Love Big Bend National Park? Try This Similar Spot in Oklahoma

Big Bend National Park is truly a sight to see anytime you visit our border state, Texas. Unfortunately, there are no designated national parks in Oklahoma. However, not having an official national park will not stop us from exploring this great state. 

How about we plan a trip to the Charon Gardens Wilderness Area near Indiahoma? You’ll be blown away by the breathtaking rock formations, rugged cliffs, granite canyons, flowing streams, backcountry camping, and so much more. If you ask me, this underrated hidden gem in Oklahoma is an excellent substitute if you’d rather skip the trip to Big Bend National Park in Texas. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed!  

While so many people flock to Big Bend National Park, let’s head to southwestern OK where you’ll find the Charon Gardens Wilderness Area. It’s located just 20 miles west of Medicine Park, nestled inside the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, one of America's oldest national wildlife refuges. 

At only 5,700 acres, Charon Gardens is tiny compared to Big Bend. In fact, the Texas gem is over 800,000 acres and has the most diverse landscape in the southwestern part of the state. There is no doubt that Big Bend is quite impressive. The park features a rugged terrain with deep canyons, otherworldly rock formations, desert landscapes, panoramic mountain views, and scenic waterways. So, of course, this vast playground has many recreational opportunities and is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. 

Fortunately, Charon Gardens packs a mighty punch, too, and the ecosystem shares many similarities with Big Bend. For starters, both places were formed over 300 million years ago and are managed by federal agencies: Charon Gardens by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Big Bend by the National Park Service. Vast mountain ranges are located inside the parks and serve as gorgeous backdrops while cruising the scenic byways. 

In addition, the destinations boast one-of-a-kind hiking trails, where rock climbers can scramble across the rugged area. Like Big Bend, Charon Gardens is brimming with massive boulders, otherworldly rock formations, and awe-inspiring views. Rock climbing is popular in Oklahoma's wilderness area, an activity that is not encouraged at Big Bend National Park.

One of the best trails to witness the impressive landscape is along the Elk Mountain Trail. This challenging two-mile hike takes you on an adventure, scrambling over the rocky terrain with expansive views of the mountains and the flowing streams below. 

Other must-see trails include the Spanish Cave and The Eye, the Charon's Garden Trail, and the Crab Eyes Trail. Along these hikes, you’ll find something inspiring, including tiny cascades, tranquil streams, narrow canyons, hidden caves, and more. Plus, the remote trails vary in length, and you’ll have no issues finding secluded overlooks to have a picnic and marvel at the views. 

And just like Big Bend, backpacking is a popular activity inside Charon Gardens. Keep in mind that you’ll need a permit for this, so don’t hesitate to visit the Recreation.gov website to secure one.

Aside from the unique geological features and incredible hiking trails, both Big Bend and Charon Gardens are havens for various wildlife species. Big Bend is home to deer, coyotes, black bears, mountain lions, reptiles, and more than 450 species of birds. But when it comes to wildlife, Charon Gardens has the advantage. Do you know what it is? The American bison, of course! In fact, herds of bison, Texas longhorns, and elk freely roam through the sanctuary, so be on the lookout for them. 

If you’re searching for unique landscapes, backcountry adventure, and wildlife viewing, you can find that and more at each destination. However, if you’re into rock climbing and want to see herds of bison in the wild, the Charon Gardens Wilderness Area is the place for you. So, if you can’t make it to Texas to explore Big Bend National Park, have no worries—this hidden gem in Oklahoma is just as inspiring.  

Want more travel inspiration? Head over to our itinerary planner to find even more recommendations for things to do in Oklahoma and beyond!