Robbers Cave, plus more ski reports
I’ve written quite about the Wichitas on this blog, but I figured it was time to take some time to talk about another place on the eastern side of the state.
My personal favorite? Robbers Cave State Park.
Eastern Oklahoma, particularly southeast Oklahoma, is downright enviable when it comes to scenery. Unlike the flat expanse of treeless prairie in much of western Oklahoma, the rolling hills and thick woodlands of the east offer a change of pace that, for outdoorsy types, can only be described as eye candy.
Robbers Cave State Park offers quite a bit in terms of outdoor activities. It’s the place where I first attempted rock climbing (note: I said “attempted”). It’s also well known for people to practice rappelling. Vertical cliffs of about 50 to 80 feet that are made of good, solid rock make for ideal places to learn the ropes of rock climbing and rappelling. I particularly like the variety of routes climbers can find.
The trails are good, too. They go over a variety of terrain, almost all of it wooded, and offer some really nice views of the San Bois range. That said, none of the trails are so difficult that your average weekend warrior/hiker can’t manage them.
The place has an interesting history. The park got its name because it was a favorite haunt for outlaws. It’s amazing how well you can hide in the wooded folds of these hills, or at least that’s what Oklahoma’s more famous bandits thought.
For campers: 122 campsites, some of which are good for RVs. For those looking for more creature comforts: 22 cabins and a lodge.
Activities: Besides hiking, climbing and rappelling, you can rent canoes, swim, ride horses and visit an onsite nature center. There’s also three lakes.
Access to the park is easy — it’s just a couple of miles away from Wilburton.
One of the best things about the park (or any Oklahoma park, for that matter) — it’s a four-season place. Great in the spring and summer, awesome fall foliage viewing and plenty comfortable (and still scenic) in the winter.
If you’ve been, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, go. It’s a must-see.
Here’s a link to a map of the park: http://www.touroklahoma.com/images/map_park/robberscave.pdf
SKIING!
OK, on to the most recent ski reports:
http://www.skireport.com/colorado/
http://www.skireport.com/newmexico/
http://www.skireport.com/utah/
http://www.skireport.com/wyoming/
Bob Doucette
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