Overview
CAUTION! MT SHERIDAN IS LOCATED IN THE RESTRICTED NORTH WILDERNESS AREA OF THE WMWR! It is not permissable/legal to climb Mt Sheridan. Most of the southern portion of the mountain is in a restricted wilderness area of the Wichita Mountain National Wildlife Refuge near Lawton OK. The northernmost portion of the mountain is on private property. At present, I am not aware of any permits being issued by the park service for the express purpose of hiking in the area of or climbing this mountain. I do know that some hunting permits are issued each year for hunting in certain portions of the wilderness areas. (For additional information see the WMWR website link in the Camping Facilities section of this page.) [Read the "Comments" section for additional input on the mountain.]
The mountain is very noticeable from the east, north, and west with it's distinct features. If standing below the north face of Mt Sheridan you will notice an ominous vertical rock cliff near the top of the mountain.
Mt Sheridan is located on the northern edge of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge near Lawton OK. Directly north of Mt Sheridan is the town of Meers with it's famous Meers Resturant featuring the world famous Meersburger. If you are viewing Mt Sheridan from the parking lot at the top of Mt Scott, it has a very similar appearance to that of Diamondhead Crater on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Mt Sheridan was named for General Philip H. Sheridan who was primarily responsible for the establishment of the original site of Fort Sill, OK in 1869. At the time Sheridan was leading a campaign into Indian Territory to stop hostile indians from making raids on settlements in Kansas and Texas. Sheridan's campaign involved cavalry regiments which included famous scouts including "Wild Bill" Hickok and "Buffalo Bill" Cody.
Getting There
If you are visiting the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, OK you will most likely drive through the park on Rt 49. If you turn to the north on Rt 115 towards Meers, OK, you will pass Mt Sheridan on the left just to the west as you cross the northern boundary of the WMWR. It is a great mountain to photograph in various weather conditions.
CAUTION: Observe posted speed limit signs, especially at night. Park authorites will ticket you for violations. I know from first hand experience!
Red Tape
CAUTION! Mt Sheridan is located in the restricted wilderness area of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge (WMWR). You MUST have special permission from park authorities to enter any of the wilderness areas in the northern part of the refuge.
BE AWARE THAT MUCH OF THE SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST BORDER OF THE WMWR IS ADJACENT TO THE FT SILL ARMY POST. THERE ARE SEVERAL WARNING SIGNS POSTED ALONG THE PARK BOUNDARY FENCE.
Camping Facilities/Additional Information:
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers several opportunities for camping.
Doris Campground is located about 6 miles from the eastern base of Mt Sheridan via Rt 115 south and then Rt 49 west. It is a fairly modern facility with individual and group sites. There is no camping in the northern portion of the WMWR.
Backcountry camping (by permit only) is available in the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area further to the west.
The Mt Scott, OK page on Summit Post has some great information about the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. For additional information on the WMWR, including wildlife, hiking, public tours, annual elk and deer hunts, and refuge history, please visit their site at the following link:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Route 1, Box 448, Indiahoma, OK 73552 (580) 429-3222
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