{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Forget Big Bend! \ud83c\udf35 Discover Oklahoma\u2019s Secret Desert Wilderness","description":"Is Oklahoma hiding a massive desert adventure? \ud83e\uddac\ud83c\udfdc\ufe0f In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we\u2019re skipping the 8-hour drive to Texas and heading straight to the Charon Gardens Wilderness Area in the Wichita Mountains. If you\u2019ve been dreaming of Big Bend\u2019s rugged canyons and granite peaks, you won\u2019t believe what\u2019s waiting for you just west of Medicine Park. From "Crab Eyes" to scrambling up Elk Mountain, we break down why this 5,700-acre gem might actually be better than a National Park. After the break, we get serious about safety on Oklahoma roads. \ud83d\ude94 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is facing a massive shortage, and they\u2019re asking the State Capitol for $25.8 million. We dive into the "Always On" problem, the rural coverage gap, and why nearly 200 missing troopers should matter to every driver in the Sooner State. \ud83d\udccd In This Episode: The Big Bend Dupe: Why Charon Gardens is a climber's and hiker's paradise. Wildlife Showdown: Bison & Elk vs. Bears & Lions. The Parallel Forest: Oklahoma\u2019s creepiest (and coolest) tree grove. OHP\u2019s Big Ask: The $26 million plan to fix the trooper shortage. Rural Reality: What happens when help is hours away? \ud83e\udd7e Resources Mentioned: Charon Gardens Permits: Recreation.gov Visit: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Join the Force: OHP 76th Academy Recruitment If you visit any of the spots mentioned in today\u2019s show, make sure to tell them the "Only in OK Show" sent you! #Oklahoma #WichitaMountains #CharonGardens #OnlyInOK #HikingOklahoma #OklahomaHighway Patrol #OKStateParks #BigBend #Bison #ExploreOK #MedicinePark #OHP ","author_name":"Only in OKlahoma Show","author_url":"https:\/\/www.onlyinok.com\/","html":"