Wichita Mountains: Oklahoma’s Best Kept Secret
Wow… who knew that Oklahoma has mountains?
Last weekend, desperate for a trip away from the big city, we started searching for places within a few hours drive from Dallas.
That’s when it hit me. I had heard about the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge a few years ago – that it was a good place to hike. And it was only 3 hours from home. Knowing very little about this part of Oklahoma, we decided only a couple hours before leaving the house that we would give it a try.
It is Oklahoma, so my expectations for these “mountains” was pretty low. Oklahoma is the land of fields and tornadoes, not mountains.
But wow, I did not know that such an incredible place existed only 3 hours from Dallas. I wish I had known earlier!
At Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge you will find mountains composed out of the most striking red granite, crystal clear lakes, blossoming wildflowers, and so much wildlife!
If you haven’t been, GO! Below you will find my tips and advice for planning a trip to Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.
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How to Get to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is located in Southwestern Oklahoma near the city of Lawton, OK.
From Wichita Falls, TX: Located only an hour North of Wichita Falls, take Interstate 44 north towards Lawton, OK. Take exit 45 onto SH-49 toward Medicine Park. Turn left onto SH-49 and after 7.7 miles you will enter the park.
From Oklahoma City, OK: Located only an hour and a half from OKC, take interstate I-44 west and then continue onto H E Bailey Turnpike W. After 52 miles, take exit 45 onto SH-49 toward Medicine Park. Turn right onto SH-49 and after 7.7 miles you will enter the park.
Entrance Fees: FREE
When to Visit
The refuge is open to the public year round. However, I really enjoyed our spring visit when the wildflowers were in full bloom. The pop of color from the flowers against the mountains was spectacular!
What to Bring
Well, that depends on what you plan to do while you’re there. But for most activities, plan to bring the following basic items:
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Hiking Shoes
- Backpack
- Plenty of Water
- Snacks/Picnic Lunch
- Camera
What to See at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife
You will find many different native species at the wildlife refuge. The refuge is home to large native grazing animals such as American bison, Rocky Mountain Elk, and white-tailed deer. Texas longhorn cattle also share the refuge. Over 50 mammal, 240 bird, 64 reptile and amphibian, 36 fish, and 806 plant species live in this refuge.
Stop at Prairie Dog Town and spend a few moments watching the playful prairie dogs scurry in and out of their underground burrows. Not far from the Prairie Dog Town you will find rolling hills that are grazed by herds of bison and longhorns.
Keep your eyes open and you will spot many different types of wildlife! You can find a complete list of species found at Wichita Mountains here.
Quanah Parker Dam
You will find many dams in Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, but the most impressive one is the Quanah Parker Dam, located on the Quanah Parker Lake and Creek. This very photogenic dam is one of the few that you can actually walk across.
Visit after a rain storm and witness a very impressive waterfall streaming out of the dam.
The views here are stunning!
Mount Scott
During your visit, drive to the top of Mount Scott, which stands 2,464 feet above sea level. Mount Scott is one of the highest points in the park and provides a pretty impressive view of the area around.
A parking lot is located at the top of the mountain so you can get out and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, the road to the top of Mount Scott was closed during our visit, but many hikers parked at the base of the mountain and walked up to the top.
What to Do at Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge
Recreation activities include mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, camping, picnic areas and fishing.
Hiking Trails at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has miles and miles of trails. You will find a wide variety and trail lengths and difficulties. Here are a few of my favorites:
Recommended Hikes
Mount Baldy – Definitely a must do during your visit to this refuge. Mount Baldy is as it’s named, a large bald rock. The trail starts at the Quanah Parker Dam and then leads to the base of Mount Baldy. From there, some relatively easy bouldering is required to reach the summit. From the top of Mount Baldy, you will find impressive views of the valley below. If you’re looking for the most reward for your effort, this is the hike for you.
Osage Lake – This short 1.5 mile round trip hike ends at an impressive view of Osage Lake. During our visit, the lake was sparkling clear and would make a great place for a swim during the warm summer months. The trail is fairly flat and easy but so worth it!
Longhorn Trail – The Longhorn Trail is great because you get to see a little bit of everything! Mountains, wildlife, unique dams, and lots of wild flowers. The trail is only about a mile and a half but you can extend your route longer and take the connecting Bison Trail for a 6 mile loop and more great views.
Kayaking/Boating
You will find 13 lakes at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and most of which are perfect for kayaking and boating!
If fishing is an interest of yours, there are so many great spots to fish along the shore or in a boat.
If it’s warm, take a swim in one of the lakes to cool off.
Biking
Multi-use trails can be found in the wildlife refuge and are great for mountain biking. Mountain biking is a popular activity at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Camping in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
At Doris Campground, you will find overnight camping options within the refuge. Doris Campground offers 47 tent sites, 23 RV sites with electric hookups and 20 walk-in sites.
Backcountry camping is also available within the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area.
You can make reservations at Recreation.gov for both of these sites.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. There was much to see and do and it was the perfect mountain escape close to home! If you’re in Oklahoma or Texas and you’ve not made the drive out to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, GO! I can’t wait to go back.
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2 Comments
Bubba
I spent four years in gradschool in Dallas and I was withering until I discovered the Wichita Mountains. Once found, I found myself heading up there on a regular basis and explored them in all four seasons. Spring and winter are the best, though they are great all the time. I had some fantastic backpacking trips in the Charon’s Garden aream with bison wandering through my campsite and elk bugling all night. I can’t believe that, considering how close to Dallas it is, those mountains are still fairly unknown.
Now that I am back home in California, I still think of the Wichita’s fairly regularly. I hope to get my family out there one of these days.
Be sure to check out Quartz Mountain State Park, which is just a bit further west. More mountains, more great hikes and world class rock climbing. Also, when at the refuge, if you haven’t eaten at the Meers Store, be sure to. It is a moral imperative!
Noah
You have saved the day! I have been scouring the map trying to find something for Labor Day weekend from Dallas and this looks like just what I was after! Thank you so much for sharing!