range.

Mt. Mitchell Peak Overview

Mt. Mitchell is the highest point on the Mt. Mitchell Massif and is the easternmost summit. This peak has a very rugged North face that has some fun 5th class climbing on it as well as a 3rd class route up the western slopes. The summit has two airy boulders about the same height separated by about 30 feet at its summit, both requiring a 4th class move to summit.

Pt. 1928 Overview

Topozone coordinates of Pt. 1928

Pt. 1928 shares the distinction with Pt. 1860 as the most remote mountain in the Charons Garden Wilderness located just to the southwest of the Mt. Mitchell Massif . The only access to this peak requires a rugged bushwack through dense brush at times, many ups and downs, and a lot of boulder hopping. If you are looking for solitude, this is the peak for you. Even on a busy weekend, there will be no one in this area of the wilderness. Views of this point are obscured from the highest point on Mt. Mitchell, but not from other points on the massif.

Pt. 1860 Overview

Topozone coordinates of Pt. 1860

Pt. 1860 is a nice litle peak for those wishing for some solitude. Located in the most remote part of the Charons Garden Wilderness to the south/southwest of the Mt. Mitchell Massif and directly west of Charons Garden Mountain, this peak requires a lot of bushwacking and boulder hopping just to get to to it. If you are out for a solitary scramble with the opportunity for viewing parts of the wilderness very rarely trodden, this is the peak for you. Views of this point are obscured from the highest point on Mt. Mitchell, but not from other points on the massif.

Crab Eyes Climbing Area and Formation

Along the way to Mt. Mitchell you will notice an interesting rock formation called Crab Eyes to your left. From certain angles, it does look like a couple of crab eyes looking around. There is some established rock climbing routes in the area. Most of the routes are rated extremely difficult, although with one or two lower 5th class moves you can stand between the two "eyes". There is some exposure getting to them so be careful.

Charons Garden Wilderness

The heart of the Charons Garden Wilderness from Mt. Mitchell

See the "Charons Garden Wilderness Section" on the Granite Mountain page.

Getting There

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge lies about 25 miles west of Lawton, Oklahoma. From Interstate 44, take the Medicine Park exit 45 and drive west on highway 49 about 10 miles to the refuge gate. Continue along highway 49 just past the visitor center, then take a right and continue along the highway about 6 miles passing (do not turn on this road) a road that goes left towards the park headquarters. Continue on past the headquarters for about .3 miles. Make a left turn towards the Sunset trailhead and drive a very short distance to the parking area.

There is a parking area for hiking before a gate, then some after the gate for the picnic area. It is ok to park in the picnic area parking lot as long as you get out of there before the ranger closes the gate just before sundown. If you anticipate getting out of there late, park before the gate.

Red Tape

Charons Garden Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness. Wilderness is land set aside as part of wild America, where man can be a visitor. The natural environment has not been disturbed. Travel is restricted to foot only in the Charons Garden Wilderness. No mechanized equipment is allowed.

Permits are issued for overnight visits for a maximum of 3 days. No permits are issued for Thursday. Reservations ahead of time may be necessary during high use periods such as Spring Break. Tentative reservations may be made in writing or by telephone up to 90 days in advance.

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
R.R. #1 Box 448
Indiahoma, OK 73552
580.429.3222

No more than 10 people will be issued permits over any 3-day period.

A $2 per person administrative fee will be charged. The fee is non-refundable once a permit is issued. Payment must be received by the refuge within 10 days after notice of tentative reservation is mailed from the refuge. Check or money order shoud be made payable to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Upon receipt of payment, the permit will be sent by return mail.

Camping Regulations

The maximum length of stay is 3 days, 2 nights beginning with the sunup of the first day of the permit and ending at sunset of the third day.

Permitee vehicle can be parked outside the gate in the designated parking lot or inside the gate at Sunset Picnic Area.

Display bottom portion of permit on dash of vehicle and keep the top portion with you.

Campfires and open fires of any kind are strictly prohibited. Please use extreme caution if using a backpacker stove.

Caution: You will be camping in a wildlife refuge where animals move about freely. Please be alert for buffalo and longhorn cattle that pass through the area. Should the animals approach your site, secure your food items and seek a safe location. You should not threaten or attempt to scare the animals from your site. The animals may linger in the area for a short period of time before moving.

The possession or use of any alcoholic beverage, including beer containing 3.2% (or less) alcoholic content by weight, is prohibited.

When To Climb

Fall, Winter, and Spring are the best times to climb Mt. Mitchell. Late Spring and summer are usually oppresively hot; however, early June is probably the greenest and prettiest time of year with the wildflowers in full bloom. Take plenty of water. You may want to wear long pants to protect yourself from the bushwacking if it is not too hot. Soak your socks and legs down with mosquito repallant to ward of the chiggers.

Camping

Overnight camping is allowed in the Charons Garden Wilderness by permit only. See the "Red Tape" sections for camping rules and regulations.

Within the refuge, Doris campground has 90 sites including 20 electrical RV sites and 70 primitive tent sites. All sites are first-come/first-served. $10.00/night with electric and $6.00/night non electric tent site. It is approximately 8 miles west of Mt. Scott on the main road (highway 49). It has bathrooms, showers, drinking water, and a telephone. There is a campground host at the entrance. If arriving after hours (10:00 pm), do not occupy a site without prior registration.

More Camping is availabe at lake lawtonka. It is usually a dollar less than whatever doris is charging, and allows beers, firewood chopping, and gun toting.

If you want a good lunch or dinner in a historic early 1900's mining shack, check out this restaurant in Meers:

The Meers Store and Restaurant
580-429-8051

The Meers Store with some interesting geology as well

Click on their home page once you arrive at the site for information on the restaurant.

Mountain Conditions

External Links

Images



[ View Gallery - 31 More Images ]