David

Don't underestimate this highpoint! Not having done any research, we decided to include this trek to fill extra time as we were returning home to Texas. We found the Kenton Mercantile where we got directions to the trailhead.

At less than 5,000 feet, I thought Oklahoma's highpoint would be a joke compared to the New Mexico and Colorado highpoints we had conquered earlier in the week. We thought it would be a simple 20-minute trek to go up the side of the mesa, take a picture, and return to our vehicle. So we didn't bother to throw on our packs with water bottles. The first week of August was not a good time of year to discover the trail takes the long route through a parched desert! We kept thinking, "It can't be much further." We were very thankful that a previous highpointer had thoughtfully left a bottle of water and lip balm in the munitions box at the top! Since then I've thoroughly researched every highpoint if there is even the remotest possibility I'll attempt it on a particular trip.

With proper preparation, this highpoint would be a relatively easy but enjoyable experience. Although not very high compared with its western neighbor, Oklahoma has done a nice job developing the trail and summit marker. The cattle, horned toads and other creatures also add to the experience.

My digital camera became dysfunctional when we were only five miles from the trailhead, and later after hearing the repair estimate it was retired. Fortunately my friend had his digital camera with him so we could record our experience. Our difficulty getting the camera to sit straight on a rock to take a picture of both of us beside the monument inspired me to subsequently invest in a $20 mini-tripod that collapses down to about 4 inches.