Robbers Cave
10/04/2004
A group of Trailchasers decided to explore more of the trails around the Robbers cave area during the weekend of July 26th and 27th. The small group included Mike and Heather Brancich, Steve and Connie Ripka, Tom Davidson and myself with my two nephews, Jerry and Jacob Harris.
After arriving at the camp grounds, we unloaded our rigs and headed out to see what we could find. We headed north on highway 2 and turned in at the first WMA sign that we saw. We followed the gravel road noting all of the two tracks and pipe lines along the way until we came across a locked gate. We then realized that this is the same gate that we came across during the first Kinta run last fall. Another way in at last. We then turned around and headed towards an old two track that headed south. It was easy going the first 1/4 mile then we came across a few trees blocking our way. No big deal we thought, so we started moving them so that we could see what was up ahead. After about 45 minutes of moving trees we walked ahead to see if the trail had been cleared any. Nope, it was even worse. Did I mention it was hot? We then decided to leave this for a cool day and a larger group. We then headed up a pipe line with weeds that were about mid door. Some how I was elected to play lab rat and led the way down the pipe line to see what kind of trouble we could find. The entire time we were on the pipe line we could see that it went up a steep hillside that looked like it had lots of rocks and shelves just waiting to be played on. After about 3 miles, the pipe line crossed another road and was over grown with trees so much that we could not follow it any further even though we were with in a half mile of the steep hillside. We followed the road and came across a high water bridge that had a rock base creek on both sides of it. Mike was the only one to dive in but was stopped just before getting into trouble. He then backed up and took another route down and headed in about 300 yards before turning around and heading back out.
We then headed back up Highway 2 to see what else we could find. We talked to the Scott family and they gave us directions to Tuckers Knob. Away we went. Tuckers knob, what a name and what a sight. This hill looked like the sides went straight up and down. We did find what looked like an old two track that went up on the south side with turns that zigzagged up the hill. We debated, then decided to leave this one alone for now. Did I mention that it was hot? We then headed back to camp and called it a day. On Sunday we headed back north and ran a trail just across from the Scott's house but it went no where. On the way out Mike stopped and talked to the Scott family again and they told him that we needed to go down to Donahoe stone and play around. We turned on the road that leads to the stone pit and it was dusty. Did I mention that it was hot? We ran a logging road for a while to see what it was like. Dust and more dust. We then headed to the stone pit stopping at the open gate to call the number on the sign. I then spoke with Mr.Donahoe and told him what we were doing and he gave us the go ahead to have fun.
This stone pit was fun. It had ledges all over the place that were of different sizes and shapes with the traction of the rocks at Disney. After we played awhile we headed to the old pit and found a very old trail that headed up to the top of the mountain. We drove across a spill way that had a little bit of mud on it. OOPs! Tom needed a strap. He also got to hear a couple of Jeep jokes. We headed on up the trail and came across two very different lines. Steve chose the harder line so that he could do a bogger test. After two tries it looked like he had it made then the rear of his bronco jumped to the left and all we heard was the sound of escaping air as the valve stem from the left rear tire shot about 15 feet into the air. Did I mention it was hot? After looking at the situation, it was decided it would be best to winch Steve out of the wash. Scouts and Rams 0, Broncos 1. After getting Steve back on the trail we passed a pond that you would swear had 50 pound bass in it. We then drove a few more minutes and the trail started to change. We stopped at the dry creek crossing and looked at the hillside and its shelves and decided to not to try it today since we were short a spare tire. Did I mention it was hot? On the way out we came across a spot that we had already climbed but had to go down. I was first in line so down I went soon realizing that I should have been in second gear instead of first. When the back tires dropped off of the top they left the ground and tried to beat the front tires down the hill. Thank goodness for the right pedal. Everyone else made it down fine. We then headed back to the highway then onto the rock bed creek to see were it went. About 1/4 mile before a fence stopped Steve's progress. We then decided to head back to camp, eat and cool off. Did I mention it was hot? Tom and I had to head back to the city, Mike, Heather, Steve and Connie stayed until Wednesday before heading out.
Even though it was 100 plus degrees and we were covered in a layer of thick dust, we had fun and can't wait until we get back to explore more of the area.
Tony ScalfThe trails in the Robbers Cave area are not as difficult as others in the surrounding area. However, there are ample trails to play around on. Camping is available in the immediate are at the Robbers cave campground. More info can be found in the State of Oklahoma recreation dept web page at Oklahoma Parks - Robbers Cave
