This week’s GeoLifestyle will take us on a trek through some of Oklahoma’s mountain sites. Molly Turko, a structural geologist at Devon Energy, will be our guide.
Nestled in southwestern Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the Boulder Rooms and Post Oak Falls offer hikers a rugged escape into ancient landscapes. These spots showcase the area’s dramatic geology. Let’s head off on a geology-filled hike!
Molly Turko
Structural Geologist, Devon Energy
Exploring the Boulder Rooms and Post Oak Falls in the Wichita Mountains
It's a great day when the waterfall and creek are flowing, since this area of Oklahoma is usually very dry. Courtesy of Molly Turko
The Wichita Mountains were once a mighty range, eroded over eons to reveal oxidized pink granite boulders, orange rhyolites, and many faults, fractures, and shear zones. It has all created a boulder-strewn wilderness perfect for scrambling and exploration.
Area geology: The area formed from more-than-500-million-year-old Precambrian, igneous rocks that intruded a failed rift arm during the breakup of Rodinia. It was uplifted and structurally inverted during the Pennsylvanian Orogeny, roughly 325 million years ago.
Fun fact: Erosion from these mountains fed the famous Granite Wash reservoirs in the Anadarko Basin!
Post Oak Falls
Post Oak Falls offers an unexpected oasis in what is generally a dry environment, hidden amongst the crevices of the mountains.
Geological highlights: Aside from their natural beauty, the falls also contain an interesting geologic structure.
The falls offer an excellent view of a major fault, which I have interpreted as a left-lateral strike-slip.
You can touch the fault contact on the wall of the waterfall, though you may need to straddle the small pond at the base.
The smooth wall extending from the falls marks the fault plane. The opposite rough side, where people climb up and where I'm standing in the photo above, shows the fracture damage zone.
Trip tips:
To access Post Oak Falls, start at the Treasure Lake Trailhead off Indiahoma Road.
The 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is moderate, winding through oak groves to a scenic waterfall cascading over granite ledges. It is best seen after spring rains.
Boulder Rooms
The Boulder Rooms are a maze of massive granite chambers and crevices. These cave-like rooms developed when bus- and building-size boulders tumbled off Elk Mountain into a valley along its east side.
Fun fact: Folklore suggests the Boulder Rooms served as outlaw hideouts. Legends link them to Jesse James and his gang, who may have used them as shelters and hidden stolen gold from a Mexican transport.
Trip tips:
The Boulder Rooms can also be accessed after visiting Post Oak Falls by following the Charon's Garden Trail. Start your hike from the Sunset Picnic Area.
This 4–5-mile loop enters the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area, leading to the Valley of Boulders.
Keep your distance from wildlife such as bison and elk, which roam the refuge and are often seen on the trails. No selfies, please!
Go deeper: Learn more about the geology of the area here.
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After your Wichita Mountain adventure, refuel nearby at these area eateries!
Grab a legendary longhorn beef burger at Meers Store & Restaurant in Meers, just northwest of the refuge. It is a quirky spot in a historic mining town.
For a lighter meal or drink, stop at the Healthy Hippie Cafe in Medicine Park, which offers organic, plant-forward dishes, fresh juices, and a full bar!
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