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Treasure Cove

Oklahoma > Wichita Mountai… > Charon's Gardens
Warning Access Issue: This area is designated as Charon DetailsDrop down
Warning Access Issue: Access is always an issue here. DetailsDrop down

Description

Fairly obscure area approached from the South side of Elk Mountain. About 35 routes on 5 main walls. Very secluded, generally a great winter spot, but there is a combination of sunny & shaded routes rated 5.6 to 5.12 on quality granite. Rigorous approach

Getting There

From the valley on the South side of Elk Mountain, spot the Pear and Apple formation on the far left and Elk Slabs on the far right. The canyon between the two tallest peaks is your approach to Treasure Cove. Massive boulders and slabs that may be nameable will challenge the approach.

Treasure Cove is located about a mile and a quarter NNE of the Treasure Lake parking lot. Hike on the great trail to from the memorial to Phillip Mitchell that marks the begining of the trail, follow toward Post Oak Falls. Take the bypass trail up the falls, and up into the meadow below Elk Slabs. The trail will veer back to the west and you will be able to see the Elk Slabs Climbing area. Treasure Cove lies to the north east so keep an eye out to the left once you see the slabs. Hike past several large boulders and climb the steep 3rd class approach into the canyon. A long 3rd class slab is on the right side which is the easier than picking your way up the boulders on the left. Moon Rock Wall is the first on your left, Dog Wall is to the right, and the Snakepit is back through the cave. The long approach is rewareded with some fine routes and it is rare to see another soul around..

Approaching from the Sunset Parking lot:

Hike West around Elk Mtn through the boulder field to get to the valley or approach from the Treasurte Lake parking lot past Post Oak Falls and kick left into the valley when you reach the massive boulder (you will know it when you see it) and the trail splits right to Elk Slabs

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Treasure Cove approach is straight up the canyon between the peaks.  First climbs are the Pyromania Area on the left wall.  See The Oklahoma Climber's Guide or Oklahoma Select for routes.
[Hide Photo] Treasure Cove approach is straight up the canyon between the peaks. First climbs are the Pyromania Area on the left wall. See The Oklahoma Climber's Guide or Oklahoma Select for routes.
Approach trail from Sunset Parking Area
[Hide Photo] Approach trail from Sunset Parking Area
Treasure Cove looking directly North during late afternoon in August 2023.
[Hide Photo] Treasure Cove looking directly North during late afternoon in August 2023.
1. Treasure Cove<br>
2.  Elk Slab
[Hide Photo] 1. Treasure Cove 2. Elk Slab

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Craig Childre
Lubbock, TX
[Hide Comment] Sorry, sad to say, you are dead wrong! From Post Oak Falls, Treasure Cove is North by North East, check the map... At Post Oak you hike North East and then trend back towards the north up into the meadows below Elk Slabs. Look for the big boulder which the trail snakes around and then scramble up into the cove and up the slab. Jun 12, 2012
[Hide Comment] Found this area scrambling around one day. Such a cool place. Had to take the kid up there so he could cross through the cave on the chain. He loved it. Great spot. Aug 9, 2012
Craig Childre
Lubbock, TX
[Hide Comment] Cool... do know that Philip Mitchell fell during one crossing before the chain was installed. A cool place, that is kind of surreal. Oct 17, 2012