Forget Big Bend! 🌵 Discover Oklahoma's Secret Desert Wilderness

Forget Big Bend! 🌵 Discover Oklahoma's Secret Desert Wilderness

Author: Harley Covington and Brett Manzer January 26, 2026 Duration: 50:33

Is Oklahoma hiding a massive desert adventure? 🦬🏜️

In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're skipping the 8-hour drive to Texas and heading straight to the Charon Gardens Wilderness Area in the Wichita Mountains. If you've been dreaming of Big Bend's rugged canyons and granite peaks, you won't believe what's waiting for you just west of Medicine Park. From "Crab Eyes" to scrambling up Elk Mountain, we break down why this 5,700-acre gem might actually be better than a National Park.

After the break, we get serious about safety on Oklahoma roads. 🚔 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is facing a massive shortage, and they're asking the State Capitol for $25.8 million. We dive into the "Always On" problem, the rural coverage gap, and why nearly 200 missing troopers should matter to every driver in the Sooner State.

📍 In This Episode:

  • The Big Bend Dupe: Why Charon Gardens is a climber's and hiker's paradise.

  • Wildlife Showdown: Bison & Elk vs. Bears & Lions.

  • The Parallel Forest: Oklahoma's creepiest (and coolest) tree grove.

  • OHP's Big Ask: The $26 million plan to fix the trooper shortage.

  • Rural Reality: What happens when help is hours away?

🥾 Resources Mentioned:

  • Charon Gardens Permits: Recreation.gov

  • Visit: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

  • Join the Force: OHP 76th Academy Recruitment

If you visit any of the spots mentioned in today's show, make sure to tell them the "Only in OK Show" sent you!


#Oklahoma #WichitaMountains #CharonGardens #OnlyInOK #HikingOklahoma #OklahomaHighway Patrol #OKStateParks #BigBend #Bison #ExploreOK #MedicinePark #OHP


Hosts Harley Covington and Brett Manzer invite you to join them on the Only in Oklahoma Show, a podcast dedicated to uncovering the genuine character of the state. This isn't a typical travel guide; it's a series of conversations and explorations focused on the unique people, local spots, and compelling narratives that collectively define Oklahoma's identity. Each episode moves beyond the stereotypes to reveal why the state is a profoundly underrated destination, even to many who live there. You'll hear from community pillars, creative minds, and keepers of history whose stories are woven into the landscape. The podcast digs into the cultural and societal layers that make a place feel like home, covering everything from hidden roadside attractions and regional cuisine to contemporary issues shaping local towns. It’s an audio tour driven by curiosity and a desire to showcase that Oklahoma is far more than just "OK." Tune in for an authentic and engaging perspective that might just change how you see this part of the country, all delivered by the award-winning team behind the microphone.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

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