Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge – Granite Outcrop and Boulders

As I headed back into the heart of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, I spotted a massive granite outcrop with large boulders strewn around on it.  I stopped to investigate.  My initial impression was that the slope up the slick rock granite was too steep to safely navigate.  Yet, I decided to cautiously proceed.

Wichita Mountains Granite and Long Boulder, iPhone Scouting Photo

I went up a portion of the slope that was the easiest to climb.  Looking down I saw a heart shaped rock on a pedestal that was not visible from below, since it was behind brushy growth at the edge of the roadway.

Heart of Granite, iPhone Scouting Photo
Long Boulder, iPhone Scouting Photo
Nestled, iPhone Scouting Photo

 

Granite Outcrop and Boulders, IPhone Scouting Photo
Boulder Friends, iPhone Scouting Photo

After some initial exploration along the lower, less steep slope, I back tracked and went through the brush to the portion of the slope where the heart shaped stone is located.  The incline beyond was very steep and I had to consider how best to attack it.  I decided that a switch back climb would be the safest approach and proceeded upward.

Heart of Granite, iPhone Scouting Photo
Pile Up, iPhone Scouting Photo
Seductive, iPhone Scouting Photo

The contours in the massive granite seemed to be enticing me to come on to see what was above.

About this time, an official park vehicle came by on the roadway below.  The driver yelled at me to warn me that I would fall.  I waved an acknowledgement of the message.  The vehicle continued on its way, as did I.

Wedged,  iPhone Scouting Photo
The Gap, iPhone Scouting Photo

I had to walk through a gap between two giant boulders to what lay beyond.

Giant Dinosaur Head Shaped Boulder, iPhone Scouting Photo
Wichita Mountains Granite, iPhone Scouting Photo
Smooth Contours and Rugged Peak, iPhone Scouting Photo
Rock of Ages,  iPhone Scouting Photo
Tree Hosting Boulder, iPhone Scouting Photo
Rock Garden, iPhone Scouting Photo
The Road Below, iPhone Scouting Photo
Arch Rock, iPhone Scouting Photo
Boulder Alley, iPhone Scouting Photo

I think this could be a good place for sunrise photography and maybe I will get back here at another time; but now it is time to end this and find my way down,

Ken

 

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